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EPA Proposes Risk Management Program Regulations Revisions

On August 31, 2022, the EPA published proposed amendments to its Clean Air Act (CAA) Risk Management Program in the Federal Register. The proposed revisions include changes to the accident prevention program requirements, enhancements to the emergency preparedness requirements, increased public availability of chemical hazard information, and changes/points of clarification to certain regulatory definitions. These […]

O&G Rule Cannot Be Stayed, Says D.C. Circuit

In a 2-to-1 majority ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated the Trump EPA’s June 2, 2017, 3-month stay of four Clean Air Act (CAA) provisions to control fugitive emissions (leaks) from oil and natural gas (O&G) facilities.

Don’t Rush to Get that Waste Off Your Site

Problem # 1: Have you crossed the line to hazmat offeror? You’re a hazardous waste generator and you have hired a hazardous waste transporter to pick up your waste and haul it off. You’ve checked everything off your Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) checklist and you’re ready for the waste to be out of […]

Contractor

OSHA Cites Contractor for Trench Violations

Just a month after a worker died while working in an unprotected trench, OSHA inspectors found another employee of the same Missouri plumbing contractor working in an unprotected trench at another jobsite. OSHA inspectors found that, in both cases, the contractor failed to provide basic safeguards to prevent trench collapse and did not train employees […]

Are Mandatory Vaccinations on Horizon? President Biden Moves the Needle

On September 9, 2021, President Joseph Biden issued an Executive Order mandating COVID-19 vaccines for all federal workers and won’t allow a testing-out option for those who refuse. They will have 75 days to get the shots or face adverse administrative action. Moreover, the mandate is expected to affect all private-sector entities with federal contracts. President Biden […]

Feds Heat Up Climate Enforcement

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 […]

Two Words: Plastics Recycling

In the absence of any enthusiasm on the part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in environmental matters, environment, health, and safety (EHS) managers should look to states for new developments in the environmental arena. Today we will look at a new law in Florida that encourages plastics recycling.

Is Your Warehouse a ‘Scarehouse’?

From splinters on wooden pallets to improperly operated forklifts, warehouses are a hotspot for workplace accidents and injuries. Here are some commonsense, good housekeeping, and material handling tips to help protect your workforce. No matter how neat and orderly your warehouse may appear, the trained safety eye can see that it is rife with opportunities […]

Pesticide spraying and application

Report: EPA’s SLN Pesticide Program Needs Changes

The EPA’s Special Local Needs (SLN) program is at risk of not achieving its program goals, according to a report issued by the EPA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) in February 2021.

For Safety Commitment, Use a Safety Committee

Organizations with safety committees often have better accident records, lower operating costs, fewer lost workdays, and lower workers’ comp claims. This Friday, our Safety Training Tips columnist focuses on what you need to know about them. (See also the notice of a special April 1 BLR audio conference on committees at the end of the […]