How WSP's EHS Management System Experience Helped a Client Get Back on Track

Many companies rely on software providers that offer comprehensive Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) management systems to record incidents, automate and manage workflows, and analyze data. However, if these complex systems are not set-up correctly, they can hamper an organization’s ability to manage workplace safety and reduce risk.

What’s often missing is critical subject-matter expertise that bridges both the software capabilities, and the real-world client needs of a complex operating environment and this is a gap our team of professionals is uniquely qualified to fill.

A WSP client in the global bulk goods logistics business operates a deep-water port site adjacent to multiple railway lines. Add conveyers, cranes and material handling equipment to the mix, and an already-risky workplace environment becomes even more susceptible to work-related accidents. The client had purchased Enablon, a well-known EHS software platform, to analyze incident causes and contributing factors with the goal of preventing work-related accidents.

Due to various internal factors, including staff turnover, poor adoption, and incorrect set-up by an implementation partner that was not certified, the software was not meeting the client’s needs. After a few years of unsuccessful user adoption, declining faith in the system, and a never-ending stream of stopgap patches, our team was brought in to help.

Due to the initial improper implementation, the software had a poor reputation internally, with many users reverting to paper forms. In fact, the company was close to replacing Enablon and starting over with a blank slate. We advised the company that the best course of action was to keep the existing software. The basic components were in place and simply needed to be configured properly to restore faith in the system.

Out digital solutions team utilized their wealth of knowledge and experience in implementing EHS management software across other companies to prepare a plan of action. First, a detailed review of the system was conducted to identify the key deficiencies and functional gaps that contributed to poor user adoption. Subsequently, a detailed scope of work was developed and focused on addressing the deficiencies and gaps identified in the review. The project scope included numerous recommendations for software enhancements and business process improvements.

An initial project challenge that was identified was that the client did not have a technical support agreement in place with Enablon, which our team immediately helped develop for the client. Having this agreement in place allowed our team to work directly with Enablon on the client’s behalf. To address the challenges of poor buy-in from stakeholders and the negative reputation of the existing system, we collaborated with the client to build trust within the different user groups by communicating how the software, when implemented correctly, would make their jobs easier and safer.

The enhancement work was completed in a development environment that mimicked the client’s production site. Within this environment, our team led coding changes, workflow modifications, functional testing, and process improvements. The entire process was a continuous loop of trial, feedback, and modification. For the “go-live” launch, we conducted a system shutdown to upgrade Enablon, structured the enhanced configuration elements and performed the data migration.

Our team also helped rebrand the software internally to reinforce the new path forward and enabled the client to launch the system with a fresh look and feel. User reactions in the client’s workplace improved and helped pave the way for success. Previously reluctant users became product champions who brought critical insights and valuable feedback to the project. Misgivings towards the Enablon product were overcome as the system enhancements took shape.

The company now has an EHS management software system in place that is more effective than what they originally set out to develop. With their renewed confidence and expanded vision, the client has identified potential areas where the software will be of further use down the road. WSP's subject-matter expertise and best practice configurations refined the client’s existing platform and brought value and reliability to their system, allowing them to focus on effectively managing workplace safety and reducing risk.


This work was performed by Golder professionals who joined WSP in an acquisition completed in 2021.