Many workplaces are organised as "social partners". The two sides, employers and employees, meet to discuss and sort out any differences. Owners have an interest in being as profitable as possible, whereas employees are more concerned about their own security and wages. trade unions usually represent employees for this collective bargaining process, where both sides negotiate until they reach agreement. In Europe this process is formalised through Works Councils. The environment would become another agenda item.

Health and Safety was constructed in the early 1970s as the best example of a consensus in industry, and where voluntary initiatives are encouraged within a legal framework. Health and Safety Representatives and Committees have legal back up. Some H&S Committees now add "Environment" to their title.