Editorial Standards

Our Commitment to You

At Health & Safety Online, we understand that the information we provide can directly impact workplace safety and potentially save lives. This profound responsibility drives our unwavering commitment to accuracy, integrity, and excellence in everything we publish.

When you read our content, you deserve to know that it’s trustworthy, thoroughly researched, and created with your best interests in mind. These editorial standards explain how we ensure every piece of content meets the highest professional standards.

Why Our Standards Matter

Health and safety information must be accurate. A single error could lead to:

  • Incorrect safety procedures
  • Regulatory non-compliance
  • Workplace incidents or injuries
  • Misguided business decisions

We take this responsibility seriously. Our editorial standards aren’t just guidelines—they’re our promise to you.

Our Core Principles

1. Accuracy Above All

Every fact is verified. We don’t publish information unless we’ve confirmed its accuracy through authoritative sources. All statistics, regulatory requirements, and technical specifications undergo rigorous fact-checking.

Multiple sources required. Significant claims are verified across multiple independent, authoritative sources to ensure reliability.

Expert validation. Technical content is reviewed by qualified professionals with relevant certifications (CSP, CIH, PE, etc.) and extensive field experience.

2. Editorial Independence

No commercial influence. Our editorial decisions are based solely on accuracy, relevance, and value to our readers—never on business relationships or advertiser interests.

Transparent partnerships. Any sponsored content is clearly labeled and kept separate from our editorial content. Sponsors never influence what we write or recommend.

Conflicts disclosed. We require all contributors to disclose any financial interests, affiliations, or relationships that could present conflicts of interest.

3. Expert-Driven Content

Qualified authors only. Our content is created by professionals with:

  • Relevant certifications and credentials
  • Substantial field experience (typically 10+ years)
  • Current knowledge of regulations and standards
  • Active engagement in the health and safety field

Subject matter expert review. Technical articles undergo review by certified professionals to validate accuracy and appropriateness of recommendations.

Continuous learning. Our team invests hundreds of hours annually in professional development to stay current with evolving regulations and best practices.

4. Transparency

Clear sourcing. We cite authoritative sources including:

  • Official regulatory bodies (OSHA, HSE, Safe Work Australia, etc.)
  • Peer-reviewed research and studies
  • Recognized standards organizations (ISO, ANSI, NFPA)
  • Government reports and statistics

Author credentials displayed. Every article shows author qualifications so you can evaluate their expertise.

Limitations acknowledged. We’re honest about what we don’t know and when information is preliminary or subject to interpretation.

Process explained. We openly share how our content is created, reviewed, and maintained.

Our Content Creation Process

Step 1: Research and Planning

  • Identify topic based on audience needs and industry relevance
  • Assign to author with appropriate expertise
  • Conduct comprehensive research using primary sources
  • Document all sources for verification

Step 2: Writing and Initial Review

  • Author creates content following our style guidelines
  • Self-review against quality checklist
  • All claims verified against authoritative sources
  • Citations properly formatted

Step 3: Editorial Review

  • Editor evaluates accuracy, clarity, and completeness
  • Challenges unsupported claims
  • Verifies proper sourcing
  • Checks compliance with editorial standards

Step 4: Expert Validation

For technical content:

  • Subject matter expert reviews technical accuracy
  • Validates appropriateness of recommendations
  • Confirms regulatory compliance statements
  • Suggests improvements or corrections

Step 5: Legal Review (When Necessary)

Content undergoes legal review when it involves:

  • Potential liability concerns
  • Regulatory compliance advice
  • Product safety information
  • Sensitive or controversial topics

Step 6: Final Quality Control

  • Proofreading for grammar, spelling, formatting
  • Link verification
  • Accessibility check
  • Metadata completion

Step 7: Publication and Monitoring

  • Content published with clear attribution and dates
  • Reader feedback monitored
  • Updates implemented as needed

How We Source Information

Primary Sources (Preferred)

We prioritize:

  • Official regulations directly from regulatory agencies
  • Peer-reviewed research published in reputable journals
  • Government data and official statistics
  • International standards from ISO, ILO, ANSI, NFPA, etc.
  • Direct expert interviews with qualified professionals
  • Original research and data analysis we conduct

What We Avoid

We do not use:

  • Anonymous sources (except in rare, editorially justified cases)
  • Outdated information when current data is available
  • Sources with undisclosed conflicts of interest
  • Social media posts without verification
  • Wikipedia as a primary source (though we verify information found there)
  • Non-peer-reviewed publications making scientific claims

Verification Standards

  • Every significant factual claim is verified through authoritative sources
  • Statistics and data are traced to original sources
  • Regulatory information is confirmed through official channels
  • Expert quotes are verified with the source
  • Technical specifications are cross-referenced

Keeping Content Current

Regular Review Schedule

Critical Safety Information: Reviewed every 6 months

  • Regulatory compliance guidance
  • Safety-critical procedures
  • Technical specifications
  • Training and certification materials

Standard Content: Reviewed annually

  • General safety guidance
  • Best practices and recommendations
  • Industry analysis
  • Technical articles

Evergreen Content: Reviewed every 2 years

  • Fundamental safety concepts
  • Historical information
  • Background materials

Immediate Updates For

  • New or changed regulations
  • Discovery of errors
  • Safety alerts or product recalls
  • New scientific evidence
  • Court decisions affecting guidance

How We Show Updates

Every article displays:

  • Publication date: When originally published
  • Last reviewed: Most recent accuracy verification
  • Update notices: Significant changes are noted

Our Correction Policy

We Take Errors Seriously

Despite rigorous processes, errors can occur. When they do, we address them transparently and promptly.

Error Classification

Critical Errors (Immediate correction):

  • Information affecting safety
  • Incorrect regulatory requirements
  • Misidentification of hazards
  • Errors with legal implications

Significant Errors (Within 24 hours):

  • Factual inaccuracies
  • Outdated regulatory information
  • Incorrect statistics
  • Misleading statements

Minor Errors (Next scheduled update):

  • Typographical errors
  • Formatting issues
  • Non-critical link problems

How We Correct

  • Update all published versions
  • Publish clear correction notice for significant errors
  • Include correction date and description
  • Maintain transparency while preserving credibility
  • Archive original version with correction notes

Report an Error

Found something wrong? Contact us immediately:

Expert Review Requirements

Who Reviews Our Content

Our expert reviewers hold:

  • Professional certifications (CSP, CIH, PE, CHMM, etc.)
  • Advanced degrees in relevant fields
  • Minimum 10 years practical experience
  • Current knowledge of applicable regulations
  • Recognition within their specialty

We verify all credentials through:

  • Certification body confirmation
  • License verification
  • Publication history review
  • Professional reference checks

What They Review

  • Technical accuracy of all statements
  • Appropriateness of recommendations
  • Regulatory compliance accuracy
  • Completeness of hazard identification
  • Effectiveness of suggested controls
  • Applicability across jurisdictions

Reviewer Independence

Expert reviewers must disclose:

  • Financial interests in topics covered
  • Consulting relationships
  • Product affiliations
  • Any potential conflicts of interest

We acknowledge reviewers (with their permission) while clarifying that review does not constitute endorsement.

Conflicts of Interest Policy

Full Disclosure Required

All contributors must disclose:

  • Stock ownership in companies discussed
  • Consulting fees or speaking honoraria
  • Advisory board positions
  • Employment relationships
  • Family connections
  • Any financial interests that could influence content

How We Manage Conflicts

Depending on severity, we:

  • Disclose prominently in the content
  • Assign additional reviewers for extra scrutiny
  • Remove the author from specific topics
  • Require divestment for significant conflicts

Commercial Relationships

We never:

  • Promise content coverage in exchange for payment
  • Allow advertisers to influence editorial content
  • Accept compensation for product recommendations
  • Suppress negative information due to business relationships

We always:

  • Clearly label sponsored content
  • Maintain separation between editorial and advertising
  • Base recommendations on merit, not commercial interests
  • Disclose affiliate relationships

