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safety metrics

Leading and Lagging Indicators: Complementary Parts of EHS Metrics Success

We live in an age where the success of many—if not most—business initiatives depends on the proper collection, analysis, and utilization of data. This holds true for those of us in the environment, health, and safety (EHS) arena, and EHS managers and professionals must ensure their lagging and leading indicators work together in order to […]

incinerator

EPA Plans to Study Incineration of PFAS Waste

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are also known as forever chemicals due to their near-indestructible nature. They were used in everything from firefighting foam to nonstick cookware and food packaging to furniture.

Boiler Chimney

Proposed NESHAP Amendments for Boilers and Process Heaters

On August 24, 2020, the EPA published proposed rules that, if enacted, will amend the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the control of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) at major sources from new and existing industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) boilers and process heaters.

OSHA Binder

Labor OIG Audits OSHA’s COVID-19 Whistleblower Enforcement

The Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released an audit report of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) handling of whistleblower complaints during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The OIG recommended that OSHA fill staff vacancies in the Whistleblower Protection Program (WPP), continue a pilot triage program in its Region […]

Beryllium on periodic table

Final Beryllium Rules Issued by OSHA

On August 31, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rulemaking amending the construction and shipyard standards for beryllium exposures (85 FR 53910). The amendments take effect on September 30.

Oregon state flag facemask

Oregon Latest State to Propose Emergency COVID-19 Standard

Oregon has proposed an emergency temporary standard for workplace coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission. While there is no federal workplace safety and health standard for coronavirus exposures, California has an airborne transmissible disease standard for certain workplaces, and Virginia approved an emergency temporary standard for COVID-19 in July.

Digitization of EHS, data and statistics

Now’s the Time to Take EHS Programs Digital

COVID-19 has disrupted the business world on a scale many of us have never before seen. It’s important to look for opportunity amid crisis, however, and for environment, health, and safety (EHS) professionals, our current moment may be a great chance to focus on the efficient digitization of organizational EHS programs.

food product manufacturing

Food Manufacturing COVID-19 Safety Checklist Released by OSHA and FDA

On August 19, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the release of a checklist for food manufacturers that are continuing, resuming, or reevaluating operations during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The checklist covers ensuring safe workplaces, investigating exposures and testing for coronavirus infections, and configuring […]