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Faces of EHS: Rocco Martini Embraces His Role as Both Safety Rookie and Veteran

For Rocco Martini, a career in environment, health, and safety (EHS) was a calling to help others, and his passion for continual learning has led him to follow this calling to ever-higher levels in his work as a safety specialist at Shell Polymers. For our latest “Faces of EHS” profile, we sat down with Rocco […]

elastomeric half-mask respirator (EHMR)

NIOSH Approves New Elastomeric Respirator, Publishes Research into Face Coverings

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently approved the first elastomeric respirator without an exhalation valve, developed by the Mine Safety Appliance (MSA) Corporation. Elastomeric respirators are half-facepiece or full-facepiece respirators made with a facepiece of synthetic or natural rubber material that can be repeatedly used, cleaned, disinfected, stored, and reused.

OSHA log, OSHA inspections

OIG: Reduced OSHA Inspections During COVID-19 Put Workers at Risk

Reduced Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workplace inspections during the COVID-19 pandemic left U.S. workers’ safety at increased risk, the Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) concluded in its audit of the agency.

Energy infrastructure

Jennifer Granholm Confirmed as Energy Secretary

The Senate confirmed former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as the Energy Secretary for the Biden administration on February 25, 2021, by a 64–35 vote.

chemical reporting

EPA Seeks to Strengthen Science in TSCA Review Process

On February 16, 2021, the EPA announced it “will refine its approach to selecting and reviewing the scientific studies that are used to inform Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) chemical risk evaluations (known as systematic review).”

California and COVID-19

Cal/OSHA Has Cited More Companies for COVID-19 Violations

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) cited additional employers for failing to protect employees from COVID-19 exposures, including a Los Angeles garment manufacturing company facing $102,550 in proposed penalties. California is one of a handful of states that established an emergency temporary standard (ETS) last year for workplace COVID-19 exposures.

Asbestos exposure, asbestos danger

Occupational Asbestos Exposure: Still a Threat

Asbestos usage remains a public health issue in the United States—we have not banned asbestos use, and there is still a plethora of products being used that contain asbestos. That’s why we continue to see considerable concerns surrounding asbestos exposure, and companies should ensure that, where asbestos is present, they alert workers and contractors to […]