We all understand that you can't pass the buck with safety in the workplace. The weight of history, demonstrated by extensive global safety legislation spanning the best part of two centuries, makes this abundantly clear. But it prompts a critical question: if safety is so deeply enshrined in law and organizational culture, why isn't security treated with the same consistent seriousness across the board?

A Global Legacy of Prioritizing Safety

For nearly 200 years, nations worldwide have recognized the non-negotiable importance of protecting their workforce and citizens through safety regulations. This isn't a recent trend; it's a long-standing commitment:

• United Kingdom (1833): The Factory Act was a landmark piece of legislation, one of the first to directly address safety issues in the workplace. Regulations have continued to evolve ever since.

• Germany (1884): Pioneered a model of occupational safety regulation within its worker’s insurance laws, setting an early standard.

• United States (1877): Massachusetts introduced its Factory Act, an early state-level initiative, with federal regulation significantly advancing with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in 1970.

• International Labour Organization (ILO) (1919): Established after World War I, the ILO has been instrumental in promoting global labor standards, including safety and workers' rights.

• Paraguay (1940s, expanded 1961 & Law No. 213/93): Developed its Labour Code, which included safety provisions, and significantly revised and expanded it over the decades.

• Japan (1972): Introduced its comprehensive Industrial Safety and Health Law, codifying safety practices.

• Vietnam (late 1970s, strengthened 1990s): Began formalizing national safety laws, developing comprehensive and enforceable frameworks in the subsequent decades.

• European Union (1989): The Framework Directive (89/391/EEC) established common principles for occupational safety and health across member states.

• Namibia (1992): Just two years after gaining independence, the nation released its Labour Act, incorporating general workers’ rights and essential workplace safety provisions.

This timeline, while not exhaustive, illustrates a clear, sustained global effort to legislate and enforce safety standards.

The Security Disparity: A Concerning Gap

Now, contrast this deep-rooted history with the general landscape of security. While certain heavily regulated industries (like finance or critical infrastructure) have specific security mandates, there's a noticeable lack of broad, comprehensive security legislation compelling the vast majority of businesses to adopt robust security measures for their assets – be they physical, digital, or intellectual.

The consequences of security failures – data breaches, intellectual property theft, operational disruption, reputational damage – can be just as devastating, if not more so, than many safety incidents. Yet, the proactive, legally-backed impetus often seems to be missing for general business security.

It’s Time for a Cultural Shift: Elevating Security to Safety's Level

Why the disparity? Is it because security threats are perceived as less immediate, or perhaps more complex to universally legislate? Whatever the reasons, the current state is insufficient.

It’s time security is treated with the same unwavering seriousness and diligence as safety.

This isn't just about hoping for more laws. It's about instigating a profound cultural change within organizations, mirroring the transformation that occurred with safety decades ago. It's about moving from a reactive or compliance-minimalist stance to one where robust security is seen as a fundamental pillar of responsible business, integral to sustainability and success.

Join Us in Making the Change

At the Industrial Asset Protection Association (IAPA), we believe passionately in driving this change. We advocate for a world where the protection of all organizational assets is as ingrained in business practice as safety protocols are today.

It's time to elevate the conversation, share best practices, and collectively foster a culture where security is not an afterthought, but a proactive, strategic imperative.

What are your thoughts? How can we bridge this gap between the perception and implementation of safety versus security?