Rookies and veterans: Take a swing at making your DOT testing program a grand slam

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental, safety, and health news. First, let’s take a look at what’s happening in safety and health.

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to post your OSHA 300A Summary. Employers are required to post the Summary in a conspicuous place from February 1st through April 30th.

As required by law, OSHA increased its penalties for inflation in mid-January. Penalties went up 7.7 percent, effective January 17th.

Also in January, OSHA released its long-awaited Fall 2022 regulatory agenda. Along with numerous proposed rules in the works, three major final rules are slated for 2023 – COVID-19 in healthcare, Injury and Illness tracking, and an update to the hazard communication standard.

OSHA recently released two new letters of interpretation, which address exit signs and lockout/tagout. Specifically, OSHA states that the International Standards Organization emergency exit symbol can be located beside the mandatory EXIT text on an existing sign.

The second letter addresses the applicability of lockout/tagout and the maintenance and operations of cathodic protection rectifiers when working on pipelines.

New York’s Warehouse Worker Protection Act was signed into law in December and takes effect in late February. It protects warehouse distribution workers from undisclosed or unlawful work speed quotas and includes protections for workers who fail to meet these quotas.

In 2021, a worker died every 101 minutes from a work-related injury, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A total of 5,190 fatal work injuries was recorded in the U.S. in 2021, an 8.9 percent increase over 2020.

Turning to environmental news, EPA automatically added nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, to the Toxics Release Inventory, or TRI, list. Four PFAS were added since they are no longer claimed as confidential business information.

EPA released its Fall 2022 regulatory agenda in early January. Included are major regulations impacting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, waters of the United States, and modifications to the Risk Management Program under the Clean Air Act.

There are also a number of rules related to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants in various rule stages.

And finally, beginning with model year 2027, heavy-duty trucks will be required to meet clean air standards that are 80 percent more stringent than current requirements.

EPA says this final rule is aimed at reducing smog- and soot-forming emissions, increasing the life of governed vehicles by up to 250 percent, and increasing emissions warranty periods up to 450 percent.

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On October 14, 2026, EPA published a proposed rule to extend additional compliance dates for the trichloroethylene (TCE) risk management rule finalized in 2024 (2024 TCE final rule) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). If finalized, the rule would delay compliance deadlines for certain chemical processors and refrigerant manufacturers.

Who’s impacted?

The 2024 TCE final rule applies to entities that manufacture (including import), process, distribute in commerce, use, or dispose of TCE or TCE-containing products.

The proposed rule specifically affects:

• Chemical processors;
• Manufacturers, processors, and distributors subject to downstream notification requirements; and
• Refrigerant manufacturers that process TCE to make HFC-134a.

What are the proposed changes?

For chemical processors, EPA proposes to move the prohibition compliance dates from December 18, 2026, to December 31, 2027, for:

• Processing TCE as a reactant/intermediate;
• Processing TCE for the industrial and commercial use of TCE as a processing aid in as well as the industrial and commercial use of TCE as a processing aid in:
  • Process solvent used in battery manufacturing;
  • Process solvent used in polymer fiber spinning, fluoroelastomer manufacturing, and Alcantara manufacturing;
  • Extraction solvent used in caprolactam manufacturing; and
  • Precipitant used in beta-cyclodextrin manufacturing.
• Disposing of TCE through wastewater from such processing and uses to industrial pretreatment, industrial treatment, or publicly owned treatment works.

For manufacturers, processors, and distributors in commerce, the proposed rule amends the compliance date for downstream notifications and the text required to be in the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) to reflect the new prohibition compliance dates. EPA would require affected manufacturers, processors, and distributors to update the SDSs with the new text 30 days after the publication date of a final rule.

For refrigerant manufacturers, EPA proposes extending the first phaseout reduction of processing TCE as an intermediate to manufacture HFC-134a. The 2024 TCE final rule requires manufacturers to reduce the annual amount of TCE feedstock they use to no greater than 75 percent of their baseline by June 7, 2027. This proposed rule would push the compliance date to December 31, 2027.

Key to remember: EPA proposes extending the TCE prohibition compliance deadline for certain chemical processors and the TCE feedstock phasedown date for specific refrigerant manufacturers.

EPA published an interim final rule on October 14, 2026, further extending the submission deadline for the reporting year (RY) 2025 annual greenhouse gas (GHG) report from October 30, 2026, to March 10, 2027.

