Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Bipartisan Senate Bill Would Ban HFCs

US Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) have introduced a bill, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, that would phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and facilitate the transition towards next generation coolants.  The legislation represents a bipartisan effort that brings together the manufacturing industry and environmental groups. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) joined Sens. Kennedy and Carper as original co-sponsors.

HFCs are used as coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners.  The hydrofluorocarbon industry employs 593,000 workers in the US and generates annual sales of $206 billion.  Because of changing global policy, countries are moving away from using hydrofluorocarbons.  The legislation will ensure that the EPA has the authority to ensure a smooth phasedown of the manufacturing of hydrofluorocarbons in the U.S. in order to support the next generation technologies.

Two US plants, Honeywell in Geismar and Mexichem Fluor Inc. in St. Gabriel, in Louisiana are impacted by the evolving technology.  This legislation will preserve jobs at these facilities.

"On the surface, this bill seems more complicated than high school chemistry, but really it’s pretty simple.  It’s about jobs.  And it’s about protecting the investment by Louisiana companies in new technologies and protecting Louisiana jobs,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “This bill gives a $206 billion US industry the clarity it needs to invest, transition and protect American jobs.  It’s not often that Democrats, Republicans, industry and environmental groups come together to agree on anything, but we are all in agreement on this one.”

“Our bipartisan AIM Act continues support for American development and manufacturing of next-generation HFC-alternatives, while also protecting our environment and helping the US meet its obligations under the amended Montreal Protocol – a true win-win,” said Senator Carper. “After more than a decade of work to support domestic manufacturing of HFC-alternative products, our efforts are clearly paying off with American companies leading the world in this growing industry. While we’ve been creating jobs right here at home, we’ve also been helping our country, and the world, phase down HFC products and limit their contribution to human-caused climate change. As other nations start making similar investments, now is not the time to pull on the reins and stymie the economic growth being created by American ingenuity.  I am proud to work with Senator Kennedy and my other bipartisan colleagues to continue to build on our successes and work across the aisle to provide a cleaner planet for the generations to come.”

“American manufacturers are leading the way in using new technologies to develop environmentally-friendly substitutes for hydrofluorocarbons,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation helps workers in Louisiana and creates jobs here at home.”

“I am glad this bipartisan effort will take a real step towards addressing climate change,” said Senator Coons. “Phasing down hydrofluorocarbons will not only have a positive impact on the environment, but will also benefit US companies that have invested in developing environmentally friendly alternatives by providing market stability for their next generation products. This is proof that we don’t have to choose between protecting the environment and growing the economy, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the bill is signed into law.”

“America’s manufacturing industry is an integral part of our economy and has long been a source of pride as well as quality, good-paying jobs,” said Senator Collins.  “This legislation will accelerate the phasedown of harmful pollutants with next-generation, environmentally safe coolant alternatives while boosting job growth, increasing innovation, and attracting future investments.”

“HFCs are a serious threat to our environment that the world must come together to take on,” said Merkley. “With this bipartisan proposal, we can bring a commonsense approach to phasing out HFCs and boost our efforts to avoid climate chaos.”

“The Louisiana Chemical Association commends Sen. Kennedy for his leadership and we look forward to working with him on this important legislation,” said Greg Bowser, President of the Louisiana Chemical Association. “Investments in manufacturing of the next-generation solutions have resulted in hundreds of long-term, sustainable jobs in Louisiana, as well as thousands of manufacturing jobs during the construction of these large-scale manufacturing plants.  I encourage leadership to take action on the phasedown of HFCs by passing the AIM Act, and support continued innovation in this growth sector.”

“We commend Sen. Kennedy and Sen. Cassidy for their leadership in introducing the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act,” said Rajeev Gautam, President and CEO, Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies.  “Honeywell strongly supports HFC phasedown as an essential initiative for American competitiveness.  Decisive action at the federal level is critical to supporting economic growth and job creation at home and the success of exporting U.S. innovation abroad.”

Mexichem Fluor, Inc. released the following statement: “Mexichem Fluor, Inc. supports the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM), which provides for EPA to adopt a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phasedown in accordance with the schedule in the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer.  This bill will help achieve the important and sustainable objectives of this international environmental agreement.”

“Because other nations are already forging ahead on the HFC phase-down, it is important for the United States to maintain its leadership in the development of climate-friendlier alternatives and for American industry to seize the global economic opportunity in the market for alternative chemicals and products.  Your bill is a critical step in that direction,” said David Doniger, Senior Strategic Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Charleston Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training 
Register for Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Charleston, SC, on March 19-21 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

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Monday, February 26, 2018

How to Determine When Bulk Shipments Only Need Two Placards [49 CFR 172.514(c)]

When you offer bulk shipments of hazardous materials, the vehicle must be placarded in a way that identifies the hazards of the materials being shipped. With few exceptions, placards must be displayed on all four sides of bulk packages. However there are certain situations where you have the option to display placards on two opposing sides, instead of all sides, of a bulk package.

