PARK RIDGE, IL -- The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has published the first U.S.-based standard on risk assessment and management.

The new standard, ANSI/ASSP Z310.1-2026, Risk Management – Guidelines for Assessing and Managing Risks, establishes principles, a framework and a process to help organizations adopt a consistent, structured approach to managing risk.

The standard outlines how organizations can systematically manage risk to improve decision-making, achieve objectives and create value. It emphasizes that risk management is not a standalone activity, but one that should be fully integrated into an organization’s management systems, governance, leadership, strategy and day-to-day operations.
The standard identifies several key elements of effective risk management, including:

• Integration into management systems
• Customization to organizational context
• A structured, comprehensive approach
• Inclusivity and stakeholder engagement
• A dynamic and anticipative mindset
• Use of timely, clear and available information
• Consideration of human and cultural factors
• Continual improvement

The development of Z310.1-2026 builds on global standards. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO 31000:2009, Risk Management Principles and Guidelines in 2009, with a revision in 2018. In 2024, the U.S. Technical Advisory Committee to ISO/TC262 determined that a nationally developed standard would better serve U.S. stakeholders by providing more practical and simplified implementation-focused guidance while remaining aligned with the international standards.

ASSP’s Z310 Committee — comprising 28 organizations from academia, insurance, security and other industries — led the development of the new standard.

“As the first U.S.-based risk standard, ANSI/ASSP Z310.1-2026 will serve as a valuable resource for organizations and their risk managers, decision-makers and safety professionals nationwide,” says Bruce Lyon, PE, CSP, SMP, ARM, CHMM, FASSP, chair of the ASSP Z310 Committee. “I commend the ASSP Z310 Committee for its dedication to bringing this standard to fruition. It will strengthen how organizations identify and manage all types of risk, leading to more risk-informed decision-making, the creation and protection of value, and improved environmental, health and safety for all.”

ASSP leads the development of voluntary consensus standards for environmental health and safety. These standards reflect the latest expert guidance and help organizations improve performance while reducing injuries and fatalities.

To purchase Z310.1-2026 or other workplace safety standards, please visit the ASSP Store.