Who’s impacted?

The final rule applies to facilities subject to the GHG Reporting Program (GHGRP) at 40 CFR Part 98. Generally, three types of entities must report:

• Large industrial sources of GHG emissions that directly emit 25,000 or more metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) per year;
• Fuel and industrial gas suppliers whose products would result in 25,000 or more metric tons of CO₂e of GHG emissions per year if combusted, released, or oxidized; and
• CO₂ injection facilities that inject any amount of CO₂ into the subsurface.

What’s the new deadline?

The interim final rule pushes the submission deadline for the RY 2025 GHG report from October 30, 2026, to March 10, 2027. The delay applies only to the RY 2025 GHG report.

Rule refresher

The GHGRP requirements are based on source categories in the subparts of Part 98. Facilities must report GHG emissions from the previous calendar year for all applicable source categories, using specific methods (detailed in the regulations) to calculate GHG emissions.

Facilities submit the annual GHG report to EPA using the electronic Greenhouse Gas Reporting Tool (e-GGRT).

Key to remember: EPA's interim final rule extends the submission deadline for the 2025 annual GHG report to March 10, 2027.

EPA issued a final rule on October 13, 2026, extending the compliance date to submit Facility Response Plans (FRPs) for worst-case discharges of Clean Water Act (CWA) hazardous substances by 3 years.

Effective December 14, 2026, the final rule also removes provisions related to climate change and environmental justice.

Who’s impacted?

The extension affects facilities subject to the FRP requirements of 40 CFR Part 118. These include onshore non-transportation-related facilities that:

• Could be reasonably expected to cause substantial harm to the environment by discharging a CWA hazardous substance (117.3) into or on the navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or exclusive economic zone; and
• Meet the applicability criteria listed at 118.3.

What are the changes?

The agency moved the deadline from June 1, 2027, to June 1, 2030, providing regulated facilities additional time to prepare and submit their CWA hazardous substances FRPs to EPA. Covered entities must also submit a Substantial Harm Certification Form (Appendix A to Part 118) with the FRP.

* If changes occur during startup, facilities must submit adjustments to the FRP after a 60-day operational trial period.

EPA also removed the following factors considered during the substantial harm determination:

• Enhancing resilience to climate change as a passive mitigation measure or system,
• Possible vulnerability to adverse weather conditions caused by climate change, and
• Potential adverse impacts to communities with environmental justice concerns.

Further, the agency removed requirements to include the impacts of climate change and the impacts on communities with environmental justice concerns in the hazard evaluation.

Key to remember: EPA extended the compliance deadline to June 1, 2030, for entities to submit Facility Response Plans for worst-case discharges of CWA hazardous substances.

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review 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!

A Government Accountability Office report says OSHA can do more to protect warehouse and delivery workers from ergonomic injuries. The report recommends several steps for OSHA to consider, including ensuring compliance officers can easily obtain data on when musculoskeletal disorders occurred.

OSHA updated its inspection guidance for animal slaughtering and processing industries. Inspections will focus on several hazards, including sanitation, ergonomics, and machine guarding. Among other changes, compliance officers will conduct inspections during off-shift times and identify workplace activities that impact employees most at risk such as temporary employees.

OSHA urges workers involved in hurricane cleanup and recovery efforts to be mindful of hazards, especially those associated with restoring electricity, removing debris, and trimming trees. Proper training, experience, and familiarity with related equipment helps ensure worker safety.

And finally, turning to environmental news, EPA extended the 2024 Chemical Data Reporting deadline to November 22 due to technical difficulties with its electronic reporting tool. The 2024 report covers activities that occurred between calendar years 2020 and 2023.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental, health, and safety news. Please view the content links in the transcript to take a deeper dive into the topics I’ll be covering today. With that said, let’s get started!

First, let’s take a look at what’s happening in safety and health. The week of May 1 marked the 10th annual Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. Employers were encouraged to have safety talks or demonstrations on the use of fall protection.

A new National Emphasis Program on fall prevention covers all industries, with a focus on construction and specific general industry activities. It took effect May 1; however, programmed inspections will begin after a 90-day outreach period.

With the start of lawn-care season, a recent OSHA case highlights some of the risks involved. The Agency found a lawn service contractor operating in Kentucky ignored safety requirements to save time.

A forklift operator suffered fatal injuries after falling into a recycling baler while trying to remove a jam. Investigators found a lack of training and communication were contributing factors.

In response to larger, more frequent wildfires, the state of Washington has proposed permanent wildfire smoke rules. They include year-round requirements for employers that will be in effect whenever there’s a risk that workers will be exposed to wildfire smoke.

And finally, turning to environmental news, EPA finalized changes to the new source performance standards for Automobile and Light Duty Truck Surface Coating Operations. The rule adds more emissions requirements for such operations.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!

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!

Effective January 15, OSHA penalties increased 3.2 percent for inflation. Most penalties increased to $16,131. Willful and serious violations, however, increased to $161,323.

Construction workers aged 45 and older suffer more severe injuries and higher associated costs than other age groups. Most injuries are due to slips, trips, and falls.

Washington State updated its process safety management rules to better protect workers in petroleum refineries from the hazards of volatile chemicals. The rules take effect December 27, 2024.

Bloodborne pathogens topped the list of OSHA violations for the healthcare industry in 2023. Hazard Communication was the second most cited standard, followed by respiratory protection.

OSHA Region 2 launched a regional emphasis program that targets tree trimming, tree removal, and land clearing operations. Region 2 includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

EPA continues to strengthen its regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl — or PFAS — substances. A new rule prevents facilities from using any of the 300+ inactive PFAS before EPA conducts a risk determination and, if necessary, regulates the activity.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news. Let's take a look at what happened over the last month!

OSHA will host an informal public hearing on its proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention rule on June 16. Information about the proposed rule and instructions on how to watch the hearing can be found on OSHA’s website.

OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction event, held the week of May 5, raised awareness of fall hazards in an effort to help prevent injuries and fatalities. Slips, trips, and falls were the leading cause of death in the construction industry in 2023, accounting for 421 fatalities.

After concluding its investigation of a California chemical facility fire, the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is calling for improved heater safeguards to prevent similar incidents. The fire was caused by an overheated refinery furnace. The Board also made several safety recommendations for chemical facilities.

Following a number of recent fall incidents, the Mine Safety and Health Administration issued a safety alert advising miners to use fall protection. The most recent incident occurred when a miner fell from the deck of a bulldozer.

Turning to environmental news, EPA further delayed the PFAS manufacturing report submission period. The date was moved from July 11, 2025, to April 13, 2026. This is a one-time reporting requirement for manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl, or PFAS, substances.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review 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’s personal protective equipment in construction final rule takes effect January 13. Employers must ensure PPE is of safe design and construction for the work to be performed and properly fits employees.

OSHA extended the comment deadline to January 14 for its proposed heat illness prevention rule. This gives stakeholders two more weeks to review the proposal and comment on it. An informal public hearing on the rule is scheduled for June 16.

OSHA released its Fall 2024 regulatory agenda on December 13. Many final and proposed rulemakings have been pushed into the first half of 2025, and a few have been bumped into the third quarter of the year.

OSHA updated its arc flash guidance for employees working on energized electrical equipment. Arc flash incidents can ignite clothing, cause structural fires, and cause severe or fatal burns. The guidance covers protecting employees from arc flash hazards, common electrical work myths, establishing boundaries around arc flash hazards, and being aware of arc flash hazards.

Warehouse, delivery, and retail workers are at increased risk for injuries and illnesses during the holidays due to higher volumes of work to meet consumer demand. OSHA reminds employers to protect workers by ensuring they’re trained to recognize and prevent hazards.

And finally, turning to environmental news, EPA released its Fall 2024 regulatory agenda on December 13. It includes projected publication dates for several final and proposed rules that may impact industry compliance with air, land, and water regulations.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news. Let’s take a look at what’s happened over the last month!

On April 17, OSHA released 2024 injury and illness data. This includes information from more than 370,000 establishments that submitted Form 300A, as well as partial data from more than 732,000 Form 300 and Form 301 records. OSHA provides public access to the data in an effort to identify unsafe conditions and workplace hazards that may lead to occupational injuries and illnesses.

This year’s National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents took place the week of April 21. Struck-by incidents are the second leading cause of death among construction workers and the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the construction industry. The stand-down emphasized the importance of training and prevention on worksites.

