Oil & Gas

In 2012, the EPA published 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart OOOO, more commonly known as Quad-O, which set forth substantial new methane emissions monitoring and reduction requirements, as well as provisions mandating that owners and operators in the oil and gas industry implement comprehensive leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs throughout their facilities. In June of […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]