Health and safety regulatory bodies are organizations that set standards and enforce regulations to protect the health and safety of workers. They can be government agencies or non-profit organizations. Government health and safety regulatory bodies have the power to enforce laws and regulations. They may also have the power to investigate accidents and take disciplinary action against violators.
The main difference between government and non-government health and safety regulatory bodies is their legal authority. Where government health and safety regulatory bodies have the power of enforcement while non-government health and safety regulatory bodies do not. however, both types of health and safety regulatory bodies play an important role in promoting health and safety. This blog will cover:
- Different institutions and organizations, national and international intervene in the field of occupational risk prevention.
- Identification of the specific field of action of each of them, as well as their functions and powers.
Examples of government health and safety regulatory bodies
The organization comply with what the law says. If government introduces legislation then there is a requirement for the legislation to be enforced. Examples of legislation relating to occupational health and safety include:
Health and Safety at work act 1974 (United Kingdom)
Currently, the British regulation in this matter is headed by the “Health and Safety at Work, Act” (HSWA, Safety and Health at Work Act) of 1974. This standard establishes the main rights and obligations in terms of occupational health and safety of the different actors in social dialogue: employers, workers, and health and safety professionals at work.
This norm is based on a principle by which the subjects that generate occupational risk are considered to be the most qualified for its prevention and control. This principle helps to guarantee, for practical purposes, greater integration of prevention within organizations, since this constitutes a legal obligation and is not relegated to good business practices.
Canadian Center for Occupational Safety and Health (CCOHS)
CCOHS is Canada’s national organization dedicated to promoting workplace health and safety for the benefit and protection of workers. The Center also offers software and management systems to help workplaces comply with health and safety legislation. As a Collaborating Center of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) / World Health Organization (WHO), CCOHS contributes to several projects that promote health and safety at work worldwide.
The International Program on Chemical Safety (IPCS)
IPCS with the INCHEM database, is a peer-reviewed compilation of international information on chemicals in common use around the world. INCHEM contains essential information for the management of chemical products that affect the environment and human health.
Health and safety executive (HSE)
HSE provides recommendations and guidelines on the most effective ways to control hazardous substances in workplaces. This includes how to find information on different substances, routes of exposure, as well as the best ways to assess risk and control exposure.
Substance evaluation is a vital part of risk management. The HSE Science and Research Center has over 1,000 research reports documenting government-funded studies to classify chemicals and substances that may be hazardous to people or the environment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OHS)
OSHA was the United States’ initial attempt to address workplace safety. An estimated 14,000 workers died on the job that year. That number dropped to 4,340 in 2009, and employment in the United States doubled during that period.
Since the passage of the OSH Act, there has been a significant reduction in workplace accidents and injuries. However, there is still much work to be done in the area of occupational health and safety. New hazards are constantly emerging, and it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest safety standards and practices.
Britain’s Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL)
HSL has 30 years of experience in research across all sectors of work. Functioning as an agency of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it supports its mission to protect the health and safety of workers by ensuring hazards in the workplace.
The United Nations Organization (UN)
UN was created in 1919, it is a global government association that facilitates cooperation on issues such as international law, international peace and security, economic and social development, humanitarian affairs, and human rights.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for providing a transportation system that is fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and comfortable. The DOT (Department of Transport, or USDOT) is the Federal department of the US government in charge of transportation (Department of Transportation). It was created in 1966 and began operations on April 1, 1967. It is regulated by the United States Department of Transportation.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers information on steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from environmental hazards to stay healthy at home, at school, at the workplace and in the community.
Examples of non-government health and safety regulatory bodies
Trade associations, trade unions and professional groups promoted common interests and improvements in quality, health, safety, environmental and technical standards through various appropriate means, e.g. the publication of guidelines, information notes, codes of practice and regular briefing notes on safety issues and regulatory developments.
Non-government health and safety regulatory bodies are typically funded by membership fees or donations. They may not have the power to enforce laws and regulations, but they can still play an important role in promoting health and safety by setting standards, providing guidance, and conducting research. Examples of non-government health and safety regulatory bodies include:
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was founded on February 23, 1947. It is the body in charge of promoting the development of international manufacturing standards (both products and services), trade and communication for all branches of industries except electrical and electronics.
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is an organization that coordinates American country standards with international standards, so that products from that country can be used worldwide and was founded in 1918.
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) third strategic objective is to “improve worker safety and health through global collaboration.” NIOSH has been a WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center since 1976. For many years, NIOSH provided leadership to the Global Network of Collaborating Centers as Chair of the Network. Although he no longer chairs it, he continues to provide technical assistance to WHO and PAHO.
- The Institute of occupational safety and Health (IOSH) is the world’s largest occupational health and safety professional association. Founded in 1945, IOSH has more than 4,000 members in every country and is committed to building a safe, healthy and sustainable world of work.
- The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is a worldwide organization with chapters in most states and cities, dedicated to supporting occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals in their efforts to prevent injuries, illnesses and deaths in the workplace. The ASSP provides education, advocacy, standards development, and a professional community to advance workplace safety and the OSH profession as a whole.
- The American Society of safety engineers (ASSE) Today, ASSE represents more than 34,000 Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E) professionals who work across industries worldwide to protect people, improve business and uphold the environment. Through their efforts, ASSE members help employees stay safe, healthy and productive, which provides positive financial results for employers and helps them enhance their corporate image.
- Board of certified safety professionals (BCSP) The Board of Certified Safety Professionals manages the ASP certification (as well as the CSP, SMS, STS and STSC safety certifications). Becoming an ASP means passing the exam provided by the BCSP. However, you must first be qualified to sit for the exam.
- World Health Organization (WHO) was created in 1948 and is responsible for playing a leading role in global health issues, setting the health research agenda, setting standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring global health trends.
- National Safety Council (NSC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1913 whose purpose is to focus the strategic priorities of occupational health and safety, defensive driving, and first aid to numerous industries worldwide.
- The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) began as the Canadian Engineering Standards Association (CESA) in 1919, federally authorized to create standards. During World War I, the lack of interoperability between technical resources led to frustration, injury, and death. Great Britain requested that Canada form a standards committee.
- The National Fire Protection Association is a global nonprofit organization that develops and promotes safety standards, education, training, and advocacy on fire and electrical hazards. NFPA is a trusted source of information for safety professionals, firefighters, engineers, and other safety-related professionals around the world. In this article, we’ll explore the history and goals of NFPA, as well as some of the most important standards and codes they’ve established.
Responsibilities of health and safety regulatory bodies
- Set standards for health and safety
- Enforce laws and regulations
- Investigate accidents
- Take disciplinary action against violators
- Provide guidance and training
- Conduct audit
- Penalty
- Temporary closure
- The need for international cooperation.
- The importance of stakeholder engagement.
- The need for continuous research and development.
Conclusion
Health and safety regulatory bodies have concluded that the following are essential for ensuring public health and safety:
- Strong and effective laws and regulations: These laws and regulations should be clear, concise, and enforceable. They should also be regularly updated to reflect new hazards and risks.
- Adequate resources for enforcement: Regulatory bodies need to have the resources they need to effectively enforce laws and regulations. This includes staffing, training, and equipment.
- A culture of safety: This means that everyone involved in an organization, from the top down, must be committed to safety. This includes employees, managers, and executives.
- Effective communication: Regulatory bodies need to effectively communicate with the public about health and safety risks. This includes providing clear and understandable information about hazards and how to avoid them.
- Continuous improvement: Regulatory bodies should continuously review and improve their health and safety programs. This includes identifying new hazards, assessing risks, and developing new prevention measures.
