25% budget increases a sign that 'safety is viewed as a critical element'
Corporate interest in workplace safety and sustainability with investment in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) roles reaching unprecedented levels. According to Tom Brown, senior analyst at Verdantix, a surge in EHS budgets is reshaping industries as companies prioritize proactive strategies to address operational and environmental risks.
“Budgets are a clear indicator of strategic priorities,” Brown explains. “Our latest survey shows that process safety and operational risk consulting are receiving budget increases of over 25% in some cases—more than three times higher than any other area.” The Verdantix study, which surveyed 105 senior EHS leaders from companies with annual revenues exceeding $250 million, highlights a shift from reactive risk management to embedding safety into daily operations.
C-Suite attention: Game-changer for EHS
One of the most significant drivers of this trend is the growing attention of C-suite executives. “Safety was historically seen as a cost centre, buried within operations,” Brown notes. “Now, with ESG taking center stage, safety is viewed as a critical element of the ‘social’ pillar. Forty-one percent of respondents identified C-suite executives as the primary stakeholders in EHS budget decisions—compared to operations teams in previous years.”
This shift reflects a broader recognition of safety’s role in business performance. “Executives now see the link between worker safety, stress reduction, and operational efficiency,” Brown continues. “That direct monetary correlation strengthens the case for investment.”
Digital Tools: The backbone of modern safety strategy
Another standout trend from the Verdantix survey is the accelerated adoption of digital tools. Nearly half of the respondents rated digital integration as “very important” for improving compliance and efficiency. From mobile apps to operational analytics, technology is becoming indispensable for modern safety management.
“These tools enable firms to operationalize safety practices at scale,” says Brown. “A mobile interface, for example, allows employees and contractors—often the source of significant risk—to proactively manage hazards in real time, even in remote or challenging environments.”
Brown says digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s about strategy. “To execute a successful digital project, aligning stakeholders and defining a clear EHS and sustainability strategy is critical. In our survey, 46% of respondents ranked strategy definition as their top priority when working with consulting partners.”
Expanding ESG horizons
Companies are also broadening their ESG goals beyond carbon metrics. The Verdantix report found that environmental services like biodiversity protection and emissions management are expected to see budget increases of over 10%. Additionally, 28% of firms identified ESG consulting as critical for developing effective decarbonization and social strategies.
“Safety professionals need to embrace this expanded ESG mandate,” Brown advises. “The ability to demonstrate strong safety metrics can make or break partnerships and contracts, particularly in high-risk industries like oil and gas.”
What this means for health and safety leaders
For health and safety leaders, these developments are both an opportunity and a challenge. As budgets grow, so do expectations. Leaders must focus on embedding safety into organizational culture while leveraging digital tools to drive efficiency.
Brown offers a final piece of advice: “To lead in this new era, EHS professionals must think strategically. Align stakeholders, define your North Star, and operationalize safety measures that empower employees to act proactively. With the right approach, safety teams can transform from cost centers to value drivers.”
As EHS and ESG gain prominence in corporate agendas, safety leaders find themselves at the forefront of a revolution—one where investment in people, processes, and technology promises a safer, more sustainable future.
