ASSP Certification and Accreditation Institute debuts

Certification mark to demonstrate ‘seal of approval’

The new ASSP Certification and Accreditation Institute, an independent entity of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), is now in business. The institute’s certification mark confirms adherence to specific standards and is expected to provide a competitive advantage in the industry, the association said.

“As the market for workplace safety and health systems becomes more global, certifications become more valuable and are more frequently pursued,” said ASSP president Rixio Medina. “ASSP has led the evolution of workplace safety for more than 100 years, so it makes sense to leverage our experience and create a seal of approval that identifies a strong commitment to safety and health.”

For a fee, companies are certified based on voluntary national and international consensus standards. The institute is partnering with an accredited third-party registrar, Orion Registrar, to carry out the audits, verify the results of the assessment and issue a certification mark when all requirements are met.

One of the certifications available from the institute is the new ISO 45001 standard. The standard offers a framework that enables companies worldwide to increase employee safety, reduce workplace risks and improve business outcomes. The practical solutions for worker safety in ISO 45001 can be used within global supply chains in all industries, applying to contractors and subcontractors in every country, ASSP said.

“The institute’s certification mark demonstrates an environment built around quality-driven standards that are geared to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities,” Medina said. “Investors and customers gain confidence in knowing that."