ASSP unveils risk assessment technical report

Risk and uncertainty in the workplace are dynamic and continuously evolve as conditions and technologies change. Occupational safety and health professionals can learn about the latest techniques and implementation strategies to combat risk and better protect workers in a new technical report published by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). ASSP TR-31010-2020 Risk Management…

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Lawsuit accuses Lockheed Martin facility of mishandling toxins, creating “environmental nightmare”

Defense giant Lockheed Martin created an “environmental nightmare” at its facility off Sand Lake Road by mismanaging hazardous toxins, which contaminated nearby workers who were later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, brain lesions, cancer and other diseases, newly filed lawsuits say. Orlando attorney John Morgan said his firm filed two complaints Monday in federal court, including…

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Slow equipment rollout may portend EPA problems, watchdog says

The EPA’s partial inability to equip field staff with personal protective equipment during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic could signal problems with the agency’s response to other major events such as wildfires and hurricanes, the agency’s internal watchdog said. More than one-third of the 127 staffers contacted said they weren’t able to get…

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OSHA to withhold violation details: No more public “blaming and shaming”

Citations that OSHA inspectors issue to employers will no longer immediately be made available to the public on request, a change in policy that comes as the agency prepares to release dozens of citations stemming from virus-related inspections. Instead, the agency is now requiring that a request be submitted under the Freedom of Information Act, a federal…

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OSHA issues guidance to ensure uniform enforcement of respirable crystalline silica standards

Earlier this summer, OSHA issued a compliance directive designed to ensure uniformity in inspection and enforcement procedures when addressing respirable crystalline silica exposures in general industry, maritime and construction. According to OSHA, the directive provides compliance safety and health officers with guidance on how to enforce the silica standards’ requirements, including: Methods of compliance Table…

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Workers say major retailers suppress news of workplace COVID-19 cases

The coronavirus pandemic has upended life for many retail workers, who risk catching or spreading the virus as frontline workers. Compounding those fears are “gag orders” from employers, which require employees to stay silent, according to Business Insider. While anxieties over the coronavirus remain top of mind for frontline workers, retail employees feel they have…

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How OSHA uses the “General Duty” clause

OSHA has issued a flurry of citations against employers over the past month related to COVID-19. As businesses reopen and workers return to their workplaces, OSHA’s enforcement activity should serve as a cautionary reminder to employers of their responsibilities under the OSH Act’s “General Duty” Clause and record-keeping requirements as they relate to the threat…

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Bob Taylor Retires after 42 years at ENMET

Bob teaching an “ENMET U” Class in the 80’s and Bob’s Retirement Party August 2020. Whether you have been an ENMET customer for many years or just in the past few years you have probably had the pleasure of speaking with Robert “Bob” Taylor in Technical Support. On August 20, 2020, we officially celebrated Bob’s…

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AIHA Offers a blueprint for construction health challenges of COVID-19

“Focus on Construction Health: COVID-19” was developed as a companion document to the AIHA publication, “Focus Four for Health.” That free publication shines a spotlight on four common construction health hazards. Focus on Construction Health: COVID-19 outlines problems – and then gives practical ways to address them. The guidance, available as a free download, covers how…

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ASSP and ASHCA to collaborate as harvest time raises dangers

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America (ASHCA) have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding that brings the organizations together to advance workplace safety and health in the farming industry. The agricultural sector is the most dangerous job category in America, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.…

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