A safety alert from the Mine Safety and Health Administration urges the mining community to implement effective safety and health programs, with a focus on identifying and eliminating health and safety hazards. The alert was issued due to a high number of mining fatalities in the first quarter of 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration temporarily paused its silica enforcement for coal mine operators until August 18, four months from its original compliance date of April 14. Under the agency’s silica rule, mine operators must update their respiratory protection programs. This may require them to obtain additional respirators and sampling devices. The agency says this four-month pause provides time for operators to come into compliance.

And finally, turning to environmental news, EPA updated the process for making data corrections to hazardous waste manifests. Waste handlers must correct errors on the manifest within 30 days of a request from EPA or a state agency. They also must submit corrections electronically.

And finally, EPA streamlined its pesticide registration process. The agency updated its MyPest app and made policy changes regarding how to submit two of its registration forms.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we'll review the most impactful environmental, health, and safety news. Please view the content links in the transcript to take a deeper dive into the topics I'll be covering today. With that said, let's get started!

In response to soaring temperatures across the country, OSHA issued a heat hazard alert reminding employers of their obligation to protect workers against heat illness. OSHA also ramped up enforcement activities in high-risk industries like construction and agriculture.

OSHA's annual Safe and Sound Week was held the week of August 7. It highlighted the importance of workplace safety and health programs. This year's focus was on mental health and well-being.

OSHA wants to know how you use your safety and health program to ensure a positive workplace safety culture. The agency has drawn up questions related to work safety values, safety messaging, and more, and will use your feedback to develop educational materials. November 30 is the deadline for comments.

Though the current hurricane season has been relatively quiet, it's important to be prepared as the height of the season approaches. Both OSHA and NIOSH have provided resources to help emergency responders, recovery workers, and employers prepare in advance for anticipated weather disasters.

Workplace deaths due to unintentional overdoses of fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to rise. In 2021, there were 464 such fatalities, a 19.6 percent increase over 2020.

And finally, turning to environmental news, receiving facilities will see increased user fees for the e-Manifest system in fiscal years 2024 and 2025. EPA sets these user fees based on how the manifest is submitted and processing costs for each manifest type. Using fully electronic waste manifests will cost significantly less.

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Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news. There’s a lot going on, so let’s get started!

Under a new Executive Order, federal agencies must eliminate 10 regulations for each new one they introduce. This applies to all new rules, regulations, or guidance issued by government agencies such as the Department of Labor, which includes OSHA, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

A new OSHA fact sheet outlines employee rights and protections when filing a whistleblower complaint. Employers may not retaliate against employees who exercise their rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

OSHA will not cite employers for COVID-19 recordkeeping violations under its Healthcare Emergency Temporary Standard. These regulations are specific to healthcare settings. The provisions remain in effect, but until further notice, OSHA will not enforce them.

New guidance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that employers use individual, quantitative fit-testing for hearing protection. This helps evaluate how well workers’ hearing protection reduces noise levels and ensures a proper fit.

And finally, turning to environmental news, states across the country continue to consider and implement regulations related to PFAS. These “forever chemicals” are long-lasting chemicals that may pose risks to human and environmental health. A recent study anticipates that more than half of the states in the U.S. are likely to consider PFAS-related policies this year.

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Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news. Let’s take a look at what happened over the last month.

In fiscal year 2025, the top three violations for non-construction small employers, those with under 100 employees, were hazard communication, respiratory protection, and powered industrial trucks. Three industries dominated these violations: fabricated metal product manufacturing, repair and maintenance, and non-metallic mineral product manufacturing.

OSHA issued several new letters of interpretation on a variety of workplace topics, including permit required confined spaces, recordkeeping, and powered industrial trucks. Letters of interpretation help ensure the consistent application of federal workplace safety and health standards, and provide regulatory clarification to employers, workers, and safety professionals.

California’s STOP Act took effect January 1. The law targets the state’s fabricated stone industry. It prohibits dry cutting of stone countertops, mandates employee training, and classifies silicosis and silica-related lung cancer from artificial stone as a serious injury or illness.

As of January 1, Washington state requires tower crane permits for all construction work involving tower crane operation, assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration. Before issuing permits, Washington Department of Labor and Industries will conduct safety conferences to ensure all parties understand the safety requirements and related responsibilities.

Turning to environmental news, EPA issued compliance deadline extensions for certain emissions standards. The delays affect the New Source Performance Standards for crude oil and natural gas facilities and the emissions guidelines for such facilities. Compliance timelines have been pushed into mid- to late-2026 and early 2027.

