Chemical Management

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

All good safety professionals know to pursue the hierarchy of controls when eliminating or reducing exposure to safety hazards. The same hierarchy can be applied to managing and controlling the risk factors which cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).  The proof and effectiveness has been demonstrated in several recently-published studies. It is interesting to note that there […]

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 […]

Since OSHA announced its new Final Rule to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica, the agency has handed down several citations for silica dust violations involving substantial fines. In May, a citation of $62,370 was leveled against a Wisconsin iron foundry that “overexposed three workers to silica.” According to OSHA, “One employee’s exposure […]

OSHA named the Top 10 most cited violations of 2016 at this year’s National Safety Council Congress and Expo in Anaheim. For the fourth consecutive year, Hazard Communication has maintained the No. 2 spot, second only to Fall Protection. Here is the complete Top 10 list for 2016, along with the listing for previous years: Most […]

VelocityEHS is offering a free, live webinar to help businesses prepare for compliance with OSHA’s new Respirable Crystalline Silica Final Rule. With the first impacted industry (Construction) facing a compliance deadline of June 23, 2017 — and General Industry and Maritime facing a deadline of June 23, 2018, and Hydraulic Fracturing facing deadlines ranging from […]