Other safety sources:  ASTM, NIOSH, ASME, API, ACGIH  The occupational Safety Health Administration (“OSHA”) is well known to most folks as the work place safety standard setting organization in the USA.  And OSHA does this very well.

But, did you know there are other organizations involved in safety as well?  In fact, some of these organizations are not only recognized by OSHA as offering vital safety rules/guidance but has incorporated by reference some of these organizations safety rules.  I have found researching many of the safety standards from these groups very helpful in understanding how to create a safer work place.

What follows is a partial listing of such organizations:

  • American Petroleum Institute (“API”). As the name implies this is a national organization representing all aspects of the oil and natural gas industry.  API has been a leader in generating industry standards, including safety standards, for 90 years.  www.api.org
  • American Society for Testing and Materials, (“ASTM”). This is a professional association that “promotes the art, science and practice of multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences around the globe”.  This is an international association (members from 120 nations) and sets standards for materials used in all manner of applications with safety and elements contributing to reliability of materials, products, systems and services.   https://www.astm.org
  • The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, (“NIOSH,”). NIOSH is a government agency but does not generate safety rules, like its cousin OSHA, but rather conducts research in the health or safety aspects of many work place conditions.   OSHA frequently looks to NIOSH work when creating its safety standards.  https://www.cdc.gov
  • The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, (“ASME”). ASME is a non-profit organization sharing knowledge and skill development in all engineering disciplines.  It was founded in 1880 by a small group of industrialists seeking to set standards for products and processes effecting performance, safety and reliability.  It is recognized in 150 countries.  https://www.asme.org
  • American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, (“ACGIH”). ACGIH is an organization of 80 years members of which are industrial hygienists.  The ACGIH is responsible for identifying levels of chemical exposures and health effects of same in the work place upon employees. OSHA uses many ACGIH standards in its safety standards.  https://www.acgih.org

These organizations are only some of the major groups that help research, study and report on safety conditions commonly encountered in the industrialized world work place. These groups are dedicated to helping keep workers and their work places safe.  Final note, there many more such organizations.