For generations, Underwriters Laboratories has been an important name in the insurance industry. Now branded as UL Solutions, Underwriters Laboratories, or UL, is a not-for-profit organization with over 100 years of history.
In the 1890s, UL’s founder worked with leaders in the insurance industry to set up an independent testing laboratory for electrical equipment. Then as today, poorly designed electrical equipment and wiring could lead to severe shock and could also cause fires, both of which proved costly to insurance companies and policyholders alike.
Today, UL operates all over the world. It provides a wide range of testing services to businesses which want to evaluate the safety or effectiveness of their products or processes.
Although a UL certification is not the same as government approval, it can go a long way toward getting a product or other process off the ground. UL also publishes standards for safety, environmental sustainability and the like which many industries rely on.
Why would my business want to work with UL?
Those in the American hospitality industry may question why they would ever need to work with UL if they are not designing products.
However, it is important to keep in mind that UL now offers a wide range of services to its customers. To give just one example, UL can certify that an organization’s suppliers are treating their workers fairly and are also being mindful of the environment.
To give another example that is a frequent hot topic in today’s world, UL can help with cybersecurity testing.
Why would I need someone to represent me before UL?
Getting approval from UL can play an important role in advancing a business’s overall strategy. It offers an organization assurance that it will not be exposed to reputational or other risks because of the way it is operating.
It also can allow the organization to market itself in ways that can attract customers.
Applying for UL certification requires a lot of preliminary legwork. A business will want to make sure that it puts its best foot forward when working with UL so it can obtain the certifications it desires.
If UL has questions or concerns about a certification request, it also helpful to have someone who can explain the business’s position.