Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
The COVID-19 outbreak is at top of mind for environment, health, and safety (EHS) professionals nationwide.
In conducting COVID-19-related inspections, OSHA has frequently cited employers for violating certain standards. In the fourth quarter (Q4), OSHA cited 176 employers for COVID-19-related violations, including failure to protect employees from exposure to COVID-19 and not following respiratory protection standards. These penalties resulted in $2,936,089 in fines, ranging from $1,000 to nearly $33,000.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) cited eight employers across the state for not protecting workers from COVID-19 following inspections at meat processing facilities. Many were cited for violations of the state’s injury and illness prevention program standard—a state regulation with no corresponding federal standard.
ASTM International, a standards-setting organization formerly known as The American Society for Testing and Materials, is developing a new specification for face coverings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended cloth face coverings for the general public to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has […]
Two big news stories that you have no doubt been following lately are the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and the presidential transition. However, what is a little less widely known is that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the so-called “forever chemicals” that have become a concern for environmental regulators as well as environment, health, […]
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated its guidance on how employers can navigate federal antidiscrimination laws while requiring employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Employers have reported a lower recordable injury rate and a decreased number of near-miss incidents due to an increased focus on health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report released by the National Safety Council (NSC). However, some organizations also reported that the focus on pandemic-related risks sometimes took attention away from […]
Filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) with exhalation valves, as well as a surgical mask or an unregulated face covering, can reduce a wearer’s aerosol emissions, according to a report released on December 9 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). With modifications, the respirators can offer the same level of source control as […]
The long-awaited COVID-19 vaccines are apparently close to mass distribution across the country. It’s a welcome development but also one that may put employers in a quandary: Should they require employees to be vaccinated, and, if not, what should they do to keep workers safe?
Whistleblower charges alleging workplace safety retaliation have surged dramatically during COVID-19. Approximately 30 percent more charges have been filed with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) over the same period last year, according to a recent audit from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General.
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) announced citations of nine employers for allegedly failing to protect their employees from exposure to COVID-19.