Optimizing EHS Programs
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What is HAZOP?
HAZOP is another one of those environmental, health and safety terms that sounds like a big, scary deal. But like the EHS umbrella it falls under, risk management, HAZOP is simple to understand when you break it down. HAZOP is a type of risk analysis, and stands for Hazard and Operability study. “Study,” in this sense, means a structured examination of processes (existing or planned) to identify […]
In Case You Missed It: A Recap of OSHA’s HazCom Public Hearing
by Phil Molé On September 21–23, OSHA held an informal public hearing on the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) issued earlier this year that seeks to update OSHA’s HazCom Standard to align with Revision 7 of the UN’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Since February 2021 when the NPRM was […]
Using the Hierarchy of Controls to Maximize MSD Risk Reduction
Once a job task in a facility has been evaluated for the risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) and the risk has been quantified, it’s time to implement solutions. If you’re going to effectively reduce MSD risk, you need to understand which risk factors are contributing most to the overall score and utilize control […]
“The Bowtie Analysis Blog” — Part 4: Using Master Bowties to Manage Risk at Multiple Facilities
Welcome to the fourth installment of our “Bowtie Analysis Blog” series. In our first installment, we talked about the usefulness of risk bowties for training employees on workplace risks, our second installment explored the way they can pull together information from many different types of assessments, and our third post discussed how bowties help visualize and manage risk […]
OSHA’s Planned COVID Emergency Standard and Employer Vaccination Mandates: What You Need to Know
by Phil Molé, MPH On September 9, President Biden laid out a comprehensive plan to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including new requirements affecting millions of workers across the United States. Along with new vaccination mandates for healthcare workers, federal employees, and all contractors working with the federal government, Biden’s plan calls for OSHA to develop […]
Hierarchy of Controls Examples that Address Manual Lifting
When it comes to ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk factors, force plays the biggest role. This issue has been clearly reflected in workplace injury data throughout the United States. In 2021, Liberty Mutual reported that “disabling workplace injuries cost businesses more than $58 billion every year,” with the number one contributing category being overexertion […]
VelocityEHS Industrial Hygiene Resources: The Tools & Intelligence to Drive IH Program Performance
At VelocityEHS, we understand that industrial hygiene (IH) can feel a little…complex. Whether you’re among the growing number of non-IH professionals who are being tasked with managing industrial hygiene, or a seasoned IH pro who’s looking for ways to simplify and improve your IH program, it can be difficult to even know where to start. […]
New Pharma Manufacturing Podcast Featuring VelocityEHS Ergonomics Expert, Blake McGowan!
In the “Solutions Spotlight: Harnessing AI to Improve Workplace Ergonomics” episode of the “Off Script” podcast from Pharma Manufacturing magazine, Blake McGowan, CPE and Director of Ergonomics Research with VelocityEHS, shares the history of ergonomics assessments and how the incorporation of artificial intelligence into assessments has made dramatic improvements for pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. In this conversation with […]
Back-to-School Preparations Bring COVID-19 Reporting Obligations
It’s back-to-school time again for many students, and this year the usual stress for parents and teachers is amplified by safety concerns due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. School districts need to react to the changing reality of the pandemic, understand applicable regulations for recording and reporting COVID-19 cases, and understand the role of better […]
What is Industrial Hygiene?
Everyone knows that when we talk about “hygiene” we’re talking about cleanliness and health, but what does hygiene mean when it’s paired with “industrial”? Having good hygiene means consistently performing habits and practices to preserve health. The same goes for industrial hygiene – a series of habits to keep a facility and its employees in […]