Diversity and Inclusion

Inclusive Content

We are committed to:

  • Using respectful, person-first language
  • Representing diverse perspectives and voices
  • Featuring experts from underrepresented groups
  • Avoiding stereotypes and generalizations
  • Considering global and cultural contexts

Accessible Content

All content meets:

  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA
  • Plain language standards
  • Readability for diverse audiences
  • Compatibility with assistive technologies

We provide:

  • Alternative text for all images
  • Captions for all videos
  • Transcripts for audio content
  • Proper document structure
  • Keyboard navigation

Regulatory Compliance

Accuracy Standards

When citing regulations, we:

  • Reference specific regulatory citations
  • Verify current status and applicability
  • Note effective dates and jurisdictions
  • Distinguish regulations from guidance
  • Update when regulations change

Appropriate Disclaimers

We remind readers that:

  • General information doesn’t replace professional advice
  • Regulations vary by jurisdiction
  • Specific circumstances require expert consultation
  • Content is for informational purposes
  • Readers should verify current requirements

Legal Review

Content undergoes legal review when it involves:

  • Potential defamation concerns
  • Privacy-sensitive information
  • Professional advice implications
  • Product safety issues
  • Controversial or disputed claims

Your Privacy and Data

Information Collection

We collect minimal information necessary for:

  • Providing requested content and services
  • Improving user experience
  • Communicating important updates

Transparency

We clearly disclose:

  • What information we collect
  • How we use it
  • Who we share it with
  • How you can control it

See our complete Privacy Policy for details.

Accountability and Oversight

Editorial Leadership

Chief Editor: Oversees all editorial operations and maintains final authority on content standards

Editorial Review Board: Provides guidance on complex editorial matters and policy interpretation

Subject Matter Experts: Validate technical accuracy within their specialties

Quality Monitoring

We conduct:

  • Quarterly content audits
  • Regular accuracy reviews
  • Reader satisfaction surveys
  • Correction rate tracking
  • Continuous improvement initiatives

External Accountability

We participate in:

  • Industry peer review
  • Professional organization standards
  • Regulatory compliance verification
  • Third-party audits
  • Reader feedback mechanisms

Ethical Standards

Fundamental Commitments

We never:

  • Fabricate or embellish information
  • Plagiarize or misattribute content
  • Accept payment for editorial coverage
  • Suppress information due to business interests
  • Compromise accuracy for any reason

We always:

  • Respect privacy and confidentiality
  • Handle sensitive topics with care
  • Minimize potential harm
  • Provide balanced perspectives
  • Acknowledge complexity and uncertainty

Sensitive Content

When covering workplace incidents or injuries:

  • We focus on lessons learned, not blame
  • We protect privacy of affected individuals
  • We verify facts meticulously
  • We consider impact on families and communities
  • We avoid sensationalism

Continuous Improvement

Ongoing Enhancement

We regularly:

  • Review and update these standards
  • Train staff on best practices
  • Monitor industry developments
  • Incorporate reader feedback
  • Benchmark against leading organizations

Your Input Matters

We welcome your:

  • Feedback on content quality
  • Suggestions for improvement
  • Reports of errors or concerns
  • Questions about our processes
  • Ideas for topics to cover

Contact Us

Editorial Team

General Editorial Inquiries
Email: editorial@health-safety.online

Report an Error
Email: corrections@health-safety.online

Submit a Question
Email: questions@health-safety.online

Provide Feedback
Use the feedback form on any article or contact us directly

Mailing Address

Health & Safety Online
[Complete Mailing Address]
[City, State/Province, Postal Code]
[Country]

Our Promise

These editorial standards represent our solemn commitment to you. When you rely on Health & Safety Online for critical workplace safety information, you can trust that:

✓ Every fact has been verified
✓ Expert professionals have reviewed the content
✓ We maintain complete editorial independence
✓ We’ll correct any errors transparently and promptly
✓ Your safety is our primary concern

We don’t take shortcuts with your safety. We never will.