And finally, although EPA has been deregulating or loosening some environmental requirements, there are still some standards being tightened. These include renewable fuel standards, stormwater management, and PFAS disclosure. Changes to these requirements will reshape compliance obligations for U.S. companies in 2026, and reflect a trend toward increased transparency and environmental accountability.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news. Let’s take a look at what’s happened in the past month!

In response to Executive Orders calling for deregulation efforts, on July 1 OSHA issued one final rule and 25 proposed rules. The proposed rules cover a variety of topics, including respiratory protection, construction illumination, safety color codes for signs, and the General Duty Clause. Stakeholders have until September 2 to comment on them. The final rule took effect July 1 and makes changes to the rules of procedure for promulgating, modifying, and revoking standards applicable to construction work.

OSHA updated its penalty guidance for small employers, impacting businesses with 25 or fewer employees. This includes reduced penalties of up to 70 percent in certain circumstances. These changes took effect July 14.

Effective July 1, California OSHA extended its safety and health laws to protect domestic workers, such as house cleaners, caregivers, and gardeners. The laws apply to businesses that employ both temporary and permanent domestic service workers.

OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week is scheduled for August 11-17 and focuses on emergency preparedness and response. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to participate by conducting safety stand-downs, evacuation drills, or other activities that help highlight the importance of safety and health programs. More information and resources can be found on OSHA’s website.

And finally, turning to environmental news, EPA issued a final rule that offers coal combustion facilities an alternative option to comply with the Facility Evaluation Report. It also adjusts the compliance timelines for regulations related to coal combustion residuals management units. In addition, EPA issued a proposed rule requesting public feedback on further delaying the Facility Evaluation Report.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news. Let’s get started!

Ladders were the cause of over 22,000 workplace injuries and 161 deaths in 2020. Each March, the American Ladder Institute promotes ladder safety awareness with the goal of reducing ladder-related injuries and fatalities. Every Step Matters was the theme of this year’s National Ladder Safety Month.

Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week kicked off on March 24. This annual event brings attention to preventable grain handling hazards and promotes safety in this high-hazard industry.

Federal agencies must review their regulations and report back to the White House by April 20. The priority is on “significant” rules, generally considered to be those with an annual effect on the economy of 100 million dollars or more. Once the regulations have been identified, the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Government Efficiency will work with agency leaders to create a plan for rescinding or modifying the regulations and begin winding down their enforcement.

A highwall fatality at a surface mine prompted the Mine Safety and Health Administration to issue a safety alert. It outlines what miners should do to prevent similar incidents, including looking for hazards such as loose rocks and overhangs before beginning work.

The American Society of Safety Professionals revised its construction training standard. It outlines training requirements for new hires in construction and demolition operations, site procedures, regulatory compliance, and more.

And finally, turning to environmental news, EPA will reconsider a number of major rulemakings that may impact a variety of industries. This is in response to an executive order that federal agencies review their regulations. Among the rules under consideration include those related to clean power, oil and gas emission limits, greenhouse gas reporting, and risk management.

EPA’s Waste Emissions Charge on petroleum and natural gas facilities with high methane emissions is no longer in effect. The rule initially took effect in January and was then disapproved by Congress on March 14.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental, health, and safety news. Please view the content links in the transcript to take a deeper dive into the topics I’ll be covering today. With that said, let’s get started!

First, let’s take a look at what’s happening in safety and health. OSHA revised its combustible dust national emphasis program. It adds several industries with a higher likelihood of having combustible dust hazards.

California’s Safety and Health Appeals Board says drinking water must be “as close as practicable” to outdoor employees.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration says that some forklift operators may be considered hazmat employees. If operators handle hazmat cargo, such as moving it from the truck to an aircraft, they need hazmat training.

OSHA posted a letter of interpretation that answers hazard communication questions related to lithium batteries. The agency says workers may be exposed to hazards during storage, handling, and maintenance activities.

Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week was held the week of March 27. Employers were encouraged to hold toolbox talks or safety demonstrations related to grain handling and storage.

Turning to environmental news, EPA issued significant new use rules for chemical substances that were the subject of premanufacture notices. This change brings added reporting and recordkeeping.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review 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 published its proposed heat illness rule on August 30. It applies to both indoor and outdoor work in general industry, construction, agriculture, and maritime. Comments on the proposal will be accepted until December 30. OSHA encourages both employers and workers to submit comments.

