What are the potential consequences of non-compliance with GEMD standards?

Choosing the second option highlights the serious nature of non-compliance with GEMD standards. Legal repercussions can arise due to violations of regulations, potentially resulting in significant financial penalties from regulatory agencies as penalties for non-adherence. Additionally, non-compliance can jeopardize the safety of operations, products, or services, leading to hazardous situations for both employees and customers. The implications of such failures are far-reaching, potentially damaging the reputation of the organization and leading to further scrutiny from regulators.

Other options, while they may represent some consequences of non-compliance, do not capture the full scope of the legal and financial risks that directly relate to failing to meet GEMD standards. For instance, loss of customer loyalty and negative media coverage can stem from various organizational issues, but they are often secondary to the more pressing legal and safety implications. Increased workload for employees could occur as a consequence of trying to rectify compliance issues but does not directly address the costs that come from legal violations or safety failures. Thus, the second choice effectively encapsulates the critical reasons for adhering to GEMD standards.