How to measure performance?
To ensure continuous improvement in chemical risk management, it is essential to monitor progress, compare outcomes against established goals, identify potential gaps, and define new or revised objectives accordingly.
What are the advantages of performance measurements?
A structured review of if and how well the goals of the chemicals policy are achieved allows you to:
In combination with economic figures, a structured assessment of progress may be useful to identify what changes have resulted in better market access or improved business relations throughout the supply chain. Positive trends can then be enhanced in a targeted manner, whilst for negative trends an analysis of how to implement risk reduction measures more effectively may be needed to align safety with economic needs.
How to conduct progress monitoring
According to the defined specific targets for implementation of CRM policy and the related indicators of success, data should be collected according to the monitoring schedule. If it turns out that some data cannot be obtained, the related indicator might have to be changed and implemented in the next phase of chemicals risk management.
The data collection method may also need to be defined in the monitoring plan to ensure that data are comparable over time. For example, the calculation of the amounts of substances used, where the stocks at the beginning and end of the year could be considered, depending on whether they are stable or fluctuating considerably.
The person responsible for implementing the CRM activities should also be responsible for progress monitoring. If an environmental management system exists, the indicators and data collection can be integrated into the existing ones.
Step-by-step
Start the Review Process
Inform all relevant persons (chemicals inventory, the purchasing and sales department, technical staff in charge of environmental and OSH) about the start of the review process.
Collect Progress Data
Collect data to monitor progress towards the attainment of the company’s chemicals risk management goals.
Prepare Draft CRM Report
Compile a draft report, which describes risk management goals for all the chemicals:
- Situation at the beginning and problem definition
- Overall goal and specific targets
- What activities were implemented
- Result and indicator of success
- If individual goals were not achieved, analysis of the reasons why and recommendations on what could be improved.
Review Report with Management
Discuss the report with the relevant company personnel, including top management.
Set New CRM Goals
Decide on revised and/or new goals to start a new risk management cycle.
More resources
- Self-assessment questionnaire for Chemicals Risk Management (CRM)
This questionnaire aims to support your assessment of your company’s CRM. It can be used regularly, e.g. once per year, to monitor progress and review the management system. The state and progress should be measures against that identified in previous assessments; no “absolute” indicators are provided.