Optimizing EHS Programs

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” These are the wise words of Peter Drucker.  And they are true for many aspects of life; your personal finances, your career path, operation of a business, and yes even ergonomic improvements. The challenge is using the right measures to drive and manage your ergonomics improvement […]

On January 13, 2017, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a new final rule amending regulations for hazardous liquid pipelines. The rule becomes effective on July 13, 2017 and creates new compliance obligations for system owners and operators that are intended to maintain pipe integrity and prevent pipeline accidents. Let’s review some […]

As the deadline to file Tier II Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reports quickly approaches, VelocityEHS is reminding safety professionals to submit their 2016 inventory forms by March 1, 2017. Facilities with hazardous materials present at or above the threshold amounts established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are subject to the annual reporting obligations. What is […]

As we approach the February 1 due date for posting OSHA Form 300A as part of OSHA’s Recordkeeping Rule, it’s important to remember the exemptions and requirements that apply. Under the Recordkeeping Rule, covered employers are required to maintain an OSHA 300 Log of serious injuries and illnesses, and also to post a 300A in […]

OSHA Amputation Data and Anti-Retaliation Guidelines Highlight Need for Proactive Management OSHA has just released some startling new data regarding workplace amputation injuries. The agency has also recently published a new set of guidelines for workplace anti-retaliation programs, to help employers comply with its new electronic recordkeeping rule which went into effect on January 1. […]

Last month, the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published the final version of its Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation Rule. The Final Rule will require owners and operators of both new and existing federal oil and gas leases to implement comprehensive methane leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs throughout […]

EPA recently finalized its new Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule, revising regulatory requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for hazardous waste generators. The rule becomes effective on May 30, 2017. The intent of the final rule is to clarify perceived ambiguity in the original regulations, and to provide more flexibility for generators […]

Earlier this week, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued Safety Advisory 2016-02, setting forth new occupational health and safety guidelines for railway workers and railroad contractors in the United States. The advisory is specifically directed at roadway workers (railway employees and contractors performing work on or near tracks) whose activities often fall outside the scope […]

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published a fact sheet to help employers develop effective strategies for Process Safety Management (PSM). The fact sheet identifies and discusses the ways that facilities enrolled in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), and who therefore have been recognized by OSHA for safety performance above industry average, use […]

In the material handling industry, even when most of the major hazards are identified and addressed, a small or careless mistake can still result in serious injury. Below are four common warehouse hazards should not be overlooked. 1. Pallet Rack Collapses Incidents involving pallet rack collapses often stem from materials not being properly stowed in […]