7 Key Regulatory Bodies to Follow

Every industry has its own set of organizations that oversee regulations and codes to ensure safety. The rules generally encapsulate safety for the employees working in the industry; the consumers of the products developed, processed or stored in these facilities, and; the transporters that comprise its supply chain.

Nevertheless, there are some organizations whose regulations and guidelines cover a multitude of industries that nearly all facility managers and safety managers must heed. In the U.S., for example, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) covers virtually any physical workplace in the country. OSHA is responsible for enforcing these codes, which range from materials handling and ergonomics, to electrical and life safety.

Here is a list of governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – along with a brief history – that apply to virtually all industries:

• ASHRAE: The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers is an American professional association seeking to advance heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems design and construction.
• OSHA: Developed to ensure safe, healthful working conditions for most private sector employees, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created in 1970. It primarily establishes and enforces standards and provides training, outreach, education and assistance.
• ISO: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), founded in 1947, ensures that products and services are high quality, reliable and safe. So far, more than 22,500 International Standards have been developed.
• FEM: Founded in 1953, the European Materials Handling Federation (FEM) represents more than 1,000 companies (with about 160,000 employees), accounting for nearly 80 percent of all eligible European companies. In turn, it accounts for over half of the world’s total production.
• ANSI: Renowned as the voice of the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) oversees the creation, declaration and usage of thousands of guidelines, which directly impact nearly every sector’s businesses. A 501(c)3 private, nonprofit organization, it was founded in 1918.
• RIA: Since 1974, the Robotic Industries Association (RIA) has been North America’s only trade group that specifically serves the robotics industry. Through the advancement, education and promotion of robotics, RIA, in particular, drives growth, innovation and safety within the manufacturing and service industries.
• NSC: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, non-governmental public service organization, the National Safety Council (NSC) strives to eliminate preventable injuries – the third leading cause of death in the United States – at work, in homes and communities, and on the road. To achieve this goal, it regularly engages businesses, elected officials, government agencies and the public.

When it comes to protecting your own employees, logistics professionals in your industry, and customers of your business, start with industry standards. But do not forget about these seven organizations when implementing new equipment, new practices, or new safety guidelines at your facility.

This blog was developed from the Essential Guide: Safety Regulations. For additional information on these topics and a full list of sources, click here.