First GHG Emissions Standards for Commercial Aircraft Proposed by EPA
On July 22, 2020, the EPA proposed the first greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for new commercial aircraft that will apply to all large passenger jets.
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OSHA Citations for Falsifying Abatement Claims Upheld By ALJ
An Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) administrative law judge (ALJ) upheld citations of a hardwood-flooring manufacturer for falsely claiming to have corrected previously cited workplace safety and health hazards. In July 2018, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Timberline Hardwood Floors LLC with willful violations for uncorrected hazards.
Amid Shortages, Cal/OSHA Issues Updated ATD Respirator Guidance
On August 6, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) released updated guidance for healthcare employers facing severe shortages of respirators during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The supply chain for respirators has improved but is not yet fully restored, according to Cal/OSHA.
The Latest on PFAS and Drinking Water
As we move into the last month of the summer, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water are a hot topic for many states and the EPA.
NSC Urges Governors to Lead Testing, Contract Tracing Efforts
The National Safety Council (NSC) urged Governor Larry Hogan (R-Md.), chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA), and Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.), vice chairman of the NGA, to develop consistent testing and tracing protocols for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. The NSC and a coalition that included state safety councils called on the governors of […]
EPA Funds Research into NAMs for Chemical Toxicokinetics
On August 3, 2020, the EPA announced it is awarding $3,980,782 to 5 academic research teams for the development of New Approach Methods (NAMs) for evaluating chemical toxicokinetics.
Now’s the Time to Migrate from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001
In March of 2018, occupational health and safety (OHS) management systems got a global upgrade with the publication of a new International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard. ISO 45001:2018, Occupational health and safety management systems—Requirements with guidance for use, will replace Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) 18001. If you’re planning on maintaining an […]
How to Bring Office Workers Back Safely
With offices across the country slowly reopening, workers are returning to a changed landscape with new procedures and office norms. This means that companies must review their emergency preparedness plans and adapt them to the realities of the pandemic.
ASSP Aims to Remove Barriers to Safety and Health While Improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the world’s oldest professional safety organization founded in 1911, is taking steps to improve diversity, equity and inclusion within the Society and throughout the occupational safety and health profession. The formation of a board-level task force this summer represents ASSP’s renewed commitment to principles of fairness, respect and […]
Addressing SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Exposure Risk Using Engineering Controls
Due to increasing COVID-19 case counts across many states, public health officials are recommending source control measures to reduce disease transmission, including mandatory mask use in public places. Unfortunately, these measures rely upon the user’s effective compliance, both in work and in social settings. Growing evidence suggests that aerosols may play a part in the […]