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The article discusses the significance of human performance improvement (HPI) in achieving a sustainable safety excellence in the U.S. According to the article, promoting HPI covers an injury process that is deep and broad. It also ensure that true root causes of human error are exposed and solutions are suitable and permanent. It cites the cross-disciplinary focus of HPI which offers a unique toolbox of infinite options which link identified gaps. Furthermore, it notes that the ability to creatively solve industrial problems is through management asset.

The article presents the comments of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) to the proposed revision of the Performance and Program Standards for the Professional Practice of Environmental, Health & Safety (SH&E) Auditing in the U.S. ASSE states that the auditing function mainly addresses internal issues, however, many SH&E issues are impacting an organization. It argues that the auditing function lacks discussion of how business operations may affect external entities that includes customers, the community and environment. ASSE suggests that the Board of Environmental, Health and Safety Auditor Certifications should add more language to address auditing of the revision process.

The article offers news briefs about safety standards and requirements in the workplace for December 2006 in the U.S. The standard and safety requirements of the Material Handling Industry's scissors lifts is under revision. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has introduced new standard, Safety for External Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Storage Tanks. The National Fire Protection Association's standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems is under revision.

The article presents an interview with two executives of General Electric Co.'s corporate environmental and global health and safety programs, Stephen Ramsey and Kurt Krueger in the U.S. Both Ramsey and Krueger explained to the staff of American Society of Safety Engineers' Council on Practices and Standards regarding the company's effort to reduce injury and illnesses through promoting industrial safety programs. They also mentioned of improving employee performance.

The article provides information about developments of standards related to industrial safety in the U.S. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has launched a new standard called Performance-based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators that addresses the design, construction, operation, inspection and testing of equipment such as rooms, spaces and hoistways. The Underwriters Laboratory Inc. has developed the standard for Safety for Electrochemical Capacitors that address standards for electrochemical capacitors electronic products. Lastly, the American Institute of Steel Construction's standard, Specification for Safety-Related Steel Structures for Nuclear Facilities is under revision.

Reports on the development of a rule-based formula for setting a practical injury-rate goals in the U.S. Application of goal-setting in other field of endeavors; Chart depicting actual injury rates and target values; Presentation of target-setting formulas; Emphasis on the need of safety and health professional to identify workplace hazards, assess the risk in terms of severity and probability of causing harm.

The article offers tips for the proper delivery of an effective safety job briefing in the U.S. Organizations. Topics discussed include getting the attention of the crew, providing the crew with the daily scope of work, considering the demonstration of a new technique or tool, and having the veteran crew members help new employees in refining their skills.

The article focuses on the significance of the management systems in improving industrial safety in the U.S. The author suggests that in order to improve a system, it is essential to explore the history of the managerial practices regarding safety and health. The effectiveness of a management standard must be equal to the rules and responsibilities of management and the worker.

The article reports on the presentation of American Petroleum Institute (API) Occupational Safety Performance Award to Koch Pipeline Co. at the organization's 57th annual pipeline conference in the U.S. According to Bob O'Hair, president of Koch Pipeline Co., they are very proud to be honored for safety performance in an in an industry which as such high standards for excellence. Kock Pipeline also received the API's "No Days Away From Work" and "Most Improved Safety Performance" awards for occupational safety performance.

The article presents trends in the development of safety standards in the U.S. The American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) Executive Standards Council has approved the reaccreditation of the Accredited Standards Committee A10, Safety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations. The ANSI A10 Committee on Construction and Demolition Operations have met in Washington D.C. to discuss updates within the organization. The Standard for Safety Gas Vents of the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is under revision.

Reports on developments related to the creation and implementation of occupational safety standards in the U.S. Adoption of the new ISA standard; Establishment of standardization in the field of explosion prevention and protection; Revision of the Automotive Lift Institute's standard; Proposal of the Greenguard Environmental Institute to establish an adhesive emissions performance standard.

The article reports on the plans of the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) to revise its Performance Criteria for Safeguarding (BSR B11.19-200x) standard in the U.S. The revision will be carried out to incorporate new updates in safeguarding theory and technology. The standard provides performance requirements for the design, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of the safeguarding, such as guards, safeguarding devices, awareness devices, safeguarding methods, and safe work procedures, when applied to machines.

Reports on the partnership between the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security's Science and Technology and the Office of Domestic Preparedness. Adoption of radiological and nuclear detectors standards; Development of guidelines on performance standards and test methods; Contact information.