Archives

Should Your Hazardous Waste Be Managed As Universal Waste?

Determining whether you are allowed to, and also whether you should, manage certain generated wastes as universal wastes rather than hazardous wastes is a dilemma that can plague a generator of hazardous waste. The questions the issue brings forth range from knowing what hazardous wastes qualify for universal waste management to identifying the perceivable advantages […]

DOE Issues RFP for Advanced Coal-Fired Power Plants

Over the last several months, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has taken two actions intended to ensure that coal-fired power plants continue to comprise a substantial portion of the nation’s energy portfolio. In December 2018, the DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy (FE) issued a request for proposal (RFP) seeking “conceptual designs for coal-based power […]

Warehouse safety

OSHA’s Citation and Fine of Wal-Mart Vacated

An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) vacated OSHA’s citation of Wal-Mart and one of its contractors for alleged violations of the lockout/tagout standard. The alleged violation was cited following an incident in which a worker at a Brundidge, Alabama, distribution center was struck by an automated trolley October 18, 2016, and sustained a serious leg injury.

HazCom, GHS

What HazCom Updates Can You Expect This Year?

OSHA is expected to revise its Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard this year to bring it in line with the current Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals and formalize various enforcement policies that have been issued since the last major update to HazCom in 2012. Employers that manufacture, import, distribute, or use […]

USA! USA!

Shift in State AG Numbers Could Affect Environmental Policy, Enforcement

The results of the November 2018 midterm elections could have an impact on environmental policy and enforcement. Less noticed than the takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives by the Democrats, but also significant, were victories by Democrats in four state attorney general (AG) contests. Nationwide, the voting shifted the balance in favor of Democrats, […]

Sewage treatment plant

EPA Urged by OIG to Assess Unregulated Pollutants in Biosolids

Following a 14-month performance audit of the EPA’s biosolids program, the EPA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) found what it believes to be significant gaps in the Agency’s implementation of its statutory obligation to protect human health and the environment. The major weakness identified by the OIG relates to the EPA’s regulation of pollutants in […]

electronic reporting recordkeeping filing

Electronic Recordkeeping: OSHA Finalizes Rule Changes

OSHA announced today that it has issued a final rule eliminating the requirement for establishments with 250 or more employees to electronically submit information from the OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) and OSHA Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report). Covered establishments—establishments with 250 or more employees that are required to […]