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The EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced approximately $850 million for 43 projects selected for negotiation that will help small oil and gas operators, tribes, and other entities across the country to reduce, monitor, measure, and quantify methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. “The selected projects funded by the Inflation […]
The EPA recently announced it has proposed its eighth rule under the new Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) process to protect workers from inhalation exposure to C.I. Pigment Violet 29 (PV29), a chemical that presents a risk of lung damage. If finalized, the rule would require respiratory protection and cleaning programs in workplaces where PV29 […]
On January 22, the National Safety Council (NSC) applauded the enactment of legislation in Michigan making opioid overdose-reversal medication like naloxone accessible in state workplaces when training on use and administration is available. The group pointed out that overdoses account for nearly one in 10 worker deaths on the job nationally and have increased by […]
On December 19, 2024, the EPA released “Water Affordability Needs Assessment,” a report to Congress detailing water affordability across the nation. It summarizes decades of research by utilities, academics, and associations and includes recommendations in three areas: The issue The EPA “estimates that between 12.1 million and 19.2 million households throughout the U.S. lack access […]
A cold snap enveloped much of the country this week, with large amounts of snow dropped on states that are unaccustomed to such precipitation like Louisiana, Texas and Florida. The Song of the Week, therefore, is a great 1973 deep cut from Neil Young called “Winterlong.” The yearning country rock love song was first performed […]
A Decatur, Alabama, manufacturer of GE appliances faces $193,585 in proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalties after a frontline supervisor’s death, the agency announced January 17. The 58-year-old supervisor suffered fatal injuries while trying to service a door molding machine. Agency inspectors found the company allowed workers to bypass the machine’s safety doors […]
Southeast Services of the Treasure Coast Inc., a Vero Beach, Florida, drainpipe cleaning and maintenance company, is facing a $16,131 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fine following a 24-year-old worker’s death, the agency announced January 16. According to OSHA, the employer could have prevented an explosion at a Port Saint Lucie worksite in June […]
Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a cornerstone of effective workplace safety programs. By systematically identifying and addressing risks before they cause harm, JSA not only helps businesses protect employees but also improves organizational efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances overall safety culture. When implemented properly, JSA goes beyond merely meeting regulatory requirements—it plays a critical role […]
On December 19, 2024, the EPA announced draft national recommendations for health-based levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water bodies. The recommendations cover three PFAS: PFAS are a large class of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been in use in the United States and around the world since the 1940s. PFAS’ ability to […]
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released a new safety video on its investigation into the August 2020 fire and toxic gas release at the Bio-Lab Lake Charles chemical facility in Westlake, Louisiana, the board announced January 7. The incident occurred when the facility was severely damaged by Hurricane Laura. The safety […]