Consensus Groups vs Regulatory Bodies

Consensus Groups generally consist of committees made up of industry professionals who volunteer their expertise with the goal of improving worker safety. They publish “standards”, and compliance with them are looked at as “voluntary”. (This is not always the case, as you will see)

Regulatory Bodies means “the government”, which will vary depending on which country you’re in. They do not publish “standards”, they make “regulations” which are very much NOT voluntary. Violating these rules is punishable by law.

In case there is confusion on this case:

OSHA is a “Regulatory Body”, and if it says something about Fall Protection, it has the force of law.

ANSI is a “Consensus Group”, and if it says something about Fall Protection, it LIKELY has the force of law.

Why?

OSHA frequently cites ANSI Standards in their regulations, effectively giving them the force of law.