Managing Universal Waste
Q. If I’m a large quantity generator, can I take advantage of managing my universal waste rechargeable batteries and compact fluorescent bulbs at hardware retailer locations?
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New Violations Revealed in the VW Case
In its September 18, 2015, announcement that Volkswagen AG had installed illegal emission defeat devices in 500,000 four-cylinder diesel vehicles sold in the U.S. since 2008, the EPA said it would continue testing the company’s vehicles for compliance with the Clean Air Act.
Don’t Get Penalized for Common Hazwaste Container Violations
By: Elizabeth Dickinson, JD Are you in compliance when it comes to container management? The most common Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulatory violations cited by state environmental regulatory agency inspectors are in connection with containers of hazardous waste. So, what are the most common mistakes in managing containers, and how can you avoid them […]
Safer Chemical Management: Is OSHA Trying an End-Run Around PELs?
With just a few exceptions, OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PELs) have not been updated since they were adopted in 1971. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) attempt at a mass update in 1989 was overturned by the 11th Circuit Court, and attempts to establish PELs for newly-recognized chemical hazards have largely been hamstrung in […]
Toxic and Hazardous Substances Records Checkup
One of the most tedious aspects of an environment, health, and safety (EHS) manager’s job is to keep track of a host of records. Don’t get caught without the necessary records in the event of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspection. One of the first things inspectors will […]
New Concerns About Risks of Surgical Smoke
A new study finds that healthcare workers continue to be exposed to hazardous surgical smoke despite known practices that could reduce the risk. Keep reading for important information on this and additional hazards faced by doctors, nurses, and others who work in surgical settings.
Safety and Health Curriculum Coming to U.S. Classrooms
In addition to math, social studies, and English, some students in grades 7 through 12 will participate in an interactive teaching module titled Safety Matters. Find out who’s bringing the safety message into the classroom and why.
Cal/OSHA Indoor Heat Citations Upheld
In an unprecedented decision, the California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board recently ruled in favor of Cal/OSHA’s 2012 citations against two employers because their Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (IIPP) failed to effectively address the hazard of indoor heat. Keep reading to learn what the decision means for California employers.
OSHA Clarifies “Day-to-Day Supervision” for Temporary Worker Injury and Illness Recordkeeping
OSHA recently clarified who is responsible for recording injuries and illnesses of contingent or temporary workers when supervision is shared by the host employer and the temporary staffing agency. The clarification came through a recent OSHA letter concerning temporary workers.
Safety and Health for the Holiday Season
The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is full of joy and celebration. But from stress and germs to distraction and overindulgence, it’s also fraught with hazards that can leave your employees ill, injured, or dispirited.