EHS Monthly Round Up - February 2024
Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll go over the most impactful environmental, health, and safety news. Please view the content links in the transcript for more information about the topics I’ll be covering today. Let’s get started!
OSHA released its Emergency Response proposed rule on February 5. If finalized, it would replace the existing Fire Brigades standard and provide updated health and safety precautions for firefighters, emergency medical service providers, and technical search and rescuers. Stakeholders have until May 6 to submit comments on the proposal.
OSHA’s worker walkaround final rule was sent to the Office of Management and Budget for review on February 9. The review generally takes 90 to 120 days. The rule would expand the criteria for who employees can authorize to act as their representative during an OSHA inspection.
A new OSHA fact sheet on mental health outlines the effects that stress, traumatic events, and substance use disorders can have on workers. It also provides a list of resources to help support employees’ mental health.
OSHA’s newly launched Hazard Huddle Challenge encourages managers to talk to workers about workplace safety hazards. The challenge is part of OSHA’s Safe + Sound campaign, which raises awareness about the importance of workplace safety and health programs.
And finally, turning to environmental news, EPA strengthened the annual primary standards for fine particulate matter, also known as soot. Once the final rule takes effect, all applicants for permits to construct a new major source or make a major modification to an existing stationary source must conduct an air quality analysis that considers the revised standard.
Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!