2025 EHS Trends for the Life Science Industry

In the fast-evolving world of biotech and life sciences, EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) practices without digitization are at risk of becoming obsolete. With rising regulatory demands, sustainability goals, and technological advancements, traditional EHS frameworks lack the agility and precision needed to ensure compliance and protect both employees and the environment.

Companies that fail to adopt digital EHS systems risk falling behind, facing operational inefficiencies, heightened safety risks, and increased costs for non-compliance.

The biotech industry is experiencing a significant transformation in EHS practices due to advancements in technology, increased regulatory expectations, and the integration of sustainability goals.

Here’s a look at the emerging trends and expectations for 2025.

1. Digitization of EHS Systems

Lab digitization has been on the uptick in academia and industry for a while. And now, its creeping into EHS, bringing many of the benefits it brought into research and operations.

EHS processes are being integrated with Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs), Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Scientific Management Platforms (SMPs) and IoT devices for real-time monitoring. Platforms that combine EHS workflows with lab data, like SciSure, are becoming essential to ensure compliance and safety. Digitization has also enabled EHS to go mobile: Mobile apps for real-time incident reporting, safety checklists, and compliance tracking are becoming increasingly popular.

EHS is also modernizing by embracing AI, with AI-driven systems being used to predict risks, monitor compliance, and automate hazard assessments. Machine learning models can identify potential safety concerns based on historical data and suggest preventive measures.

2. Advanced Exposure Control

Automated, smart devices are enabling real-time and more proactive exposure control. IoT devices and sensors are tracking air quality, chemical exposure, and lab conditions in real time to ensure employee safety. Automated systems can shut down lab operations in response to chemical spills or radiation exposure.

In addition, smart personal protective equipment (PPE) with embedded sensors are being used to track wear time and alert users to exposure risks.

3. Sustainability in EHS

Increasingly, labs are adopting green initiatives such as renewable energy, energy-efficient equipment, and waste minimization practices. Programs like LEED certifications and ISO 14001 compliance continue to gain traction.

Biotech companies are focusing on sustainable disposal methods for biohazardous and chemical waste. LIMS and SMP systems are being integrated with waste tracking to optimize disposal and recycling.

4. Focus on Mental Health and Ergonomics

There’s been a greater focus on taking care of the physical and mental health of laboratory personnel.

High-stress environments in biotech labs are prompting companies to incorporate mental health resources, stress management programs, and flexible work options. On the physical health side, labs are redesigning workstations to prevent repetitive strain injuries, particularly for pipetting and data entry tasks.

5. Regulatory Advancements and Compliance

Mitigating human’s environmental impact has given way to increased regulatory action and standards in the life science industry. A lot of the pressure comes from investors and stakeholders, who are demanding transparent EHS practices tied to sustainability and ethical governance.

Global EHS standards, such as ISO 45001 and ISO 14001, along with increased FDA and EPA oversight has pushed the biotech industry into a more safe and sustainable space. The FDA has set stricter regulations around clinical trial and manufacturing safety, including audits around EHS compliance, while the EPA is paying more attention to biotech emissions and biohazard waste disposal.

6. Centralization of EHS and Compliance Functions

In an effort to streamline reporting and accountability, biotech companies are centralizing EHS efforts within broader risk management frameworks to streamline reporting and accountability. Cloud-based systems are helping in this respect, enabling centralized dashboards for real-time tracking of incidents, compliance gaps, and safety KPIs.

7. Collaboration with Digital Transformation

As life science operations and research becomes more digitized, biotech firms are ensuring EHS aligns with their digital transformation strategies, enabling cross-functional collaboration between safety teams, IT, and R&D. Blockchain technology is being explored to maintain transparent, immutable records of safety and compliance data.

Predictions for 2025

With the above trends gaining momentum in early 2025, we have some predictions for the rest of the year and beyond.

We are anticipating the following:

• ‍Increased AI Adoption: AI will further refine exposure control, risk prediction, and compliance tracking.‍
• Hybrid Safety Models: Companies will combine traditional EHS frameworks with real-time digital systems for maximum impact.‍
• Rising Costs for Non-Compliance: Stricter penalties for EHS violations will push companies to adopt advanced safety measures.‍
• Global Collaboration: Cross-border collaboration in EHS practices will be essential as biotech continues to expand globally.

Conclusion

Digitization is no longer optional for EHS systems; it’s a necessity for survival. Digital platforms, such as the SciSure SMP, integrates EHS workflows with laboratory data, allowing real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and seamless compliance tracking. Advanced technologies like IoT sensors, AI-driven risk assessments, and blockchain-based compliance records enhance safety while driving efficiency.

The consequences of neglecting digitization are clear: companies face heightened penalties, regulatory scrutiny, and reputational damage, as predicted trends for 2025 emphasize stricter oversight and rising costs for non-compliance. By embracing digital transformation, biotech firms not only future-proof their EHS systems but also foster sustainability and innovation in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

To learn more about how SciSure can create a single unified ecosystem for your lab, contact us here.

‍