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The EPA announced November 19 it is “indefinitely extending COVID-19 activation of the emerging viral pathogens (EVP) guidance for antimicrobial pesticides. EPA’s EVP guidance for antimicrobial pesticides is a part of the federal government’s pandemic preparedness, allowing manufacturers to provide the Agency with data, even in advance of an outbreak, demonstrating that their products are […]
In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at EHS Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber asking whether evacuation route maps are required by OSHA. See what the experts had to say. Q: We are looking into evacuation plans and their requirements. […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it is seeking proposed penalties totaling $374,603 following the death of a worker who fell about 60 feet from a roof during demolition of a Brooklyn building. OSHA cited Richmond Construction Inc. of Jamaica, New York, for two willful, one repeat, and six serious violations of workplace […]
The emergence of a new COVID-19 variant has put employers on notice that they may need to beef up their safety protocols or change reopening plans as the omicron variant makes its entrance in the United States. The new variant was discovered abroad in late November. Then, on December 1, the White House confirmed the […]
Back to Basics is a weekly feature that highlights important but possibly overlooked information that any EHS professional should know. This week, we examine what happens when a fire sprinkler system fails. Fire sprinkler systems are installed in commercial and industrial (C&I) facilities to protect occupants, property structures, and contents. These systems contain fires and […]
Doug Parker, the new assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health, previously headed the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). How might the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) begin to resemble Cal/OSHA? Federal OSHA already has three rulemakings in the works that delve into issues already regulated in California: […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) November 29 announced it had cited two Rhode Island contractors for cave-in hazards at the site of a Warwick, Rhode Island, sewer line excavation. The agency is seeking proposed penalties from the two employers of over $75,000. The agency cited Reyes Landscaping for two willful and five serious […]
In a report dated November 10, 2021, the EPA Office of Inspector General (OIG) asserted, “The lack of five board members may prevent the [Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB)] from achieving its stated mission to ‘drive chemical safety change through independent investigation to protect people and the environment.’” The CSB was created by […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has extended the comment period for its November 5 COVID-19 vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS). Written comments on any aspect of the ETS, which had been due December 6, now must be submitted by January 19, 2022, to the rulemaking Docket No. OSHA-2021-0007 at www.regulations.gov. OSHA […]
Across industrial and commercial sectors, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is changing how enterprises approach employee safety, health, performance, and quality. Cloud-connected personal protection wearables can deliver comprehensive real-time safety for at-risk workers, including those working alone or in remote areas, near hazardous gases or in confined spaces. No matter if it’s an injury, […]