When you offer bulk shipments of hazardous materials, the vehicle must be placarded in a way that identifies the hazards of the materials being shipped. With few exceptions, placards must be displayed on all four sides of bulk packages. However there are certain situations where you have the option to display placards on two opposing sides, instead of all sides, of a bulk package.

49 CFR 172.514(c) allows the following bulk packages to be placarded on only two opposite sides, or alternatively labeled instead of being placarded in accordance with Subpart E:

Portable tanks with a capacity of less than 1,000 gallons

DOT 106 or 110 multi-unit tank cars

Bulk packaging other than a portable tank, cargo tank, or tank car (e.g., bulk bag or box) that have a capacity of less than 640 cubic feet

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)-as defined at 49 CFR 178.700(c)

Large packagings as defined in 49 CFR 171.8

For IBCs labeled in accordance with Subpart E rather than being placarded, the IBC may display the proper shipping name and UN identification number in accordance with the size requirements of 49 CFR 172.301(a)(1) in place of the UN number on an orange panel or placard.

Learn more about how to comply with the latest hazardous material transportation regulations by attending Environmental Resource Center’s DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course seminar, DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course - Webcast, or DOT Hazardous Materials Update - Webcast.

Highest Rated DOT Hazmat Training

Training is required for all employees who the DOT classifies as Hazmat Employees. Anyone responsible for the safe transportation of hazardous materials, such as those who are involved in packaging, labeling, loading, unloading, completing shipping papers, or providing emergency information must be trained. Environmental Resource Center training is available on-site, and at conveniently located seminars, instructor-led webcasts, or self-paced online training.

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March 6-8

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March 26-28

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March 27-29

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1. Register two attendees at full price and each additional person attends the same class for half price.

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The post How to Determine When Bulk Shipments Only Need Two Placards appeared first on Environmental Resource Center.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Is Your Workforce Prepared for Emergencies?

A recent study demonstrated some significant gaps in emergency preparedness. While 87% of respondents stated that they were aware of their workplace’s fire drill policy, only 57% of respondents indicated their workplace had preparedness drills in place for events such as hazardous materials incidents, weather alerts, and active shooter incidents.

A recent study demonstrated some significant gaps in emergency preparedness. While 87% of respondents stated that they were aware of their workplace’s fire drill policy, only 57% of respondents indicated their workplace had preparedness drills in place for events such as hazardous materials incidents, weather alerts, and active shooter incidents.

A survey of 530 respondents conducted by Rave Mobile Safety examined employee perceptions of workplace safety and security, and the findings revealed that "workplaces miss the mark in critical communication and planning, and could be unprepared to meet the future needs of employees," Rave reported.

Additionally, the study reported, as the workforce continues to evolve with a growing number of Millennials and Generation Z employees joining, the way workplace safety is communicated may also need to shift.

53% of surveyed Millennial respondents were either unaware of their workplace’s emergency plans or said that their workplace did not have emergency plans in place. When compared to respondents age 45 and older, a big discrepancy is revealed: Only 34% of respondents in this age group responded the same way about their employers’ workplace safety plans.

Additionally, nearly half of the 45 and older age group said that they were "very likely" to report an issue in which their own or a co-worker’s safety was in question, but only 8% of Millennials said they were "very likely" to report an issue like this.

Most respondents agreed on their preferred mode of communication in the event of a workplace emergency: text message. However, only 37% of respondents said their workplace currently has a mass text message notification system in place.

The study concluded that employers must take steps to ensure that their organizations are prepared in the event of an emergency, whether it be a fire, hazardous materials incident or an active shooter situation.

California Hazardous Waste and DOT Training

Register for California Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in San Jose, CA, on February 27 - March 1 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

Charleston Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training

Register for Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Charleston, SC, on March 19-21 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

Jacksonville Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training

Register for Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Jacksonville, FL, on March 27-29 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

Study Finds Nonfatal Injuries Among Law Enforcement Officers Increased

An estimated 669,100 law enforcement officers were treated in emergency departments across the nation for nonfatal injuries between 2003 and 2014, according to a study by researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The study, which is the first to examine nonfatal injuries among officers on a national scale, was published online this month in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) have historically high rates of fatal and nonfatal injuries. The new research shows that officers are three times more likely to sustain a nonfatal injury than all other US workers, and is the first to capture nonfatal injuries sustained from assaults and unintentional injuries such as accidental falls or motor vehicle crashes.

