What is the first responsibility of an organization with regard to laws and regulations?

The first responsibility of an organization with regard to laws and regulations is to ensure compliance with applicable laws. This is fundamental because laws establish the legal framework within which an organization must operate. Compliance protects the organization from legal penalties, enhances safety, and promotes ethical practices. Organizations must prioritize understanding and adhering to the laws relevant to their operations, which can include workplace safety regulations, environmental laws, labor laws, and industry-specific requirements.

While adherence to consensus standards and voluntary application of standards can be beneficial, they typically build upon the base requirement of legal compliance. Non-governmental agencies may provide useful guidance, but that guidance does not carry the same legal weight as statutory requirements. Therefore, the primary responsibility and the starting point for any organization's approach to regulations must be to ensure they are operating within the boundaries set by law.