PARK RIDGE, Illinois — Business leaders are always looking for the best ways to manage risks in their organizations, and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is leading the way in helping to address that need. A revised workplace safety standard and upcoming webinar will assist companies in integrating risk management into all organizational processes.

ANSI/ASSP/ISO 31000-2018 Risk Management Guidelines was originally created a decade ago but recently was updated and adopted as a U.S. national standard. The new version reflects the evolution of risk management from a separate, departmentalized activity to an integrated management competency. The 90-minute webinar on Monday, Sept. 17, will highlight the standard’s improved framework and explain how and why risk management should play a role in processes across any organization big or small.

“Managing risk creates and protects value regardless of your company’s specific industry,” said webinar instructor Dorothy Gjerdrum, who has more than 25 years of risk management experience and served as chair of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group for ISO 31000. “It is important for leadership and those responsible for risk management to bear in mind that every employee in every department is managing risks on a daily basis.”

Safety professionals play a key role in identifying, assessing and mitigating risks through the effective use of occupational safety and health management systems. By understanding and implementing risk-based approaches, they help their organizations improve overall performance while reducing workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

The revised standard identifies eight principles to improve an organization’s risk management program while protecting the company’s value: 1) Integrate risk management into activities and decision-making; 2) take a structured and comprehensive approach; 3) customize the plan to fit needs and objectives; 4) include stakeholder perspectives; 5) be dynamic and responsive to organizational changes; 6) use the best available information; 7) consider human and culture factors; and 8) learn and adapt for continual improvement.

The standard’s content has been simplified and streamlined in recognizing that organizations may already have a risk management process. Users are encouraged to customize and improve how they manage risk with the updated standard’s guidance.

By visiting ASSP’s online store, safety professionals can register for the upcoming webinar or simply purchase the ANSI/ASSP/ISO 31000-2018 Risk Management Guidelines standard. All webinar attendees will receive a free digital copy of the standard.

About ASSP – Working together for a safer, stronger future
For more than 100 years, the American Society of Safety Professionals has been at the forefront of helping occupational safety and health professionals protect people and property. The nonprofit society is based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge. Its global membership of over 38,000 professionals covers every industry, developing safety and health management plans that prevent injuries, illnesses and deaths. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession through education, advocacy, standards and a professional community. Its flagship publication, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit www.assp.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.