To protect their employees and the environment, companies in the industries mentioned above adopted environmental health and safety (EHS) rules, guidelines, and software.

EHS rules are based on regulations defined and enforced by local, national, and international lawmakers. Any violations may entail fines and even suspension of business permits.

On the other hand, EHS guidelines are best practices or standards created by industry organizations such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Companies don't have to comply with EHS guidelines but they usually choose to, in order to gain the trust of their customers, employees, and other stakeholders.

Customers and consumers expect businesses to be environmentally friendly and guarantee employee health and safety. This is becoming an important consideration that may make consumers change their providers of products and services. As illustrated below, research by Accenture shows that 66% of people choose brands based on how they treat employees or how they source materials.