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The EPA’s proposed rules on regulating ethylene oxide (EtO) have sparked a catfight between the EPA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to several sources. In April 2023, the EPA issued two proposals aimed at reducing EtO emissions, including more stringent air emissions standards and additional protections for workers who are exposed to […]
On July 21, 2023, the EPA published a final rule in the Federal Register that removes the “emergency” affirmative defense provisions from the EPA’s Title V operating permit program regulations. Title V background The Title V program requires major sources of air pollutants, and certain other sources, to obtain and operate in compliance with an […]
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) updated National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs), which continue the EPA’s focus on reducing risks of accidental releases at industrial and chemical facilities. For the first time, the EPA’s initiatives emphasize inspecting and addressing noncompliance at facilities that use […]
Back to Basics is a weekly feature that highlights important but possibly overlooked information that any EHS professional should know. This week, we examine foot and leg protection standards. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a crucial factor in many industries for keeping employees safe. There are different standards for each piece of equipment, such as […]
An international automotive services franchisor faces $256,707 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalties for one willful and 12 serious safety and health violations at its franchised Take 5 Car Wash location in Beechwood, Ohio, the agency announced September 7. Take 5 Car Wash is a franchised automotive service center of Driven Brands, whose […]
It’s September and the kids are back to school, but the summer heat persists. We just went through the hottest summer since records began in 1940, and the current heat wave has forced school closings and early dismissals throughout the Midwest and the Northeast. Given these sweltering conditions, this week’s EHSDA Song of the Week […]
For the majority of her career, Helen Harris worked in the oil and gas industry, primarily for wellhead manufacturing and service companies. In 2012 while working for General Electric, she met Todd Conklin and was introduced to Human and Organizational Performance (HOP), kicking off her continuous exploration of thought leadership in HOP and reliability and […]
A Stafford, Texas, engine components manufacturer faces $298,250 in proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalties for 2 repeat and 14 new serious violations, the agency announced August 31. OSHA cited Air Starter Components Inc. with two repeat violations for failing to adjust bench grinders properly and not posting 2022 injury and illness logs, […]
On August 29, 2023, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) announced a final rule amending the 2023 definition of “waters of the United States (WOTUS)” to conform with the recent U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) decision in Sackett v. EPA. Having a clear and defensible definition of WOTUS is critical for Clean […]
When people typically think of the Bee Gees, they think of the “Saturday Night Fever” era and white suits and disco balls (as we did earlier this year), but the brothers Gibb had a decent career as pop performers before that. On this EHSDA Song of the Week, the Bee Gees weave a compelling tale […]