At the ISEA Annual Meeting in December, I briefly reviewed our Annual Operating Plan for 2024. I discussed the issues we are focusing on this year, how we will be advocating on your behalf, what new resources you can expect to see, and other exciting efforts well underway.
Analysts and forecasters are predicting an uncertain and even slowing year. I know you’re heard the same. Recognizing this, our team is committed to leveling up how we support members.
ICYMI – Here’s what we have going on:
Standards & Product Groups
Goal: Increase the relevance and value of ISEA’s safety standards.
OSHA Petitions
We are executing a plan to petition OSHA to adopt multiple ISEA standards, including the most recent versions of ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, ANSI/ISEA Z89.1, ANSI/ISEA Z308.1, and ANSI/ISEA 105.
Publish Users Guides
Look for new and updated User Guides this year from our product groups. Many are in development already. The first to publish will be the Portable Gas Detection Application Solutions Guide from the Instruments Group. Expect to see that in early Spring.
Standard Releases
It will be a big year for new and revised standards! First to publish this year will be ANSI/ISEA 121 for Dropped Object Prevent Solutions. This is currently in final review with ANSI. Thereafter we’ll publish an update to the highly anticipated ANSI/ISEA 105 for Hand and Arm Protection Classification, followed by the new ANSI/ISEA 100 for Bump Caps, and then the revised Z89.1 for Industrial Head Protection.
Of course, most standards are in the revision process, with product groups working behind the scenes readying their releases for 2025 and 2026.
New Standards Development
This month, we deployed the new Standards Development Process. ISEA is now accepting submissions for innovative ideas to help us build upon our vibrant portfolio of safety standards.
Advocacy
Goal: Provide advocacy leadership and support on industry issues, and issues critical to product groups.
Industry Issues
We’ve added Policy and OHS Issues to the Advocacy page of the website. Here we highlight ISEA’s position and actions on top issues affecting and influencing the safety equipment industry.
Product Group Issues
We’ve developed and have begun to execute advocacy plans for high-priority product group issues, such as funding for the NPPTL, or urging OSHA to revise their recent head protection SHIB.
Look For: Throughout the year we’ll be developing position papers and other collateral for members to ensure we have consistent messaging for a united industry across these issues.
Insights & Education
Goal: Deliver critical insights, data, and education on key issues to the safety industry.
Data & Intelligence
We’ve launched the Industry Intelligence Portal, exclusive to ISEA members. Log in to explore the various available reports and insights, including the new customized economic forecasts from ITR.
Education
QSSP courses for 2024 are already selling out. Get your teams signed now to secure seats, either in person or virtually. We’re currently working to launch online mini-courses that focus on various product categories, and we plan to test a hybrid (in-person and online) QSSP format.
Content
Content is key to reach our target audiences, including ISEA members, end users, and policy makers. Our webinar calendar is filling up with insights about new standards and pressing industry issues, and we’re partnering with industry stakeholders to publish news articles and blog posts on channel trends and commercial best practices.
Safety at Heights
For ISEA, this is the year of Safety at Heights. The Marketing Committee is working execute a comprehensive campaign around Safety at Heights, promoting relevant standards, end-user education, advocacy, and more.
One ISEA
Goal: Deliver an outstanding member experience.
This goal never changes. Member satisfaction is our top priority in every focus area. This year we’re enhancing and innovating our operations plans and processes, modernizing product management tools, and engaging with members in all areas.
HERE IS WHERE YOU COME IN
Let us know if you’d like to be more involved. We invite you to join our committees or speak up about an issue on the horizon. With your engagement and expertise, we can ensure our efforts meet your goals, as well.
Reach me anytime at cmackey@safetyequipment.org.
