Regulatory Compliance and Quality Programs: Constraints and Opportunities of Integration

By examining the costs and benefits of implementing process-based integrated management systems, organizations may gain insight into the potential value of merging regulatory compliance with quality programs. As an example, the food processing industry is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  under 21 CFR 117.  An international standard in food processing quality is […]

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Compliance: Proactively Mitigating Errors

When creating a HACCP program, there are a number of important components that are sometimes overlooked or aren’t fully implemented. Certification auditors will note these errors, which may prevent your business from achieving the certifications that you need. Below are some of the most common errors and how to mitigate them: Mistake #1: Lack of […]

Sustainability Reporting and Environmental Compliance

Some organizations think about taking the leap into global reporting for sustainability but are not sure where to begin or are unfamiliar with much of the jargon. Other companies are interested in helping with the sustainability movement but have a hard time navigating the plethora of resources available online. And still other organizations do not […]

Five Steps to Organizing Compliance Activities – Making a Breeze out of Obtaining Certifications, Passing Inspections, and Adhering to the Due Diligence of Expanding Operations

Organizing compliance activities and their associated documents is key to confidently, efficiently, and effectively passing both internal and external audits and inspections as well as preparing for operational expansion. It is important to determine: Is this an existing company with years of compliance related documentation which needs to be organized, archived, or disposed of? Is […]

AISC Updates Steel Fabrication Standard

The American Institute for Steel Construction (AISC) has updated its steel fabrication standard, now titled Standard for Certification Programs 207-20, which supersedes the prior Certification Standard for Steel Fabrication and Erection, and Manufacturing of Metal Components 207-16. The new standard takes effect on June 1, 2021 and is available for download. A brief summary of […]

Changes to AWO Responsible Carrier Program

The American Waterways Operators (AWO) has implemented changes in its Responsible Carrier Program (RCP). If your company is a participant in the RCP, it might be a good time to review your safety management system to ensure that your company is in compliance. According to The Waterways Journal Weekly, changes to the RCP include: AWO […]

Tire Dust Is Poisoning Coho Salmon

In December of 2020, The Seattle Times reported that in a paper published in Science magazine, researchers have identified an antioxidant chemical used in tire rubber that can cause the deaths of coho salmon, particularly in the Puget Sound region: More specifically, a single chemical, 6PPD-quinone, derived from a preservative that helps tires last longer, […]