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Is Michaels the Right Person for OSHA?

Whether David Michaels is the right person to head OSHA was a hotly debated topic in recent months. With his confirmation, we take a look at his credentials and what people are saying—pro and con—about the new OSHA chief. As we start the new year and consider the impact of the confirmation of David Michaels […]

Wood Products Rule Compliance Dates Extended

In a final rule (September 25, 2017, FR), the EPA has extended the compliance dates for four requirements under the Agency’s final Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products (December 12, 2016, FR).

Effective, Essential Job Hazard Analysis

Yesterday we reviewed the initial steps for setting up a job hazard analysis (JHA) program in your workplace. Today we’ll look at how to identify hazards associated with specific job activities, and at an upcoming audio conference on effective JHA strategies. In performing JHA, you need to break down jobs into their component activities and […]

More Aggressive OSHA and New Ergonomics Standard?

The controversy surrounding the nomination of David Michaels as OSHA chief centers around Michaels’ stated intention to take a more aggressive regulatory and enforcement stance, and also focuses on a highly divisive issue—ergonomics. The battle over the Obama administration’s nominee to head OSHA, David Michaels, heats up as industry groups express concern over projected changes […]

TRI 2013 Data Is Out: Tips to Manage Community Expectations

TRI is designed to provide citizens with information about chemicals being used, processed, manufactured, or released from facilities in their communities. The basic premise of TRI is that citizens have a right to know about toxic chemicals that are handled or released in their community. Meaning of “Release” under TRI Under the Emergency Planning and […]

Environmental Groups Send a Letter to the EPW Concerning CCR Rule

Scores of national and state-based environmental groups sent a letter to the leadership of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) expressing their opposition to a bill that would negate many aspects of EPA’s rule governing disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCRs) from electric utilities.

Industry Battles Feds to Resume Oil and Gas Lease Programs

To comply with U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty’s June 2021 ruling in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Department of Interior (DOI) announced it will resume federal offshore oil and gas leasing programs while the Department of Justice (DOJ) is appealing Doughty’s injunction in Louisiana v. Biden. The Oil & Gas Journal reports the […]

Pipeline

The New Infrastructure Plan’s Environmental Provisions

President Donald Trump’s Legislative Outline for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America includes several proposals with substantial environmental features, including expanding the use of federal funds for water infrastructure projects; expanding funding eligibility for revitalization projects under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund); streamlining reforms for federal environmental reviews and permitting; and […]

Don’t Underestimate Your Safety Committee

A well-managed, mature safety committee can serve as a valuable adjunct to your safety department. Depending on members’ training and experience and the amount of time they have to work on committee business, you can expect assistance with: Regulatory compliance Emergency planning Rewriting the company safety manual Writing and reviewing job hazard analyses Drafting safety […]