Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Because of the potentially serious health effects of airborne contaminants and other hazards, OSHA’s respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) establishes rigorous requirements for the safe use of respirators. Respirators protect workers from a host of workplace hazards, including insufficient oxygen, and harmful dust, fog, smoke, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays. Without this essential PPE, […]
One in five workers says they have been put in danger or injured because of a co-worker’s substance abuse. To keep your workplace safe, you have to recognize alcohol abuse that affects job performance and take steps to correct the problem. Recognizing alcohol abuse is the first step in preventing it in your workplace. A […]
There are hazards even in the safest workplaces. And one of the best ways to eliminate these dangers is through effective housekeeping. There’s a double payoff for emphasizing housekeeping and general maintenance—they make your workplace safer and more efficient. There are hidden hazards in even the safest-looking workplace. And most of them can be eliminated […]
Today and tomorrow, we present questions about OSHA regulatory requirements on a number of different issues, and the answers from BLR’s safety experts. Q. Do hand and power tools have annual inspection criteria above and beyond the need to inspect prior to use? A. There are no OSHA requirements under the hand and power tool […]
The new section 6(h) of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which greatly expanded the reach of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requires that within 3 years of the June 22, 2016, date of enactment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must propose rules to reduce risks (by reducing […]
Industry and many states are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to decide a critical jurisdictional matter related to the Clean Water Rule ((CWR), June 29, 2015, Federal Register (FR) promulgated by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). More commonly called the waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, the action provided […]
Click through for the articles from the past week on the Environmental Daily Advisor.
Wellness programs seem like a simple, appealing way to reduce skyrocketing healthcare costs. But be aware that some programs can run afoul of federal and state laws. Wellness programs encourage employees to adopt or maintain healthy lifestyles—or at least take the first steps toward learning about healthy alternatives. Choosing healthier alternatives to reduce cholesterol levels, […]
Yesterday, we presented the first four of OSHA’s seven employee safety training guidelines. Today, we conclude with the last three guidelines, plus some information about an essential training resource that will help you meet current and future safety training objectives easily and effectively. [You can read the first four guidelines here.] Step 5. Conduct the […]
After 27 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new regulations for underground storage tanks (USTs). Expanding on the 1988 regulations, the new regulations aim to curb releases of petroleum and hazardous substances into the environment. The EPA estimates that 6,000 UST releases are discovered annually. To minimize these releases, the revisions focus directly […]