UNITED SALES ASSOCIATESUNITED SALES ASSOCIATES
7537 State Road * Cincinnati, OH 45255-2438 * Ph: 513.231.4266 * Fax: 513.231.1456
In the United States, the growth of the health and safety (H&S) industry has paralleled the industrial growth of the nation. Starting with the post-Revolution agrarian society through the early industrial period of the post-Civil War era, safety in practice and as an industry was essentially non-existent.
From the turn of the century when the US entered into the early industrialization period, and continuing into the industrial expansion of the World War I era, the industrial economy advanced and so did H&S. In 1888 Congress first established the Bureau of Labor- the precursor to the Department of Labor. In 1893 the first federal safety statute was passed- the Safety Appliance Act. Unions, such as the American Federation of Labor, were becoming more powerful and began to utilize collective bargaining to improve upon dangerous workplaces. But the foundation for greater federal regulation of workplace conditions was put in place when Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle was published in 1906. This exposed the public to the poor working conditions and processes of the meat industry, and eventually led to the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration. In 1910 the Bureau of Mines was established. Also, many states were putting Workers Compensation programs into place.
During the Depression era, the industrialized US economy, as well as the H&S industry, suffered serious setbacks. Jobs were scarce as the unemployment rate rose to as high as 25%. The manufacturing sector was retreating and as a result, there were no major advancements in the H&S industry during this time. However, with the rapid return to heavy industrialization in post World War II times, injuries soared. By the 1960’s, death and injury rates from workplace incidents were at all time high, and still increasing. Additionally, the rapid expansion of chemical development and usage was creating unknown current and future hazards to workers and the environment. The conditions were right for government to provide regulatory controls, and in 1970 the Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law. This Act formed both OSHA and NIOSH, and the H&S industry entered into the modern age.
The initial years of OSHA were spent defining and educating on scope of coverage, the propagation of standards, performing audits, implementing reporting requirements, and enforcing compliance. At the same time EPA was addressing environmental concerns. In 1977 MSHA was formed to address H&S hazards in the mining industry. The safety culture of the workplace quickly improved- as did the injury and fatality statistics. But it came at the cost of an adversarial relationship between business and government.
In the 1980’s there was pressure to improve the relationship of OSHA and the workplace. Although the fundamental role of the agency remained intact, OSHA was asked to serve in a more consultative role, and to become more of a partner in reducing injuries. One development of this initiative is the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). This program forms a cooperative relationship at worksites between OSHA, management, and employees. In 1982 the first VPP site was approved, and now the success of this program is used as an example of how OSHA can positively operate within the workplace. Currently, OSHA has focused on providing positive publicity and statistics on top performers as a means of incentive. Additionally, OSHA has implemented programs that make it easier to understand the laws and regulations, and has tools available to assist a company in encouraging compliance.
As compliance has increased and injury and fatality rates have dropped, the role of OSHA has evolved. Better use of limited resources has been required, and as a result the propagation of standards has been somewhat delegated. ANSI, for one, has become a more valuable resource in overseeing the development of H&S standards. One benefit is that standards are now being researched and created by those closer and/or within the specific industry being addressed by the standard. The result is a better process that generates applicable standards that should be met with industry acceptance.
As far as management of company H&S programs, much has changed. The position of a company H&S professional grew out of the creation of OSHA. A company often needed a staff of professionals to get into compliance, and progress was quickly made. But today it is not uncommon to see these functions being outsourced to a professional H&S consultant or agency. Cost savings and technology improvements have had an important role in bringing about this outsourcing, and these factors will continue to drive the ongoing success. But whether outsourcing creates a positive or negative effect on both the safety culture and overall H&S programs is still being determined. By outsourcing the “safety” function there will be benefits, but also concerns. Companies are still required to identify hazards, educate/train/communicate to protect from these hazards, and provide reporting as a result of these hazards being present. And with an aging workforce, illegal worker concerns, outsourced/contracted workers, multiple worksites, an increasingly complex work environment, an array of regulatory concerns, and an ever-increasing pressure to contain costs, the challenges on the H&S function are as strong as ever- whether it is done with an in-house staff or as an outsource. In order to increase worker willingness to accept a strong safety culture, the H&S industry has researched and implemented innovative methods. These include utilizing positive safety performance statistics and recognition, safety incentive programs, and behavior-based management methods- each being used to varying degrees of success.
In terms of drivers of the worker H&S, OSHA is no longer the “big stick”. Pressures for OSHA to be more cooperative have allowed for more broad and far-reaching entities to arise helping to ensure H&S in the workplace. Below is a categorical listing of current H&S drivers.
