Research Reveals Barriers to Adopting Transformative Mobile EHS Applications

Lack of company devices, application saturation and connectivity issues hinder widespread adoption

Toronto, Canada [15 July 2024] – Research commissioned by Intelex, a global provider of SaaS-based environmental, health, safety, and quality (EHSQ) management software, and conducted by independent research firm Verdantix , reveals that significant barriers continue to hinder the widespread adoption of mobile applications that can transform EHS.

Despite clear advantages of digital EHS workflows in contributing to a more positive safety culture, the survey found that organizations face numerous challenges when it comes to adopting mobile technologies. A lack of company-provided devices (82%), the saturation of other applications (80%), and connectivity issues (76%) were identified as the primary obstacles. These barriers impede the transition from traditional paper-based methods to more efficient mobile solutions.

The research also highlighted that mobile devices are primarily used on a reactive basis to streamline compliance and reporting, meaning untapped potential to drive safety transformation through increased engagement and culture. Although 70% of organizations have centralized digital tools, 18% still rely on inefficient traditional methods such as paper and spreadsheets. Only 12% have fully embraced advanced digital safety tools.

According to the study, incident reporting (54%) and audits and inspections (30%) were the most widely deployed mobile EHS processes, primarily focused on streamlining compliance efforts. Easy access to risk assessments (100%), emergency alerts (96%) and permits and procedures (90%) were found to be critical components in mobile applications for managing safety – enabling organizations to respond promptly to emergencies, ensure proper authorization for various activities, and evaluate potential hazards.

For mobile tools to be widely adopted, respondents said that an easy user interface (64%) was the most essential requirement, followed by configurability (30%). An intuitive user interface ensures that employees can easily navigate the tools without extensive training, while configurability allows organizations to tailor tools to specific needs, enhancing effectiveness and usability.

Melissa Hammerle, President of Intelex, commented:

“Over the last 15 years, smart devices have driven the expansion of the EHS mobile tools market. While the benefits of mobile applications are clear, EHS professionals have faced challenges such as technological complexity, change management, and restricted mobile usage. However, advancements in technology, increased digital literacy, and cost reductions are accelerating the transition from traditional paper-based methods to mobile solutions.

“Our research shows that mobile devices are still used primarily for compliance, despite their vast potential to drive transformational safety projects. There is a critical need for a shift from mere compliance to a more engaged and proactive safety culture. Mobile EHS applications are key to this – providing real-time data and fostering better communication between frontline workers and EHS professionals.

“Organizations that successfully adopt mobile tools see improved safety engagement, streamlined processes, and a stronger overall safety culture. At Intelex, we are committed to developing intuitive, digital solutions that not only streamline compliance but also drive meaningful safety engagement and risk management across organizations.”

To read the full report from Intelex and Verdantix visit here.

For more information on the digital solutions provided by Intelex to support a strong health and safety culture visit: www.intelex.com.

Verdantix Research, June 2024 – Survey of 50 EHS executives across North America, the UK and Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH), and France