Definition(s)
Effect
A discernible change on people, flora or fauna resulting from workplace, environmental, social or economic conditions, exposures or other circumstances.
The terms effect and impact are similar. Impact is typically used when the outcome relates to a specific environmental aspect of an activity. Effect is often used in terms of health or social outcomes that may result from multiple sources of the change.
Source: IOGP Report No. 510, Operating Management System Framework for controlling risk and delivering high performance in the oil and gas industry, International Association of Oil & Gas Producers, June 2014. Global Standards