Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
In an effort to cut the cost of complying with EPA’s lead-based paint (LBP) program, the Agency has issued a final rule simplifying refresher training under the lead renovation, repair, and paining (RRP) rule and removed the jurisdiction-specific certification and accreditation requirement under the LBP activities rule in states where the Agency implements that rule. […]
So, are citizens’ tips a major component of enforcement programs? Primarily, the average citizen is not able to identify anything beyond the most blatant environmental problems. For example, the EPAinforms aspiring citizen inspectorsthat possible signs of an environmentalviolation include: Strong, offensive, or unusual chemical odors; Large numbers of dead animals, including birds or fish; Pipes […]
Q. We have a triple basin collection system on our city sewer line that allows solids and oils to separate out, leaving just the water to continue on to the city. We have the solids tested at a local lab, but I am having trouble finding a listing of thresholds or limits of metals/chemicals signifying […]
After years of drought, parts of California have experienced near-record precipitation in 2017. In the mountains, that means snow—and the Sierra Nevada has had so much snow this year that some ski resorts are planning to stay open until August. In addition, the cool spring delayed the onset of snowmelt, meaning that rivers are higher […]
Knowing where workplace exit routes are located and how to safely evacuate in an emergency could mean the difference between life and death for your employees. Today we’ll cover some of the key requirements of OSHA’s exit route rules. As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring that employees know what to do in an […]
Yesterday’s Advisor explored steps you can take to ensure your employees take safety training seriously. Today we look at elements of a strong safety culture—including safety committees—and an audio conference that will help you get the most out of yours. OSHA has proclaimed that developing a strong safety culture has “the single greatest impact on […]
Legal use of marijuana for medical purposes raises important and difficult questions for employers. Although only some states have legalized use, the issue is likely to become more widespread over time. In a recent Safety.BLR.com poll, safety professionals were asked, "Should medical marijuana use in the workplace be a concern for employers?" 80% said yes, […]
A federal jury cleared GATX Corp. from any financial responsibility in the $600 million class action settlement award for damages caused by the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in Ohio. GATX owned the railcar with a faulty bearing that was determined to be the cause of the train derailment, which resulted in chemical spills and […]
On April 7, 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the Agency is rescinding Guidance on the Preparation of Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 179B Demonstrations for Nonattainment Areas Affected by International Transport of Emissions. Last month, the EPA also announced in a news release it’s tackling the troubled “Good Neighbor Plan.” The release reiterated the […]