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Dollar General Corp. and its parent, Dolgencorp LLC, face $3.4 million in new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines, the agency announced May 23. OSHA unveiled citations resulting from inspections at nine Dollar General locations in Maine, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Violations included blocked exit routes and electrical and fire hazards. The agency […]
In April 2023, a coalition of 13 environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the EPA, alleging the Agency has violated the Clean Water Act (CWA) by failing to make mandatory updates to wastewater pollution regulations for seven industry sectors. The suit asks the court to direct the EPA to review its decision to not revise […]
The Biden administration made it clear from day 1 that addressing environmental justice (EJ) issues would be a top priority. With the initial groundwork completed, the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an interim resolution agreement in their EJ investigation into the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Lowndes […]
Last month, the EPA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) asking the public for input regarding potential future hazardous substance designations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund. “Today’s announcement highlights EPA’s commitment to transparency and the use of the […]
On May 11, 2023, the EPA announced proposed new carbon pollution standards for coal and natural gas-fired power plants that will protect public health, reduce harmful pollutants, and deliver up to $85 billion in climate and public health benefits over the next two decades. “The proposal for coal and new natural gas power plants would […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced May 17 it cited United Hospital Supply Corp. of Burlington, New Jersey, after an employee suffered the amputation of three fingers while operating a press brake without required safety guards on his first day at work. OSHA cited the employer with 3 willful violations, 17 serious violations, and […]
This month, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) unveiled its latest enhanced program of safety outreach and enforcement: a National Emphasis Program (NEP) for falls from height across all industries. Is your industry a focus for OSHA enforcement? Are you ready if it is? Construction sites are at risk for falls. Besides construction, however, […]
On May 3, 2023, the EPA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register banning most uses of methylene chloride. The EPA’s authority for the proposed rule is provided under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), with methylene chloride being the second chemical to undergo risk management under the reformed process created by the 2016 […]
On May 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its “Ventilation in Buildings” guidelines to include a discussion on “How much ventilation is enough?” to help prevent airborne disease transmission. “When possible, aim for 5 or more air changes per hour (ACH) of clean air to help reduce the number of germs […]
On May 12, California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) warned the state’s employers to protect outdoor workers from heat illness. High temperatures are forecast this week for several areas across the state, including Modesto, Palm Springs, Riverside, and San Bernardino. The agency cautioned employers to closely observe employees working in hotter conditions for […]