Think back, not too far, to 1995. Remember being less efficient or resourceful than you are today? It’s hard to believe much could have changed in just two years. But results from Industrial Safety & Hygiene News’ most recent survey on computer usage prove that a lot has. Earlier this year we surveyed 1,000 environmental health and safety professionals on their computer use habits and received responses from 202, for a 20 percent response rate. The difference between the outcomes of our 1997 and 1995 surveys show that reliance on computers and related equipment -- like modems and CD-ROM drives -- among safety and health managers has climbed significantly. The number of professionals going online, for instance, nearly doubled between 1995 and 1997.
Even stronger than the statistics that show computers’ impact on the practice are safety and health pros’ testimonials. Take the industrial hygiene supervisor who sent ISHN e-mail after gaining access to the Internet: "It is amazing how much it has improved my efficiency and effectiveness," he says. "The Internet has changed the way we work for the better," says another.