"Studies based on evidence are an important feature of public health and this principle extends to studying the law enforcement community and their work," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. "The safety and health of both police and citizens depend on understanding how policing tactics impact officer and citizen injuries."

The study researchers, whose aim was to provide national estimates and trends of nonfatal injuries to law enforcement officers from 2003 - 2014, found the following:

* The LEO nonfatal injury trend increased across the 12-year period studied; this is in contrast with the trend for all other US workers which significantly decreased.

* Assault-related injury rates significantly increased almost 10% annually from 2003 to 2011.

* The three leading reasons for on-duty injuries were assaults & violent acts (36%), bodily reactions & exertion from running or other repetitive motions (15%), and transportation incidents (14%).

The study used nonfatal injury data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System - Occupational Supplement (NEISS-Work). Data were obtained for injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments from 2003-2014.

The post Is Your Workforce Prepared for Emergencies appeared first on Environmental Resource Center.

Friday, February 16, 2018

Fees Proposed for TSCA Chemical Safety Evaluations

EPA met an important milestone and proposed fees under the Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which amended the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

“EPA has moved swiftly to implement the amended TSCA requirements. Our proposed TSCA fees rule ensures we have sufficient resources to review chemicals for safety with the highest scientific standards,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.

Under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act, the proposed fees on chemical manufacturers, importers and processors, will provide a sustainable source of funding to defray resources that are available for implementation of new responsibilities under the amended law.

These fees to be collected from certain chemical manufacturers and importers, including processors, would go toward developing risk evaluations for existing chemicals; collecting and reviewing toxicity and exposure data and other information; reviewing Confidential Business Information (CBI); and, making determinations in a timely and transparent manner with respect to the safety of new chemicals before they enter the marketplace.

EPA has finalized three important rules under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act and is now taking action to move the fourth to completion. EPA is working to implement the new law, the first major update to an environmental statute in 20 years, and get the most modern and safe chemicals to market quickly in order to provide regulatory certainty for manufacturers and confidence for American consumers.

This rule is the final of four framework rules under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act, incorporating input received at an August 11, 2016 public meeting. Under the proposed rule, affected businesses would begin incurring fees on October 1, 2018 and small businesses would receive an 80% discount on their fees for new chemical submissions.

The 60-day comment period will open upon the forthcoming publication of the proposed fees rule in the Federal Register.

On June 22, 2017 – the one-year anniversary of the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act – EPA met milestones for three framework TSCA rules: the Prioritization Process Rule, Risk Evaluation Process Rule, and Inventory Rule.

In addition to finalizing framework TSCA rules so the Agency can properly implement the law within the timeframes set by Congress, EPA has addressed and eliminated the backlog. The current caseload is back at the baseline level.
  • The Prioritization Process Rule establishes a framework and criteria for identifying high-priority chemicals for EPA risk evaluations.
  • The Risk Evaluation Process Rule establishes a framework for evaluating high priority chemicals to determine whether or not they present an unreasonable risk to health and/or the environment. The rule ensures transparency and confidence in the risk evaluation process while retaining flexibility to allow for new scientific approaches as they are developed.
  • The Inventory Rule requires industry reporting of chemicals manufactured, imported, or processed in the US over the past 10 years to identify which chemical substances on the TSCA Inventory are active in US commerce. This will inform the chemicals EPA prioritizes for risk evaluations.

Nashville Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training 
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Nashville, TN, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

Kansas City Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous MaterialsTraining
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Kansas City, MO, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

California Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training
Register for California Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in San Jose, CA, on February 27 – March 1 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

New Guidance from EPA on Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act
On January 25, 2018, the EPA issued a guidance memorandum that addresses the question of when a major source subject to a maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standard under CAA section 112 may be reclassified as an area source, and thereby avoid being subject thereafter to major source MACT and other requirements applicable to major sources under CAA section 112. As is explained in the memorandum, EPA’s definitions of major source in CAA section 112(a)(1) and of area source in CAA section 112(a)(2) compels the conclusion that a major source becomes an area source at such time that the source takes an enforceable limit on its potential to emit (PTE) hazardous air pollutants (HAP) below the major source thresholds (i.e., 10 tons per year (TPY) of any single HAP or 25 TPY of any combination of HAP). In such circumstances, a source that was previously classified as major, and which so limits its PTE, will no longer be subject either to the major source MACT or other major source requirements that were applicable to it as a major source under CAA section 112.

A prior EPA guidance memorandum had taken a different position. See Potential to Emit for MACT Standards--Guidance on Timing Issues, John Seitz, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, (May 16, 1995). The May 1995 Seitz Memorandum set forth a policy, commonly known as ``once in, always in'' (OIAI policy), under which “facilities may switch to area source status at any time until the ‘first compliance date’ of the standard,'' with first compliance date being defined to mean the “first date a source must comply with an emission limitation or other substantive regulatory requirement.”

