Healthcare

EPA has issued a new final rule officially titled “Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals and Amendment to the P075 Listing for Nicotine.” The rule, issued on December 11, aims to reduce the compliance burden on healthcare facilities generating waste pharmaceuticals and retailers who sell certain nicotine products, while facilitating re-use and enabling better management […]

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discusses trends in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) that were first identified by a California Department of Public Health (CDPH) analysis of workers’ compensation claims. The report identifies the industries and occupations with the highest reported rates of CTS, and calculates rates […]

This week, the Unites States remembers the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We’ve had 17 years now of grieving and lesson-learning, but the emotional scars will always remain. For many people who were near Ground Zero of the WTC attacks, especially first responders called to the scene and their loved ones, the pain of […]

Is Your 300A Accurate? Compliance Tips Before the February 1 Deadline It’s almost that time again! Employers in the United States who are subject to OSHA’s Recordkeeping Rule are required to post a signed copy of their Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (Form 300 A) in a location accessible to employees by February 1. […]

Triclosan and its Uses Triclosan is a solid crystalline chemical used primarily as an antibacterial agent in a variety of consumer products. Originally used as a cleaning scrub in hospitals in the 1970s, triclosan is now present in soap, detergent, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, surgical cleaners, pesticides, and even toys, although its efficacy and safety have […]

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. […]

What is Formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical with a strong, pungent odor and a variety of associated health hazards. This chemical, which is used in the production of many materials, has a wide variety of applications across several industries. Formaldehyde is used to create resins, adhesives for plywood and carpeting, paper products, insulation, polyurethane, […]

As students across the country head back to school, it’s important to understand the kind of complex chemical ecosystem they will face on K-12 and university campuses. In addition to cleaners and maintenance chemicals, these facilities often feature chemical labs with an array of hazards comparable to those found in an industrial setting. And with […]

Welcome to VelocityEHS’ news roundup, featuring the latest EHS headlines that you might have missed. Among this week’s topics are several OSHA updates, including the agency’s focus on key worker hazards in healthcare facilities, approved legislation that would reduce its fiscal year 2016 budget, and new safety fact sheets for California workers and employers. Other […]

Part of the National Safety Council’s focus during National Safety Month 2015 is ergonomics, or how people can function most safely and effectively in their work environments. While employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace for their employees, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a significant cause of time off the job in numerous industries. […]