Park Ridge, IL, Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PARK RIDGE, IL – January 27, 2026– The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) today announced the launch of its Standards-Based User Groups (SBUGs), a new strategic framework designed to move the safety profession beyond regulatory compliance toward measurable, data-driven excellence. This launch solidifies ASSP's role as the Trusted Source leading the strategic shift of safety from a regulatory minimum to a fundamental business driver.
The SBUG framework is immediately being validated by a major collaboration with Avetta, a leading provider of supply chain risk management software. This partnership provides the first real-world example of how consensus standards can be embedded into enterprise technology to benchmark culture and operational resilience.
The SBUG Vision: Standards as Strategy
ASSP’s Standards-Based User Groups will serve as collaborative networks where practitioners, innovators, and employers co-develop and operationalize safety standards. SBUGs create a formal feedback loop, translating complex consensus requirements into repeatable, data-informed business systems that are scalable across global industries.
"This is more than a partnership—it’s proof that standards are living tools that shape safer, smarter businesses," said Linda Tapp, ASSP Board President. "ASSP is leading the charge to operationalize safety as a strategic B2B imperative via our new SBUG framework, and we are proud to see Avetta validate this model by aligning with our standards."
Avetta Collaboration: The First Proof Point
In the inaugural application of the SBUG model, Avetta has integrated key elements of the ANSI/ASSP Z10 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems) and Z16 (Incident Investigation) standards into its new Avetta Cultural Maturity Index. This integration transforms qualitative safety perceptions into quantitative, standards-aligned results, enabling companies to measure strategic factors like trust, leadership, and engagement.
"Through our collaboration with ASSP, we’re embedding consensus standards directly into how organizations measure the cultural conditions that translate into safety performance and business impact," said Abid Yousuf, Chief Customer Officer at Avetta. "Our new Cultural Maturity Index demonstrates how ASSP’s SBUG framework can turn standards into scalable, data-driven tools that help companies not only protect people, but turn safety into a strategic advantage."
Driving Collective Progress
The data and insights co-created through this partnership will inform ASSP’s SBUG research network, which will leverage these findings to enhance future standards development, provide practitioner guidance, and expand the profession’s collective Body of Knowledge. This collaboration is a blueprint for future ASSP technology partnerships and a clear call for other industry leaders to join the standards movement.
ASSP invites safety professionals, technology providers, and employers to learn more about the SBUG framework and its inaugural focus areas by visiting Standards Based User Group.
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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.
About Avetta
The Avetta SaaS platform helps clients manage supply chain risk and their suppliers become more qualified for jobs. For hiring clients, we offer the world’s largest supply chain risk management network to manage supplier safety, sustainability, worker competency and performance. We perform contractor prequalification and worker competency management across major industries all over the globe, including construction, energy, facilities, high tech, manufacturing, mining and telecom. To learn more, visit www.avetta.com.
Dawn Glosssa American Society of Safety Professionals 708-674-8761 dglossa@assp.org
