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How to Apply Integrated Safety and Environmental Management (ISEM) Principles

Last Updated: October 6, 2020 1:21:42 PM PDT
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Learn about the Integrated Safety and Environmental Management (ISEM), a 5-step planning, performance, and review process for incorporating safety and environmental best practices into work activities.

1. Define the scope of work: What do you want to do?

  • Clearly define the tasks to be accomplished as part of any given activity.
    • What do you expect to accomplish?
  • List resources you'll need:
    • Personnel
    • Equipment
    • Utilities
    • Transportation
  • Identify the location where the activity will happen.

2. Identify the hazards: What are the risks of doing this task?

  • Identify hazards that may contribute to:
    • Injury or illness
    • Property damage
    • Environmental harm
  • Answer these questions:
    • Are any of the tasks associated with the activity hazardous in themselves?
    • Are any of the materials, equipment, or processes that will be used hazardous?
    • Are hazards inherent in the facility or environment where you will work?
    • Will the work create hazards to the facility or environment?
  • Categorize the hazards you identify for easier control.
  • Contact EH&S, (858) 534-3660, if you have questions about identifying or controlling potential hazards.

3. Identify and establish hazard controls: How can the risks be controlled?

  • Identify safety and environmental policies and requirements that must be followed.
  • Establish and implement safety guidelines to control the risks and meet compliance requirements.
    • Identify necessary engineering controls, safe work practices, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.
    • Follow established procedures for your area.
  • Ensure personnel are appropriately trained to protect themselves, others, and the environment.
  • Provide for environmental monitoring, if necessary.
  • Obtain authorization to perform the activity, if needed.
  • Contact EH&S, (858) 534-3660, if you have questions about hazard control, authorizations, or environmental monitoring.

4. Perform the work: Controlling for risks, do the job.

  • Perform the work within established safety guidelines and requirements when:
    • Controls are in place
    • Readiness is confirmed
    • Work is authorized
    • Emergency procedures are in place
  • Stop the work and notify your supervisor if:
    • An unsafe condition is discovered
    • Controls cannot be followed
    • Controls are insufficient, inadequate, or incorrect
    • An unanticipated hazard is presented
    • An injury, illness, or environmental violation occurs because of the activity

5. Evaluate performance: How can you do better next time?

  • Monitor the work being performed to ensure:
    • It remains within the scope authorized
    • Controls are sufficient
    • Any changes in scope, personnel, their capabilities, or equipment, etc., are recognized and appropriately addressed
  • Look for ways to improve your work processes by:
    • Analyzing employee suggestions
    • Incorporating lessons learned during the experience
    • Seeking group feedback, as appropriate
    • Perform any required environmental monitoring
  • Ask these questions:
    • Can you improve the definition and planning of work?
    • Was oversight sufficient?
For more information, contact the EH&S Safety Training manager.