ASSP Launches SBUG Framework to Elevate Safety Standards Beyond Compliance

Event summary

  • ASSP launched Standards-Based User Groups (SBUGs) on January 27, 2026, to shift safety from regulatory compliance to data-driven excellence.
  • Avetta integrated ANSI/ASSP Z10 and Z16 standards into its Cultural Maturity Index, marking the first real-world application of the SBUG framework.
  • ASSP's SBUG framework aims to create collaborative networks for co-developing and operationalizing safety standards across industries.
  • The partnership will inform ASSP’s research network to enhance future standards development and expand the profession’s Body of Knowledge.

The big picture

ASSP's SBUG framework represents a strategic shift in the safety profession, moving beyond compliance to leverage data and technology for measurable outcomes. The collaboration with Avetta sets a precedent for embedding consensus standards into enterprise software, potentially transforming how companies measure and manage safety culture. This initiative aligns with broader industry trends toward data-driven decision-making and operational resilience.

What we're watching

Adoption Pace
How quickly other industry leaders will join the SBUG framework and adopt standards-based safety tools.
Data Impact
Whether the integration of safety standards into enterprise technology will drive measurable improvements in operational resilience.
Strategic Shift
The extent to which safety will transition from a regulatory requirement to a core business driver across global industries.