News & Events
- REGULATION UPDATE: Protecting Worker's From Exposure to Beryllium
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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has finalized new beryllium standards for general industry, construction, and shipyards to better protect workers from this toxic metal...
- OSHA’s Final Rule to Update General Industry Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection Standards
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Falls from heights and on the same level are among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. On average, approximately 202,066 serious injuries and 345 fatalities occur annually among workers directly affected by the final standard...
- New Rule In Effect January 1!! OSHA is Changing the Way Some Employers Track Workplace Injuries and Illnesses.Dec 2, 2016
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OSHA has issued a new rule, involving injury and illness tracking,
which goes into effect on January 1, 2017. - EPA Bans the Use of Triclosan In Antibacterial Hand Soaps and Body WashesNov 7, 2016
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In September, the EPA has banned the use of a chemical, triclosan, in antibacterial hand soaps and body washes. Triclosan has been linked to hormone disrupting effects, bacterial and antibiotic resistance, and impacts on aquatic organisms. Read More
- Honeywell Issues Voluntary Recall of Eyesaline EyewashSep 7, 2016
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Smithfield, RI – Honeywell Safety Products has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 9,700 bottles of Eyesaline emergency eyewash solution.
The 32-ounce bottles from lot number F16091-61 are being recalled as a precaution because of “a low risk of contamination” with Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacteria that can cause sight-threatening eye infections. The lot number can be found on the outside of the product case and on individual bottles.
- OSHA Fines Increasing by 78%July 12, 2016
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Wow. Why so substantial? OSHA has not increased minimum fines for over 25 years, yet the hazards remain. To account for inflation over the years, Congress is requiring federal agencies to adjust penalties accordingly. This includes OSHA.
- Workplace Labeling under the GHSApr 08, 2016
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We are in the final stages of the Hazard Communication Standard update period. First, manufacturers were to update the MSDS to the newer version- the SDS. Manufacturers were also responsible for reclassifying the hazards of the chemicals and generating new GHS Compliant Labels. The deadline for these updates has passed (June 2015) and the current phase of updated compliance falls on the users of the chemicals to have the updated information.
- Celebrate and Participate in National Safety MonthApr 16, 2015
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Source: National Safety Council
This June, the NSC along with thousands of organizations across the country are celebrating your passions with the theme of “What I Live For.” By sharing your stories and providing you with resources such as posters, tip sheets, safety checklists and an infographic, these organiations can work together to keep each other safe wherever we are.
- OSHA and the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication Renew Alliance to Reduce, Prevent Worker Exposure to Chemical HazardsApr 13, 2015
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Source: U.S. Department of Labor; OSHA, Office of Communications
WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today renewed its alliance with the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication to reduce and prevent worker exposure to chemicals hazards. The alliance also intends to increase awareness of the requirements of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals and the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers under the OSH Act.
- Rapala Recalls StrikeMaster Ice Augers Due To Injury HazardMar 06, 2015
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Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission
The Lithium Lazer™ ice auger is used by ice fishermen to cut circular holes in ice to access the water and fish below. The recall was issued as a precaution when it was discovered that the trigger switch on the auger could fail causing the unit to not turn off which poses an injury hazard.
- GHS Pictograms: Not a Random ProcessMar 03, 2015
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By Jessica Perez
Pictograms are a required feature of the new GHS standardized SDS that could arguably be its most effective aspect. One look at a GHS pictogram could determine the potential short/long term health effects a chemical can have on an individual, up to and including such effects as death. As such the ability for pictograms to reach "everyone" is imperative. How do GHS pictograms do that? Let's explore.
- Keep Safety Training InterestingFeb 25, 2015
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By Jessica Perez
The creation of safety procedures is typically the responsibility of safety professionals. Because of this there can be an innate sense of detachment from safety objectives. Brett Haskins suggests in his article Empower Your Change Drivers: Strategies for Engaging Employees in Safety Culture Improvement that engaging employees in the creation process of safety will generate a sense of confidence that translates into an incentive to take responsibility. He suggests forming accountability teams with incentives to practice safety compliance, a continual improvement process much like one that may be found in a typical business metrics. Pre-shift safety meetings are also suggested to emphasize the incorporation of daily work place safety. Identifying the norms of your work environment is the first step to developing a safety training lesson plan that will effectively engage your employees. The key is to engage workers as much as possible so that safety is truly a part of your work "culture."
- Incident Sparks a Close Look at Laboratory Chemical SafetyFeb 10, 2015
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Source: HazCommpliance LLC
Last Thursday, lack of proper chemical safety led to an incident at a Connecticut school and brought out emergency responders in hazmat suits. News 8 at WTHN.com reported that nitric acid and caustic soda were to blame; a teacher entered the classroom and discovered that chemicals had been spilled and, consequently, mixed. Fortunately, no one was injured.
- Fertilizer Chemical ManagementJan 21, 2015
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Source: HazCommpliance LLC
Agricultural materials, such as fertilizers (containing anhydrous ammonia, are hazardous chemicals and must be stored and handled in a safe manner to avoid potential catastrophic consequences. Risk management strategies are essential for any facility that stores and handles fertilizers and pesticides.
- GHS, SDS and Employers: Information you need to know.Jan 07, 2015
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Source: HazCommpliance LLC
WHAT?
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200) has undergone some changes recently to align it with a global initiative (GHS) to help manage the risks associated with chemicals in the workplace with the help of the new SDS.
- Spring Flood Safety: Dangers to WorkersDec 21, 2014
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By Ms. Lee Kibeiks - Safety and Compliance Consultant, BASc - HazCommpliance, LLC
Spring usually brings heavy rains with the potential for flooding. Many workers are unaware of flood safety and may underestimate the power of water when working around floods, or may be unaware of the dangers of working in areas after the floods have occurred.
- Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure, - Meningitis Bacteria – A FatalityDec 08, 2014
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By Lee Kibeiks, BASc, Safety and Compliance Consultant
A 25 year-old researcher died in April last year after being exposed to meningitis-causing bacteria (Neisseria meningitides), a bloodborne pathogen. The Research Associate, employed by San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center 6 months earlier, was performing tasks that included inoculating live bacteria outside of a Biosafety Cabinet (BSC).
- Backover Safety Enters Limelight in ConstructionNov 30, 2014
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Source: HazCommpliance LLC
There have been numerous workplace fatalities as a result of ground-personnel being run over from reversing heavy equipment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reported 312 fatalities in 2011 due to “pedestrian vehicular accidents” and now OSHA has begun discussions with stakeholders to determine strategies to combat this issue. (see OSHA’s News Release)
- Helpful Information for Musculoskeletal Disorders for FoundriesNov 05, 2014
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Source: HazCommpliance LLC
When we think of foundries, we often think of hazardous environments with high risks associated with heat, molten metal, vapors, dust, fumes and dangerous machinery. It is important to control risks associated with these issues, however according to OSHA, employees who work in foundries are exposed to a higher rate of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) than employees in general industry.
Helpful Links
- Globally Harmonized System The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labelling of chemicals.
- Hazcomm Standard An update to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) which provides a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets.
- Mass.Gov Right-To-Know Establishes minimum standards and reasonable requirements to protect the health and safety of employees through the communication of information regarding toxix or hazardous substances.
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)* to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance