Oil & Gas

This weekend, the feature film “Deepwater Horizon” hits movie theaters across the country. It tells the true story of the ill-fated semi-submersible offshore oil drilling rig that exploded after the well it was drilling erupted, killing 11 workers and injuring dozens more. Following the explosion, more than 200 million US gallons of oil gushed into the Gulf […]

There’s been a lot of news surrounding the increases to OSHA fines that went into effect August 1st, 2016. It is the first such increase to occur since 1990 and combined with recently expanded recordkeeping standards, as well as OSHA’s revised inspection and enforcement policies, employers are sure to face substantial challenges moving forward. What you […]

Prolonged standing is required in various occupations and can lead to discomfort and fatigue in the feet, legs, and lower back. Regular exposure to prolonged standing has been associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) as well as other issues like varicose veins and locked joints. Researchers have investigated multiple means of intervention […]

Workplace safety is often focused on workers doing rigorous tasks in industries with the perceived highest occupational risk, such as construction, mining, oil and gas, and manufacturing. However, one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, and one of the most costly to employers, affects those workers whose time is spent in offices and laboratories […]

People who work in the maritime industries know that safety is always the number one priority. This is much more than just a saying, though. Whether you’re in marine construction, shipping, commercial fishing, transportation, offshore oil and gas exploration, or dockside support services, the hazards that surround the maritime industries and the marine environment are […]

As industry experts begin to analyze the new  1700+ page respirable crystalline silica PEL rule released by OSHA late last week, it’s becoming clear that the expansive nature of the rule will result in new responsibilities for workplaces. Two of the largest involve revised safety data sheets (SDSs) and required workplace signage. The new rule […]

Today, in a decision sure to send waves throughout the EHS space, OSHA published a long-awaited final rule strengthening permissible exposure limits (PELs) for respirable crystalline silica. The announcement comes on the heels of a March 21 approval by the OMB Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, and after an almost 3 year rulemaking and public […]

A guest blog post by Meghan White, Senior Implementation Consultant at VelocityEHS. On World Water Day – today – I reflect on a topic that initially peaked my interest years ago, ISO Standard 14046: 2014 “Environmental Management – Water Footprint – Principles, Requirements and Guidelines.” Almost two years post publication, how relevant is the standard […]

As we move toward full adoption of GHS in the United States, OSHA continues to issue letters of interpretation (LOI) to clear up grey areas and answer questions posed by stakeholders. VelocityEHS regularly provides updates on these letters, and gives readers actionable information that companies can use to prepare for new guidance in enforcement policy […]

What is Multipurpose Lubricant? Available in a variety of brand names, multipurpose lubricant, also known as penetrant spray, has been used for over 60 years. The multiuse spray has a variety of uses in both home and commercial settings. This product is most commonly used to: Remove dirt, grease, grime, and residue from many surfaces […]