Both Science and Softer Skills Needed for 100% Environmental Compliance in the Pharmaceutical Sector

As part of a sustainability-conscious industry and with a strong focus on environmental compliance, pharmaceutical companies work with the ORS Environmental Team because we are discreet, we deliver 100% compliance, we work to industry best practice and in accordance with their site rules and we meet their deadlines.

Senior Environmental Consultant at ORS, Luke Martin CEnv, outlines what he sees as the biggest challenge for the sector when reporting to and complying with regulatory bodies.

“Clarity and communication are the most common issues that arise between pharmaceutical clients and regulators. Too often, we see simple environmental matters escalate due to misunderstandings of the environmental requirements of a project followed by poor communication from both sides. Concise technical reports and expert environmental guidance are needed as a foundation for clarity.  Strong communication skills must accompany that. We are regularly asked to sit between the client and the regulator.  In our experience the presence of an external consultant optimises communication and streamlines the delivery of environmental solutions.  This ultimately leads to full compliance and peace of mind for the client.”

The unique nature of environmental monitoring and compliance in the pharmaceutical sector, means that we commonly uncover issues that require solutions from multiple disciplines. What makes the ORS Environmental Team different is that we not only recommend solutions, but we provide them.  As a multi-disciplinary firm, we offer the ancillary and/or hard engineering services required to solve environmental issues, while our environmental specialists oversee the process.  This ensures that the site remains in compliance with licence requirements. In addition, we manage all external sub-contractors on behalf of the company for seamless execution of the project.  This is crucial to maintain compliance with regulatory bodies.

Luke is calling on the pharmaceutical industry to pause and reflect on the importance of communication in regulatory compliance. He believes his team’s cultural commitment to quality, communication and regulatory compliance at ORS has been key to the formation of long-standing partnerships with pharmaceutical clients.

For further information contact ORS Environmental Team Lead, Luke Martin: E: l.martin@ors.ie.