The DOL is a Cabinet department of the government that is ultimately responsible for occupational safety and labor statistics, amongst other things. Operating units within the DOL include the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MSHA, and OSHA. Created as the Bureau of Labor in 1888, the DOL is headed by Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA has primary responsibility of creating and enforcing national standards as it pertains to human health and the natural environment (air, water, and land). The EPA was formed in 1970 and conducts research, environmental assessments, and provides education. The EPA has implemented many standards that ensure worker safety to include numerous Acts regarding Hazardous Waste, Air and Water quality, as well as preparedness for things such as Pandemic Flu’s. The EPA is also empowered to label all noise-producing and noise-reducing devices, which results in the industry benchmark of the noise reduction rating (NRR). Lisa P. Jackson leads the agency.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
The FHWA is a
division of the U.S. Department of Transportation whose primary role in
safety is to oversee the use of federal funds in constructing and
maintaining the National Highway System. Additionally, the FHWA will
perform research and is the producer of the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices (MUTCD), which is the standard for traffic device
specifications nationally. Originally started in 1893 as the Office of
Road Inquiry, the FHWA as we know it now was founded in 1966. Victor
Mendez is FHWA Administrator.
International Organization of Standardization (ISO)
ISO is a non-governmental organization that has an ability to set standards that often become law- either through treaties or international standards. ISO was formed in 1947 and is made up of representatives from various national standards organizations. The end result is ISO acting as a consortium with strong links to governments. In the US, ISO standards have been most recognized for the family of standards of quality management systems better known as ISO 9000. But the US is starting to see ISO standards applying to safety in the workplace, and with PPE in particular. ISO 10819: 1966 is a benchmark standard for hand protective gloves to perform as anti-vibration gloves. ISO is lead by Dr. Alan Morrison, President.
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
MSHA enforces compliance to H&S standards at all mining and mineral processing operations in the United States without exception. MSHA also approves and certifies certain mining products for use in underground coal and gassy underground metal mines, and publishes these products at their website. MSHA was established in 1977 as a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Labor, and administers the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. MSHA standards are published in section 30 (Mineral) CFR 1 through 199. Joe Main is the head of MSHA, and is thus the Assistant Secretary to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA is a federal agency that develops and enforces
workplace H&S standards for the majority of the private sector (and
the U.S. Postal Service) through a formal rulemaking process. OSHA is
under the U.S. Department of Labor, and was created in 1970 with the
Occupational Safety and Health Act. OSHA regulations are published in
section 29 (Labor) of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 29 CFR 1910
applies to general industry, and 29 CFR 1926 applies to the construction
industry. The lead administrator for OSHA is assistant secretary of labor
Dr. David Michaels.
State OSHA Programs
State OSHA programs can propagate standards at the state level to address workplace H&S concerns above the federal program. The OSH Act allows for states to develop their own job H&S programs, provided that they meet or exceed the federal program. There are currently 22 states/jurisdictions to have such a program for the private sector, and these include Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Tennessee. There are 4 other state OSHA programs, including New York, but these operate as public employee only plans.
ASTM standards are often utilized as standard testing protocol to measure product performance, and allow for an unbiased and reliable means of product comparison. Without this, a user would be left on their own to decide as to which performance criteria is most effective. ASTM International was formed in 1898, and is a voluntary standards development organization for materials, products, systems, and services, and is accredited by ANSI to create standards. Amongst others, ASTM has developed the ASTM F1001, which is the common benchmark for evaluating chemical protective clothing testing. ASTM publishes many education pieces, and also publishes Standardization News as a bi-monthly periodical. James A. Thomas is the President of ASTM.
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
The AIHA is influential in driving H&S from the industrial hygiene perspective. The AIHA serves the needs of occupational and environmental health professionals practicing industrial hygiene in industry, government, labor, academic institutions, and independent organizations. AIHA was formed in 1939 and is accredited by ANSI to create standards. Amongst others AIHA has created the ANSI/AIHA Z88 standard for respirator fit test methods. AIHA offers a number of educational resources, and publishes a monthly magazine The Synergist as well as the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. President is Donald Hart..
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
ANSI is a private non-profit organization formed in 1918 that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. ANSI does not create standards- they accredit standards developers to create standards. Developers include AIHA, ASSE, ASTM International, ISEA, UL, and NFPA. Many of ANSI’s accredited safety standards have been adopted by agencies such as OSHA, or are so overwhelmingly recognized and referred to by the industry that the standards have become de facto regulations. Standards can be searched at http://www.nssn.com/. President of ANSI is Joe Bhatia.
ASSE is influential in bringing workplace H&S concerns to the forefront, as well as working with ANSI to develop standards. Amongst others, ASSE has developed commonly known standards such as the ANSI Z87 standard for protective eyewear, and ANSI Z359 for fall protection. ASSE was formed in 1911 and provides research, actively serves on relevant committees, and lobbies for workplace H&S concerns. ASSE publishes a monthly periodical called Professional Safety. The President of ASSE is Christopher Patton.
American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)
ATSSA has a focus “To Advance Roadway Safety” and does this via several mechanisms to include educational & certification programs, work zone safety awareness programs, outreach programs, and also has active state chapters to address local concerns. ATSSA is also very influential in the regulatory environment by serving as a collective voice to influence public officials on issues pertaining to roadway safety. ATSSA produces several publications to include the quarterly The Signal as well as the bi-weekly The Flash. ATSSA was formed in 1966 and is led by Executive Director Roger A. Wentz.
