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How to Develop Your Training Blueprint

Developing a safety training blueprint can help ensure that training goals are met and all employees who need to be trained learn all they need to know. When you’re preparing a new training program, you need to begin by researching exactly what your training needs are, who specifically needs to be trained, and how best […]

Cell Phones and Driving: New Technology May Be the Answer

As we reported in yesterday’s Advisor, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recently recommended that states ban all drivers from using cellular technology—including hands-free and Bluetooth sets. Safety experts have been saying for a long time that the real safety issue is distracted driving, not hand-held versus hands-free phones. Drivers can be distracted by […]

UST Releases: What You Have to Report Within 30 Days, 45 Days

UST Reporting Within 30 Days of Release A leaking tank may be repaired if standard industry practices are followed. After completion of the repair, the tank must be tested within 30 days. When testing the tank, use one of these methods: An industry-standard internal or tightness test Leak detection monitoring (but not the combination method […]

UST Release Reporting: How to Know What to Do and When

Immediately After Release If you suspect that a release may have occurred, you must immediately notify your state or local implementing agency. If the tank is in territory controlled by Native Americans, you must contact the EPA regional UST program office. Quick action on your part can minimize the extent of environmental damage and the […]

"Circadian Rhythms: The Enemy of Shiftwork?"

Yesterday, we talked about two common health effects of shiftwork. Today, we explore circadian rhythm in more detail and their impact on worker safety and health. As we said yesterday, human body functions follow a daily rhythm, or 24-hour cycle, known as circadian rhythm. This internal clock regulates sleeping, waking, digestion, secretion of adrenaline, body […]

Are You Prepared for an SPCC Plan Inspection?

By Amanda Czepiel, J.D. BLR Legal Editor For many, that question will be answered during an EPA inspection. Your best bet to pass an SPCC plan inspection? Be prepared. EPA has been conducting SPCC plan inspections since 1973 in an effort to minimize oil spills from reaching U.S. waters, and in recent years, has stepped […]