Research reveals barriers to adopting mobile EHS applications

Despite clear advantages of digital EHS workflows in contributing to a more positive safety culture, the survey found that organisations 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 organisations have centralised 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 organisations to respond promptly to emergencies, ensure proper authorisation 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 organisations 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.

"Organisations 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 organisations."

Looking to the future, the research indicates that AI has the potential to significantly impact EHS processes by providing user support (34%), predicting risks (27%), and organising data (20%). By leveraging AI, organisations can proactively identify potential hazards, stay updated with regulatory changes, and offer real-time assistance to users, thereby improving overall safety and compliance.

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

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