OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) are both entities that play roles in promoting workplace safety, but what are the differences between the two?
OSHA is part of a governing body. They write standards and these standards are the law. ANSI is a team of volunteers working together to agree on how things should be made and used. Their standards are very detailed and sometimes adopted by OSHA as rules.
ANSI standards are not the law. However, they may become mandatory through a process called “incorporation by reference.” This means when an OSHA standard cites an ANSI standard and requires it to be followed, that standard is now mandatory.
OSHA differs from ANSI based on it’s role, purpose, enforcement, and applicability.
Role
OSHA is a federal agency within the United States Department of Labor. ANSI is a private, non-profit organization that facilitates the development of voluntary consensus standards for various industries.
Purpose
OSHA is responsible for setting and enforcing safety and health regulations in the workplace. The goal is to ensure employers provide a safe and healthy working environment for their employees.
ANSI does not enforce standards but serves as a coordinator for the development of standards by industry stakeholders.
Enforcement
OSHA enforces its standards through inspections and penalties for non-compliance. ANSI-accredited committees develop and maintain standards, which cover a wide range of areas such as product specification, testing procedures, and safety protocols.
Applicability
ANSI’s voluntary adherence vs. OSHA’s applicability.
OSHA regulations are legally binding and must be followed by employers in the United States. Compliance with ANSI standards is typically voluntary. Organizations may choose to adopt these standards to enhance product quality, safety, and interoperability.
Update Frequency
OSHA and ANSI also differ based on when they update their regulations/standards. Regulations from OSHA are updated every few decades, while ANSI standards are revised annually.
Resources
For more information on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, visit their webpage.
For more information on the American National Standards Institute, visit their webpage.
Conclusion
While both entities play crucial roles in workplace safety, they serve different functions. Understanding the distinction between these two organizations is key to ensuring that businesses not only meet legal requirements but also adopt best practices that promote a safe and healthy work environment. Both are integral to creating a culture of safety and minimizing workplace risks.