First and foremost, I want to express my deepest condolences to all the families affected by the devastating explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems in Tennessee. My heart goes out to every person who lost a loved one, as well as to the community that lost an important employer and source of pride. This tragedy has left a deep mark on everyone touched by it.

I know this may sound controversial, but as I learned about this incident, I couldn’t help but wonder whether the company held any ISO certifications—particularly those related to safety or environmental management. Some may overlook the connection, but in my experience, ISO standards play a crucial role in shaping a company’s culture—whether that culture is focused on quality, environmental stewardship, worker safety, or information security.

The Role of ISO Standards in Building Accountability

From the moment I began working with ISO standards back in 2005, I learned that these frameworks aren’t just about compliance—they’re about accountability. One of the most important lessons I took to heart was:

If you had to stand trial to defend your report or your system, what would you say?

That same level of accountability should apply to safety and environmental systems as well.

When I looked into Accurate Energetic Systems’ website, I saw that they proudly listed their ISO 9001 certification. That’s commendable—it means they had a quality management system in place. However, ISO 9001 by itself focuses on quality, not necessarily on environmental or occupational health and safety performance.

The environmental and safety aspects are covered by ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, respectively.

Beyond Compliance: The Case for ISO 14001 and ISO 45001

It’s possible that the company maintained internal programs or “compliant” systems without certification, and that in itself is fine—certification isn’t always required. What matters most is whether a company truly applies the principles and requirements of these standards to hold itself accountable.

But for operations that involve hazardous materials or critical processes, I strongly recommend going beyond compliance—seek certification, or at least align with the intent of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. These standards are globally recognized, practical, and designed to help organizations manage risks proactively rather than reactively.

Would having these standards have prevented this tragedy? I can’t say for certain. No standard can guarantee perfection. But if adopting them could have prevented even 1% of the disaster—or saved even one life—it would have been worth it.

ISO Standards Are Tools for Improvement, Not Bureaucracy

ISO standards, contrary to some opinions, aren’t bureaucratic red tape meant to burden companies. Yes, they can be complex, and yes, access to the standards themselves has become costly, let alone certifying to them—but their purpose remains noble. They are tools to help organizations improve, protect their people, and operate responsibly.

Take ISO 45001, for example. This standard brings awareness to worker safety and health at every level of an organization. Even if implemented imperfectly at first, its principle of continual improvement ensures that organizations must strive to do better each year.

Clause 10 of ISO 45001 specifically requires ongoing improvement—meaning companies are audited not just on compliance, but on whether they are evolving and learning from incidents.

Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

This standard [ISO 45001] also emphasizes worker participation and consultation—something often overlooked but incredibly powerful. The people closest to the work are often the first to see risks. When companies listen to their workers and include them in safety discussions, it creates a culture where prevention becomes everyone’s responsibility.

Training and knowledge-sharing are also at the heart of ISO 45001. The standard ensures that workers receive the training they need and that lessons learned from past incidents are translated into procedures, work instructions, and safety measures that live beyond any individual employee or manager.

Reflecting on the Tennessee plant explosion and the importance of ISO standards reminds us that safety and accountability must always go hand in hand, strengthened by continual improvement and sincere leadership commitment.

A Call to Action for Industry Leaders

Once again, my deepest condolences go to the families and the company. Losing lives and livelihoods in such a devastating way is something no organization should ever experience.

But for those in similar industries—especially those handling hazardous materials, chemical processes, or high-risk operations—let this be a call to action.

Look into ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. These standards won’t just demonstrate your commitment to safety—they will help you build a culture that values it every day.

Implementing them may not prevent every accident, but they will set the foundation for a systematic, proactive approach to risk, one that saves lives, protects communities, and strengthens the integrity of your operations.