January 2012
OSHA updates its inspection program for the new fiscal year
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced updates to its Federal Agency Targeting Inspection Program (FEDTARG) directive for fiscal 2012. The directive provides guidance on programmed inspections of federal agency...Read Full Article
Chicago Mayor and Illinois utility announce smart grid investment plan
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently joined Illinois utility ComEd to announce the company's new investment plan that will pump $1.1 billion into building smart grid technologies that will bring the state's aging infrastructure into the 21st...Read Full Article
ASSE calls for more action to improve occupational safety
As the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) enters into its second century, president Terrie S. Norris has issued a call for more action to the occupational safety, health, and environmental profession. "As we move into the next 100...Read Full Article
ANSI approves new construction, demolition safety standards
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) recently announced that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved two new A10 construction and demolition safety standards. One new standard, ANSI/ASSE A10.1-2011 Project and...Read Full Article
OSHA releases white paper affirming commitment to worker safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reaffirmed its position on protecting workers from injury and illness by presenting a white paper that that calls its programs "effective, flexible and commonsense" tools. The...Read Full Article
CSB calls on NFPA to issue hazardous waste standard
In response to a recent chemical fire and fatality, Chemical Safety Board (CSB) Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso has urged the Environmental Technology Council (ETC) to petition the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to issue a specific...Read Full Article
Protecting your workers against bloodborne pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens can be a risk factor in many workplaces, and implementing specific safety guidelines helps ensure the protection of workers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), bloodborne pathogens are...Read Full Article
Standard for multi-employer construction sites approved by ANSI
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) recently announced that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved an updated version of the ANSI/ASSE A10.33-2011 standard, Safety and Health Program Requirements for Multi-Employer...Read Full Article
Automobile manufacturing industry to rev up employment
American auto manufacturers had much to show for at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as all agreed the domestic auto manufacturing industry has been reborn and is ready to meet the soaring domestic demand for cars. Mike...Read Full Article
New online Outreach Training Program providers selected by OSHA
On January 12, 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it had selected 10 OSHA authorized training providers to instruct 25 online courses in line with its Outreach Training Program. The program was developed to...Read Full Article
EPA releases Annual National Analysis of the Toxics Release Inventory
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its 2010 analysis of the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), which assesses the impact of toxic chemical disposals and other releases into the environment, and also provides information on...Read Full Article
Northern Safety releases new N-Specs® safety glasses for 2012
Northern Safety is pleased to announce its newest release of N-Specs® safety glasses for 2012. While streamlining design, enhancing protective features, and maintaining its low cost, Northern Safety has introduced several new styles of safety...Read Full Article
Stakeholder Meeting on Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss summary released by OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a summary of the key discussion points made during an informal stakeholder meeting that was held to gather information on the best practices for noise reduction in the workplace....Read Full Article
Study: Workplace injuries and illnesses cost U.S. $250 billion annually
A study conducted by a researcher at the University of California, Davis has found that occupational injuries and illnesses cost the nation about $250 billion every year, much higher than previous estimates. The study suggests the U.S. should focus...Read Full Article
U.S. refineries increasing distillate yields
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has announced that in October 2011, the refinery field of distillate fuels, which includes diesel fuel and heating oil, hit 29.7 percent. This ties the previous record that was set in December 2008....Read Full Article
USDA going strong after 150 years
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is celebrating its 150th anniversary. President Abraham Lincoln enacted a law that established the agency in 1862. In what Lincoln described as "The People's Department," the USDA was formed...Read Full Article
Agricultural Secretary urges more renewable energy and energy efficiency projects
On January 20, 2012, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was looking for applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and small businesses to perform various energy efficiency...Read Full Article
U.S. factories increase production in final month of 2011
Industrial production grew 0.4 percent in December 2011, after falling 0.3 percent the previous month. December helped fourth-quarter manufacturing totals rise at an annual rate of 3.1 percent, marking the 10th consecutive quarterly gain. The...Read Full Article
Northern Safety adds Haws® Axion™ EyePOD™ in 2012
Leading safety and industrial equipment supplier Northern Safety recently announced the addition of the Haws® Axion™ MSR EyePOD™ to its product line for 2012. This Haws® eye wash offers an easy-to-install faucet-mount solution...Read Full Article
Supplemental document on hearing loss issued by NIOSH and NHCA
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has teamed up with the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) for a second year and announces a supplemental issue of the International Journal of Audiology. The issue...Read Full Article
NYC Mayor says building safety laws cut accidents by 18 percent
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently announced that construction-related accidents in the city dropped by 18 percent in 2011, and injuries related to construction dropped 7.8 percent, which the Mayor attributed to safety measures enacted...Read Full Article
Northern Safety brings in sleek, modern Bolle® safety glasses for 2012
Northern Safety is pleased to announce its exciting new line of Bolle® safety glasses for 2012. With your safety and satisfaction in mind, Northern Safety is now offering the following Bolle styles: • Modern, lightweight Slam safety...Read Full Article
OSHA renews alliance with American Pipeline Contractors Association
On January 30, 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it had renewed its alliance with the American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) to continue protecting workers from dangerous job hazards during equipment...Read Full Article