Chemical Management
534 results
The New EPA Final Rule on Refrigerant Management: How Does it Affect You?
EPA recently issued a final rule that updates refrigerant management requirements under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. The rule, which was published in the Federal Register on November 18, 2016 and is now in effect as of January 1, 2017, extends existing requirements and sales restrictions for ozone depleting refrigerants to certain substitutes, […]
Engaging Your Engineers in Ergonomics: A Tough Nut to Crack
Ergonomics is an engineering discipline. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines it as “…fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population.” Safety professionals apply ergonomics to, among other things, reduce exposure to the risk factors known to cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Research has proven that sound […]
Four Key Features of an Office Chair
If your coworkers rush to work each morning to snag the highly coveted office chair, it may be time to go shopping so that there are a few more chairs like it to pick from. Chances are the “favorite chair” isn’t the most-liked because it’s expensive, it’s because it’s adjustable! Here are some must-have features […]
Leading Measures for Ergonomics
“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 […]
Tier II Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reports: What You Need To Know About the Annual Deadline
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 […]
Is Stretching Effective in Preventing MSDs?
Some organizations rely on stretching, exercise, and conditioning programs (alone or in combination with other interventions) to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This relies on changing the physical condition and capabilities of each individual employee and is heavily dependent on many variables that are outside an employer’s control, including employee willingness, interest, and participation; an individual’s […]
OSHA Form 300A Posting Deadline is February 1 — Are You Ready?
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 […]
Participatory Ergonomics Programs – 9 Keys to Success
Participatory ergonomics (PE) programs are a common way to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace. These programs generally involve developing an ergonomics team that includes members from various departments and levels within the organization. But most importantly, they include those who have first-hand experience with the ergonomic issues: the workers. These teams also include […]
BLS Data Show Decline in Occupational Injuries Requiring Days Away From Work in 2015
New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that the overall incidence rate of workplace injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work decreased by 2.9 percent in 2015, with 104 cases per 10,000 full-time workers – down from 107.1 in 2014. The data also suggests an overall decrease in the severity of […]
Health Canada Releases Phase 2 Guidance for WHMIS 2015 Compliance
Suppliers of hazardous chemicals to Canadian workplaces can now access additional guidance for complying with new WHMIS requirements, which were modified in 2015 to incorporate the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Health Canada has published this new content as Phase 2 of its Technical Guidance on the Requirements of the […]