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On September 8, 2023, the EPA published a proposed consent decree to finalize nationwide standards that will protect U.S. waterways from harmful vessel discharges. Under the agreement, the agency must release final regulations on ballast water discharges by September 24, 2024. The proposed consent decree is to settle Center for Biological Diversity et al. v. […]
An Augusta, Georgia, battery manufacturer faces $160,727 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines for exposing employees to unsafe levels of lead, the agency announced September 27. OSHA made its determination based on personal air monitoring of workers and lead accumulation on respirators and counters in areas where workers took their lunch breaks. The […]
Do you have effective ergonomics interventions in place at your facilities or worksites? How much are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) costing you? Ergonomic hazards are among the costliest workplace hazards, according to Liberty Mutual’s latest Workplace Safety Index (WSI). “Overexertion involving outside sources” (lifting heavy loads) tops the insurer’s WSI. Overexertion injuries collectively cost employers $12.84 […]
On September 25, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced an enforcement and compliance assistance initiative aimed at silica exposures in the engineered stone fabrication and installation industries. OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have identified silica dust exposure as a health hazard for workers in manufacturing, finishing, and […]
On September 14, 2023, the EPA announced a final rule to restore the fundamental authority granted by Congress under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to states, territories, and tribes to protect water resources. “The Agency’s final Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification Improvement Rule (Section 401) will support clear, efficient, and focused water […]
A 19-year-old worker in Florida suffered fatal injuries after a concrete mixer restarted while the teen tried to clean the machine’s inside. Now, Newnan, Georgia-based Foley Products Company faces $245,546 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalties for one willful and six serious violations, the agency announced September 20. OSHA inspectors determined that two […]
On September 6, 2023, the EPA announced it reached a settlement with Suncor Energy Inc. (Suncor) resolving alleged violations of the Clean Air Act’s (CAA) fuels requirements at Suncor’s Commerce City, Colorado, refining operations. Suncor will pay a $160,660 civil penalty and has agreed to implement a supplemental environmental project, which requires the company to […]
On September 18, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it cited Holmes Foods Inc., a Nixon, Texas, poultry processor, for ergonomics hazards. OSHA cited Holmes Foods for five serious safety and health violations that also included failure to provide required eye protection; not developing lockout/tagout procedures to prevent sudden machine start-ups; and failure […]
A decision in Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation LLP v. EPA by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit found that a Clean Air Act (CAA) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permit wasn’t required to restart operations at a St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, refinery, even though the facility has been idle since […]
An EPA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report, dated September 6, 2023, recommends that the EPA enhance oversight to ensure all refineries remain in compliance with benzene fenceline monitoring regulations. “Oversight by the EPA and delegated authorities has not ensured that all refineries that exceed the action level reduce their benzene concentrations at their fencelines,” […]