Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
As today’s workplace becomes more complex, regulation of that workplace increases. In this section, you’ll find the practical advice you need to understand exactly what OSHA, other federal agencies, and their state counterparts, require of you, and to comply in the ways that best satisfy both your and their needs. Look also for important court decisions, advice on how to handle enforcement actions, and news of upcoming changes in workplace health and safety law.
Free Special Report: What to Expect from an OSHA Inspection
The House of Representatives recently voted 216 to 212 to repeal the power plant rule that “prevents facilities previously subject to strict standards for seven hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act (CAA) from being reclassified into a less-strict category of regulation,” according to a Washington Examiner article on MSN News. No replacement rule […]
The EPA officially reports it lost 733 staffers from January 1 to May 30, 2025, according to an article by The Hill. However, that number is certainly higher, as staffers who opted out when the “fork in the road” buyout offer e-mail was sent are still counted as employees because they still draw a salary. […]
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) recently cited Hillsboro-based Renner Trucking and Excavating Inc. for repeated violations of trench cave-in rules, the agency announced May 28. The state safety and health agency is seeking $80,804 in penalties. Oregon OSHA cited the employer following an inspection that found two employees working in a […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced June 4 that it has reached a settlement with Adidas America Inc., requiring the company to pay $235,000 in fines and implement enhanced safety measures at multiple facilities. OSHA conducted a 2024 follow-up inspection at an Adidas warehouse in upstate New York. The agency initially cited the […]
On June 2, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the launch of an “opinion letter” program across five agencies, providing workers, employers, and others with compliance assistance. The program includes letters of interpretation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explaining the agency’s regulatory requirements. The DOL’s Employee Benefits Security Administration, Mine Safety and […]
On May 28, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) celebrated the 50th anniversary of its nonenforcement program On-Site Consultation. Launched in 1975, the program has expanded to serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories. According to OSHA, the program helps employers identify workplace hazards, improve safety practices, and build […]
On May 27, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released a final report on three chemical incidents involving hydrogen fluoride (HF) at the Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies facility in Geismar, Louisiana. The incidents occurred over a period of less than three years—from October 2021 to June 2024—and revealed systemic safety failures […]
Valenti’s Bakery LLC, a Patterson, New Jersey, commercial bakery, has reached a settlement agreement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to resolve litigation after a May 2024 follow-up investigation at the company’s facility found previously identified hazards hadn’t been addressed. OSHA initially investigated Valenti’s Bakery in June 2023 after an employee suffered partial […]
On May 14, 2025, the EPA announced it will keep the current National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which set nationwide limits for these “forever chemicals” in drinking water. “The Agency is committed to addressing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water while following the […]
As the EPA continues to cancel and freeze funding for grants awarded under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), environmental justice programs appear to be targeted, with more than $2.4 billion in grant funding for disadvantaged communities eliminated. “The administration argues these programs constitute ‘favoritism’ and has tied them to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives it […]