International Glove Association (IGA)
IGA drives the H&S industry as an association focused on the safety segment of hand protection. IGA not only monitors industry and regulatory developments relative to hand protection, but also provides lobbying and testimonial efforts to advance the education, regulations and technology to provide a better working environment as it pertains to hand protection. IGA has published a reference guide called The Complete Guide to Understanding and Selecting Coated Work Glove for Hand Protection, and is in the process of doing the same for the cut resistant glove category. These guides serve as categorical benchmarks. The IGA as it is now known began in 2001 as a merger between the manufacturers association International Hand Protection Association (IHPA) and the distributors association National Industrial Glove Distributors Association (NIGDA). However, this is a culmination of changes that started with the first glove association in 1902. Executive Directors David and Carol Burdge lead IGA.
International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)
ISEA is very influential in bringing relevant product manufacturers together to either manage a consensus process to create standards, or to build a case for the need to develop a standard. ISEA is a trade association in the United States for companies that manufacture equipment to protect the H&S of people in the workplace. This association provides a forum through which it’s members can promote the standardization of safety equipment, can represent the industry’s interests to government, can interpret government actions back to the industry, can collect and disseminate information to the industry, and promote the proper use of personal protective equipment. Amongst others, ISEA has developed the ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 standard for high visibility apparel, and ANSI Z358.1 for emergency eyewash and shower equipment. ISEA publishes a Washington Report and Standards Focus newsletter. The President of ISEA is Daniel Shipp.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The NFPA provides and advocates consensus codes and standards for the fire safety industry. Additionally, NFPA provides research, training, and education in the area of fire safety. NFPA was established in 1896, is an international non-profit association, and is accredited by ANSI to create standards. Amongst others, the ANSI/NFPA 1971, 2007 edition standard is the certification benchmark for the elements of the ensemble for body protection in structural firefighting. NFPA publishes a number of catalogs/brochures, as well as the Fire Prevention Week periodical. James M. Shannon is the President of NFPA.
The mission of the NSC is to educate and influence people to prevent accidental injury and death. The NSC is instrumental in encouraging the adoption and institution of safety methods by all persons and organizations. This is done by either offering, or partnering to provide, programs in defined focus areas. Founded in 1913, and given Congressional charter in 1953, the NSC is led by President Janet Froetscher.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
NHTSA is primarily involved with setting motor vehicle safety standards, but also is charged with providing research and data management of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)- an internationally utilized research resource for traffic safety. NHTSA was formed in 1970 under the Highway Safety Act, and is headed by (Acting) Administrator Ron Medford.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH is influential in the development of worker H&S standards, as well as providing testing approval and certification of personal protective devices and industrial hazard measuring devices. At this point NIOSH certifies a variety of respiratory protective products, and lists these on their website. NIOSH was established in 1970 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act as a federal research agency for occupational H&S, and under the Federal Mine and Health Amendments Act on 1977 as a federal research agency for coal mine health research. NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The responsibilities of NIOSH are outlined in 29 CFR 671, and do not include the authority to establish regulations. NIOSH has their research, education, training, and program information available at their website. Dr. John Howard is the Director of NIOSH (Sept 2009).
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
The NTSB is an independent agency charged with investigating transportation accidents, determining the cause, and providing safety recommendations to avoid similar accidents in the future. The NTSB has been influential with many safety improvements in many areas to include highway safety, railroad safety, and the safe transport of hazardous materials. The NTSB was formed in 1967, and is headed by Chairman, Honorable Deborah A. P. Hersman..
Safety Equipment Distributors Association (SEDA)
SEDA is a safety specific distributor association that provides a variety of services for it’s members to include seminars and workshops pertaining to the H&S industry. The ISEA and SEDA collaborated to form the Qualified Safety Sales Professional (QSSP) course, which raises the effectiveness of the safety sales professional in understanding the complex regulations and concepts in the H&S industry, and being able to better communicate with H&S professionals. SEDA was formed in 1968 and is headed by Executive Director Jackie King.
General Liability/ Property & Casualty Insurance Providers
H&S professionals will often call on outside support to come on-site to help train and educate their workforce. This may be an industry expert or a trained specialist representing a product manufacturer. Getting this level of effective on-site support establishes confidence and compliance when the hazard is assessed correctly and the solution is demonstrated to be effective in the actual working environment.
AFL-CIO
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Independent Steelworkers Union
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Union Millwrights
United Auto Workers
United Food and Commercial Workers
United Mine Workers of America
United Steelworkers Union.
The workplace H&S industry has many quality periodicals that drive the industry in a number of ways. They serve as an educator, watchdog, product showcase, and as a source of news. Major workplace H&S periodicals include:
EHS Today (http://www.ehstoday.com/)
Facility Safety Management (http://www.fsmmag.com/)
Industrial Safety and Hygiene News (http://www.ishn.com/)
Occupational Health & Safety Magazine (http://www.ohsonline.com/).
There are several publications that are devoted to consumer product safety. Although not a focus of products and programs regulated by government workplace H&S regulators, nevertheless they are a powerful voice in being an advocate of consumer safety and a potential threat should workplace H&S become a consumer concern.
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