As the novel coronavirus (Coronavirus) continues to spread in China and around the world, employers may want to consider steps to take in addressing the Coronavirus in the workplace. The
Continue Reading Coronavirus and the Occupational Safety and Health Act: What Employers Need to Know
OSHA
OSHA Is Raising Its Maximum Penalty Amounts, Again!
On Jan. 10, 2020, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced another increase in the maximum civil monetary penalties for violations of federal Occupational Safety and Health standards…
Continue Reading OSHA Is Raising Its Maximum Penalty Amounts, Again!
EPA’s Final Risk Management Program Reconsideration Rule More In-Step with OSHA’s Process Safety Management Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced a final rule rescinding major amendments to the Clean Air Act §112(r) Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations that were promulgated at the end of
United States Indicts Facility Owner Under Clean Air Act General Duty Clause
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to increase its enforcement role in industrial accidents, at times overshadowing the role traditionally played by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Continue Reading United States Indicts Facility Owner Under Clean Air Act General Duty Clause
California Adopts Emergency Regulation to Protect Outdoor Workers From Wildfire Smoke
We Didn’t Start the Fire . . . . But Your Employees Might Breathe the Smoke
Last year was the most destructive fire season in California’s history. Over 7,600 wildfires…
Continue Reading California Adopts Emergency Regulation to Protect Outdoor Workers From Wildfire Smoke
OSHA’s Regional Emphasis Program on Reducing Exposure to Ammonium
On Oct. 1, 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched a new Regional Emphasis Program (REP) to address hazards from exposure to fertilizer-grade ammonium…
Continue Reading OSHA’s Regional Emphasis Program on Reducing Exposure to Ammonium
OSHA Significantly Reduces Exposure Limits to Beryllium and its Compounds
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposes to amend its existing exposure limits for occupational exposure in general industry to beryllium and beryllium compounds and to promulgate a substance-specific standard for general industry regulating occupational exposure to beryllium and beryllium compounds. In a proposed rule published on Aug. 7, 2015, OSHA proposes a new permissible exposure limit (PEL). Comments must be submitted by Nov. 5, 2015.
The proposed rule would reduce exposure limits to one-tenth of the amount currently allowed. Currently, OSHA’s eight-hour permissible exposure limit for beryllium is 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter of air. OSHA’s proposed standard would reduce the eight-hour permissible exposure limit to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter. The proposed rule contains several ancillary provisions, including requirements for exposure assessment, personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE), medical surveillance, medical removal, training, and regulated areas or access control.…
Continue Reading OSHA Significantly Reduces Exposure Limits to Beryllium and its Compounds
OSHA Proposed Rule for Crystalline Silica
from Frank Citera of Greenberg Traurig Chicago
OSHA is currently accepting comments on a proposed rule that would significantly tighten the exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica across all industry…
Continue Reading OSHA Proposed Rule for Crystalline Silica