Category: Personnel Safety

Marijuana and opioids, drug use

EHS on Tap: E43 Safety in the Stoned Age: Discerning ‘Impairment’ from ‘Under the Influence’

More and more states are legalizing traditionally illegal substances such as marijuana, and legal substances such as alcohol or prescription medication still have a high potential for abuse. It’s a special concern for environment, health, and safety professionals, as on-the-job use or abuse of any drug can potentially have devastating, even life-threatening consequences. However, safety […]

Food processing, coffee roasting and packaging

SDS Fail Exposes Food Processing Workers to Hazardous Chemicals

Safety data sheets (SDSs) for several bulk flavorings failed to list hazardous substances, according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) findings. Out of 26 bulk liquid flavorings obtained from two U.S. coffee roasting and packaging facilities, 21 contained diacetyl, and 15 contained 2,3-pentanedione.

Fentanyl in a bag safely handled with gloves

NIOSH Video Addresses Fentanyl Hazards for First Responders

At the beginning of a video released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a police officer is exposed to fentanyl and experiences symptoms of an overdose. The video serves to highlight the risks to first responders who may be exposed to fentanyl on the job, along with recommendations to stay safe […]

Grain storage

OSHA Joins with Industry to Highlight Grain Safety

Grain engulfment is one of the most serious, sometimes fatal, safety and health hazards in the agriculture and grain and feed processing industries. OSHA and its industry partners are sponsoring a “Stand-Up for Grain Safety Week,” March 25–29, to alert workers to grain handling hazards.

Safety consensus, meeting, agreement, chemical plant

CSB Highlights Consensus Standards to Promote Safety

The U.S. Chemical and Safety Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) recently released a Safety Spotlight recommending that employers closely apply industry consensus standards to safeguard employee and public safety. Titled “The Importance of Industry Safety Guidelines, Codes, and Standards,” the report highlights the CSB’s role in accident investigation and focuses on several safety codes and standards […]