Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
As today’s workplace becomes more complex, regulation of that workplace increases. In this section, you’ll find the practical advice you need to understand exactly what OSHA, other federal agencies, and their state counterparts, require of you, and to comply in the ways that best satisfy both your and their needs. Look also for important court decisions, advice on how to handle enforcement actions, and news of upcoming changes in workplace health and safety law.
Free Special Report: What to Expect from an OSHA Inspection
On June 9, 2023, the EPA reported on its analysis of operations at Suncor petroleum refinery in Commerce City, Colorado. The analysis was undertaken because Suncor reported more air pollution incidents compared with other refineries. The Suncor analysis serves as a case study for industry to use to prevent similar compliance issues. The Agency reported […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced June 28 that an administrative law judge (ALJ) with the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission ruled that Shawn D. Purvis is personally responsible for $1,572,340 in OSHA fines. Purvis, who does business as Purvis Home Improvement Co. Inc., willfully exposed roofing workers to fall hazards at […]
On June 26, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) announced citations for two Half Moon Bay farms where seven workers were shot and killed January 23. Cal/OSHA cited California Terra Garden, Inc., for 22 violations, including 5 serious and 1 serious, accident-related for failing to have a plan or procedures to immediately […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced “shocking” findings of a workplace safety investigation into a behavioral health and substance disorder facility in Jacksonville, Fla. According to the federal probe, workers at the UHS of Delaware Inc.-Wekiva Springs Center LLC (operating as Wekiva Springs Hospital) were assaulted, confined by patients, and suffered broken bones, concussions, and […]
In May, U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen of the U.S. District Court in Montana ruled the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) violated the Clean Water Act (CWA) in its use of fire-retardant materials in areas with waterways without a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The judge also ruled the USFS can continue to use […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced June 22 that Dollar Tree Inc. is facing $294,668 in new OSHA fines following the agency’s inspection of a Coventry, Rhode Island, store. In response to a complaint, inspectors found store employees were exposed to slip and trip hazards created by haphazardly stacked boxes that were falling […]
On May 24, 2023, the EPA issued guidance for correctly applying hazardous waste and recycling regulations in the disposal of lithium-ion batteries. These types of batteries are used in cars, electronics, lawnmowers, e-scooters, electric bicycles, and many other devices, and usage of these types of batteries continues to increase. “The growth of the circular economy […]
On June 1, 2023, the EPA issued a final rule to update confidential business information (CBI) requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that increases transparency, modernizes the reporting and review procedures for CBI, and aligns with the 2016 amendments to TSCA. “The final rule allows EPA to release non-confidential information more quickly, demonstrating […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced June 20 it cited JBS Green Bay Inc. with four repeat, four serious, and two other-than-serious violations after a worker at a Wisconsin meat processing plant suffered crushing injuries to his right index and middle fingers while removing a shackle from a cow moving down a trolley […]
On episode 163 of EHS On Tap, Brian Feeley, vice president, Current Consulting Group, talks about the use of oral fluid drug testing in workplaces. This episode is sponsored by OraSure Technologies.