Here’s What’s New in OSHA Compliance
EPA Proposes Sweeping Ban on Asbestos
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new rule that would ban the use of chrysotile asbestos, a carcinogenic mineral that can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. Chrysotile asbestos is the only form of the material imported into the United States....
OSHA Proposes Change in Recordkeeping Standard
On March 29, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed amendments to its injury and recordkeeping regulation, 29 CFR 1904.41. The proposed rule would require certain high-risk industry businesses to electronically submit additional information...
OSHA Reopens COVID-19 Rule for Healthcare Workers
On March 22, OSHA reopened its rule-making record for the proposed final rule on COVID-19 exposure protection for healthcare workers. The agency, which now seeks comments and data, also scheduled an informal public hearing -- to be held on April 27 -- to develop a...
OSHA Fines PA Recycler $88K for Combustible Dust Hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) takes its job seriously. Break the rules, and you can expect to face steep OSHA fines and penalties. In severe cases, you could even face criminal charges. Now, following an inspection of a Pennsylvania...
Business Owner Personally Liable for $2 Million in OSHA Fines
When OSHA fines are handed down, they don’t usually target individuals. However, when you’re one of the biggest offenders of the past decade, all bets are off. Now, after years of violations, one New Jersey business owner is being held directly responsible. Recently,...
The Dramatic Toll of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers
Just a few months ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released their annual workplace injury and illness report. Comparing data from 2019-2020, it reveals the significant impact of COVID-19 across all workplaces. However, while nearly all areas felt the sting to one...
NIOSH Takes Step Toward Reducing Silica Dust Exposure in Mines
Recently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a booklet to help miners reduce their exposure to respirable dust in metal and nonmetal mines. These controls not only reduce dangerous respiratory problems, they also lower the risk...
Manufacturing Facility Faces $127K in Penalties after OSHA Inspection
OSHA takes workplace safety and the health of your employees seriously. As such, when you break the rules, it shouldn't come as a surprise when you're facing heavy financial penalties. Now, a New Jersey product protection and packaging company faces more than $127K in...
EPA Reverses Finding on HBCD
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comments on a revised draft risk evaluation for the substance Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster -- also known as HBDC -- which states that the chemical poses unreasonable risk under certain conditions. This...
Respiratory Hazards Lead to Worker Deaths at Chemical Manufacturer
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) cited an Alabama chemical manufacturing plant after two workers died and another was sickened after being exposed to dangerous respiratory hazards. The manufacturer faces $232K in penalties for 10 violations,...