Fall protection for construction remained number one on OSHA’s list of Top 10 violations for the 14th year in a row. There was little movement among the other Top 10 entries, with Hazard Communication at number 2 and ladders at number 3.

OSHA may exclude volunteer emergency response organizations from its proposed emergency response rule. During the rule’s public comment period, the agency received numerous comments that raised serious economic feasibility concerns.

During its silica enforcement inspections, OSHA also found violations of the hazard communication, respiratory protection, and noise standards. Over 200 companies were targeted as part of the agency’s respirable crystalline silica emphasis program.

Employers can view workplace injury and illness trends using OSHA’s Severe Injury Report dashboard. This new online tool allows users to search the agency’s severe injury report database. Severe injuries and illnesses are those that result in inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye.

And finally, turning to environmental news, an EPA final rule impacts facilities that reclassify from major to area source status under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants program. These facilities must continue to meet the major source emission standards for seven hazardous air pollutants.

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Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news. Let’s take a look at what happened in the last month!

On October 7th, David Keeling was confirmed by the Senate as OSHA’s new Assistant Secretary of Labor. During his confirmation hearing, Keeling stated that “nothing is more beneficial than collaboration between employers and employees” and shared his three main goals for the agency. These are modernization in regulatory oversight and rulemaking, expanding OSHA’s cooperation and collaboration efforts, and transforming OSHA’s enforcement.

In a landmark opinion, an appeals court offers a framework to revive federal rulemakings, such as OSHA’s Ergonomics Program rule. The rule was previously struck down by the Congressional Review Act in 2001. The latest court decision loosens the grip that the Act has had for almost 25 years. This makes it feasible for agencies like OSHA, EPA, and others to give long-gone rules a second chance. It gives OSHA a path to publish a narrow or different ergonomics rule in the future.

OSHA quietly archived a memo from 2024 that had suggested its enforcement offices may refrain from grouping violations where those offenses are separate and distinct. In some cases, ungrouping raises the total penalty for an inspection. An OSHA spokesperson said the memo was determined to be unnecessary since agency policy in its Field Operations Manual provides clear guidance to OSHA field staff on when citation item grouping may be considered.

The NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week kicked off October 5th with a theme of lithium-ion battery safety in the home. Reports of fires and explosions involving lithium-ion batteries have been on the rise. NFPA provides information and guidance on how to safely use, handle, and recycle them.

And finally, turning to environmental news, the California Air Resources Board submitted comments opposing EPA’s proposal to overturn its 2009 Endangerment Finding. The Endangerment Finding has guided federal actions to address greenhouse gas pollution. CARB’s comments note that EPA’s proposal ignores more than 15 years of its own research and regulations and emphasizes that the agency is obligated to address greenhouse gas emissions and adopt strong standards to reduce them. EPA received over 15 thousand comments on its proposal.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental, safety, and health news.

First, let’s take a look at what’s happening in safety and health. Machine guarding and hazard communication topped OSHA’s list of most frequently cited serious violations in fiscal year 2022. Over 1,300 citations were issued for machine guarding and over 1,800 were issued for HazCom.

Effective March 26, OSHA will cite certain types of violations as “instance-by-instance” citations, when inspectors identify high-gravity, serious violations specific to the following: falls, trenching, machine guarding, respiratory protection, permit required confined space, and lockout/tagout, as well as other-than-serious violations specific to recordkeeping.

California’s COVID-19 prevention non-emergency regulations, which require employers to protect workers from the hazards related to COVID-19, took effect February 3, and will remain in effect for two years.

A new OSHA fact sheet outlines measures to protect shipyard employees from the physical hazards of confined spaces. In the maritime sector, physical hazards in confined spaces can increase a worker’s risk of injury.

OSHA says it will withdraw its proposal to revoke Arizona’s State Plan. The state has taken measures to remain compliant with federal OSHA. However, OSHA continues to work closely with Arizona to address other state-plan concerns that weren’t part of its original withdrawal proposal.

And turning to environmental news, EPA issued a rule that finalizes first-time standards for inorganic hazardous air pollutants in miscellaneous coating manufacturing that will limit emissions and require effective controls. Final amendments include provisions for inorganic hazardous air pollutant standards for process vessels. The rule took effect February 22.

Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We'll see you next month!