Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
During the first half of 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) enforcement record has proven that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Despite shifting priorities and upheaval regarding the scope of the Agency’s jurisdiction over waters of the United States (WOTUS), the EPA has quietly continued to issue hefty fines […]
In September 2016, three patients at the University of Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington, developed secondary infections after undergoing treatment. Their infections were ultimately identified as Legionella pneumonia—a bacterial infection that is usually caused by airborne exposure to Legionella pneumophila. As the hospital began investigating the outbreak, more cases appeared. Something in the hospital […]
Q. Does a trucking terminal need an SPCC plan? A. Although the SPCC regulations are geared to non-transportation-related facilities, in the transportation sector, SPCC rules also apply to many terminals and maintenance facilities, depending on their location and the amount of oil stored on site. A trucking terminal is subject to the rule if it […]
A Stafford, Texas, engine components manufacturer faces $298,250 in proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalties for 2 repeat and 14 new serious violations, the agency announced August 31. OSHA cited Air Starter Components Inc. with two repeat violations for failing to adjust bench grinders properly and not posting 2022 injury and illness logs, […]
EHS Now’s exclusive online summit is taking place on September 14-15, 2022. This free virtual event is catered to EHS professionals looking to develop and refine their skills on a variety of topics, including management strategies, environmental compliance, psychological safety, hand safety, fall protection, and more. Join your peers for some great educational sessions! Day […]
A Regulatory Review for Meth Lab Clean Up The illegal manufacturing of meth is occurring nationwide in cities and towns, homes and businesses, and even in vehicles. It can be accomplished using over-the-counter drugs and household chemicals such as ammonia, solvents, muriatic acid, and even salt. Due to the variety of “recipes” for “cooking” meth, […]
November 25, this year. Retailers have it marked on their calendars and look forward with excitement and dread. Black Friday can often mean big profits for stores, but it can also mean extra danger for their employees and customers because of the rush to get that “special” toy or other item. In addition, the Occupational […]
An assemblage of environmental, public health, and worker rights groups filed three challenges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit against the chemical Risk Evaluation Rule the EPA issued in July 2017 as required by the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Petitioners also challenged aspects of the Agency’s […]
By Al Vreeland OSHA’s new electronic recordkeeping rule, finalized in May, requires certain employers to submit injury and illness data to OSHA. But it also includes provisions intended to prevent employers from retaliating against employees who report injuries, among them a caution against postaccident drug testing. Here’s what guest columnist Al Vreeland thinks about the […]
