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In a May 13, 2019, intra-Agency memo that was leaked to news outlets, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler instructed the heads of four Agency offices to begin to reform how those offices evaluate costs and benefits as part of the regulatory decision process. The intent, wrote Wheeler, is to correct lapses in consistency and transparency evident […]
Substitution Is First Choice The EPA and OSHA recently issued a joint “alert” to encourage the use of inherently safer technologies (IST) at chemical facilities. The Chemical Safety Alert: Safer Technology and Alternativesis intended to lay the groundwork for a future guidance document by introducing safer technology concepts and general approaches. According to the Alert, […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plans to issue changes by the end of the year to its beryllium standards for general industry, construction, and shipyards. The plans announced in the agency’s Spring 2019 regulatory agenda would complete changes to an “eleventh-hour” Obama administration rulemaking.
OSHA has awarded $9.3 million in Susan Harwood federal safety and health training grants to 74 nonprofit organizations nationwide. The grants will provide educational and training programs to help employees and employers recognize serious workplace hazards, implement injury prevention measures, and understand their rights and responsibilities.
In last Friday’s Advisor, we provided 7 ergonomic tips for using mobile devices safely. Today, we give several examples of how companies are using mobile devices for training. Tablet sales are on the rise, and the iPad® is leading the pack. Tech-savvy businesses have been at the forefront, incorporating tablets into everyday business functions. Now, […]
According to the National Weather Service, peak tornado season is March through June, with 70% of all tornadoes occurring during this time period. This week, we feature “Tornadoes,” a 2004 song by Drive-By Truckers that details how a tornado hit the hometown of singer Patterson Hood. Specifically, the song describes how Hood’s former band, Adam’s […]
On August 18, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved Massachusetts’ developmental health and safety program (87 Federal Register (FR) 50766). OSHA has determined Massachusetts’ program will be at least as effective as the federal program in protecting the safety and health of state and local government workers. The initial approval is based on […]
President Joseph Biden Jr.’s Executive Order (EO) 14008 calls on all federal agencies to use a whole-of-government approach to tackle the climate crisis. In keeping with this directive, the EPA recently announced its Climate Enforcement and Compliance Strategy, which directs all enforcement and compliance programs to address climate change, wherever appropriate, in every matter within […]
With the Utility Water Act Group (UWAG) at its side, the EPA successfully defended itself against allegations by environmental groups that its postponement of several deadlines in its 2015 Effluent Limitations Guidelines [ELGs] and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category (2015 Rule) violated both the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Administrative […]
On March 21, 2024, a federal appeals court ruled the EPA overstepped its authority in ordering Inhance Technologies, LLC, to stop producing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during the fluorination of plastic containers. Background On December 1, 2023, the EPA issued orders to Inhance, a Houston-based plastics treatment company, directing it not to produce PFAS […]