PARK RIDGE, IL — The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the world’s oldest professional safety organization, is helping to lead an occupational safety and health coalition committed to safeguarding workers in all industries to drive business success.
The Intersociety Forum (ISF) of two dozen organizations calls for employers to go beyond legal compliance and adopt risk-based safety and health strategies. The coalition released a report that highlights several ways a business model of safety and health can create a strategic advantage that powers positive business outcomes.
“We urge today’s business leaders and policymakers to prioritize environmental, health and safety practices as a foundation of economic growth,” said ASSP Chief Executive Officer Jennifer McNelly, CAE. “When workers are protected from injuries and illnesses, they perform at their best, which fosters productivity, innovation and global competitiveness. Safety strengthens resilience and enables businesses to thrive.”
Despite advancements in technology, workplace injury and fatality rates have remained relatively flat for the past decade. In 2023, a worker died on the job every 99 minutes, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In its report, ISF identified three core principles that help ensure workers return home safe and healthy every day. These principles are 1) Standards and worker well-being; 2) Embracing risk and safety management systems; and 3) Revolutionizing recordkeeping for predictive insights.
“This guidance that goes beyond compliance can bring life to workplaces across the nation, empowering workers to perform at their peak,” McNelly said. “There are benefits to reducing operational disruptions and maximizing efficiency through a sustainable workforce. Simply put, safety is good for business.”
ISF’s full report contains a QR code for organizations to show their support of the core principles. The coalition’s CEOs plan to meet with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) once the new assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health is announced later this year.
“It’s vital that the coalition has achieved meaningful cross-organization collaboration to speak as one voice from the safety industry,” McNelly said.
About ASSP – Working together for a safer, stronger future
Since 1911, the American Society of Safety Professionals has helped occupational safety and health professionals protect people, property and the environment. The nonprofit society is based in Chicago’s suburbs. Its global membership of over 35,000 professionals develops safety and health management systems that prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession by providing member communities, serving as a trusted advisor, and elevating safety through workforce development. Its flagship journal, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit www.assp.org and find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Media contact: Blaine Krage, 847.768.3416, bkrage@assp.org