Definition - What does Health, Safety and Environment mean?
Health, safety and environment (HSE) refers to a branch, or department, within a company that is responsible for the observance and protection of occupational health and safety rules and regulations along with environmental protection. Health, safety and environment (HSE) is also often referred to as environmental health and safety (EHS) or safety, health and environment (SHE).
SureHire explains Health, Safety and Environment
Health, safety and environment departments are generally responsible for two objectives:
- Prevention of all incidents and accidents that can result from abnormal operating conditions
- Reduction of adverse effects that may result from normal operating conditions
Dealing with fire, explosions, and harmful substances in the work environment is an example of the first objective. Reducing a company's carbon footprint and its impact on the environment is an example of the second objective. In both objectives, incorporating regulatory requirements inside a company's written policies play an important role in developing measures that serve the company's needs while conforming to state and federal regulations.
