In the world of occupational health and safety, we often hear terms like standards, codes, regulations, specifications, and practices tossed around as if they’re interchangeable. But they’re not. Each plays a unique role in shaping how safety is defined, implemented, and enforced across industries. Whether you’re a safety professional, factory owner, site engineer, or student in safety management, understanding these differences can be the key to legal compliance, risk reduction, and safer work environments.