Thereafter, under the OIAI policy, “facilities that are major sources for HAP on the `first compliance date' are required to comply permanently with the MACT standard.”

The guidance signed on January 25, 2018, supersedes that which was contained in the May 1995 Seitz Memorandum. The EPA indicated that it will soon publish a Federal Register document to take comment on adding regulatory text that will reflect EPA's reading of the statute.

The post Fees Proposed for TSCA Chemical Safety Evaluations appeared first on Environmental Resource Center.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Do You Have the Right Fire Extinguishers?

The National Fire Protection Association notes that portable fire extinguishers can “save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives, but portable extinguishers have limitations.”
The three most commonly used fire extinguishers are air-pressurized water (APW), carbon dioxide and multi- purpose/dry chemical. According to OSHA:
  • Air-pressurized water extinguishers are designed to be used only on Class A fires (wood, paper, cloth, rubber and certain plastics). Never use an APW extinguisher on flammable liquid fires, as it may make the situation worse, or electrical fires, as it may cause electrocution.
  • Carbon dioxide extinguishers put out fires by displacing oxygen. Be aware that pieces of dry ice will shoot from the device. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are meant for use only on Class B fires (oils, gasoline, some paints, lacquers, grease, solvents and other flammable liquids) and Class C fires (electrical fires, including fires in wires, fuse boxes and energized electrical equipment).
  • Multi-purpose/dry chemical extinguishers coat the fuel element with a thin layer of fire-retardant powder, OSHA notes. Although generally rated for Class B and C fires, they may be marked as multi-purpose for use in Class A, B and C fires. All fire extinguishers will be marked with labeling that identifies what class of fire it can be used on.

To use a fire extinguisher; NFPA recommends remembering to PASS:
  • Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointed away from you, then release the locking mechanism.
  • Aim low – point at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the lever slowly.
  • Sweep the nozzle in a side-to-side motion.

Nashville Hazardous Waste and DOT Training 
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Nashville, TN, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

Kansas City Hazardous Waste and DOT Training 
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Kansas City, MO, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

California Hazardous Waste and DOT Training 
Register for California Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in San Jose, CA, on February 27 – March 1 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

CDC’s New WISQARS Data Visualization
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) is an interactive, online database that provides fatal and nonfatal injury, violent death, and cost of injury data from a variety of trusted sources. You can use WISQARS data to learn more about the public health and economic burden associated with unintentional and violence-related injury in the United States.

Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP) Offers Paid Summer Internships
The Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP) online application is now open for summer 2018. OHIP is a national summer program dedicated to help students learn about the field of occupational safety and health  from those most at stake: working people. Please help spread the word about this nine-week, paid summer internship opportunity open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in occupational safety and health, and in working with worker organizations like unions and worker centers. The application deadline is February 16, at 11:59 pm PST.

The post Do You Have the Right Fire Extinguishers? appeared first on Environmental Resource Center.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Highest Rated RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Training

Environmental Resource Center has provided the highest quality Hazardous Waste Management Training for over 25 years. Our instructors bring a wide range of practical experience to the classroom, conducting seminars and live webcasts with expert knowledge, interactive exercises and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. RCRA Hazardous Waste Management classes are available as seminars, instructor-led webcasts, self-paced online courses or customized for your company’s individual needs.

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  6. Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule


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Post originally published on RCRA Training

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Falls Top Construction Death Incidents


Falls Top Construction Death Incidents

A recently created database allowed researchers to determine that, in a 33-year period, falls accounted for nearly half of all construction worker deaths - and more than half of the workers killed lacked access to fall protection - according to the Center for Construction Research and Training (also known as CPWR).

Using data from the NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program, the researchers found fatality reports for 768 construction industry fatalities and created a searchable database, the Construction FACE Database, of those reports.

After analyzing the incidents in the new database, researchers concluded that, between 1982 and 2015:
* 42% (325) of the fatalities involved falls
* 54% of the workers killed had no access to a personal fall arrest system, and 23% had access to a PFAS but did not use it
* Most of the workers with no access to PFAS worked for residential building contractors and contractors in the roofing, siding and sheet metal sectors
* 107 of the 325 falls were from 30 feet or higher
* 20% of the 768 deaths occurred in the victims’ first two months on the job.
"Even though this study was unable to assess effectiveness of the OSHA fall protection standard established in 1995, the considerable number of fall fatalities from lower heights provides strong evidence of the need for the OSHA requirement that fall protection be provided at elevations of 6 feet or more in the construction industry," researchers said.
In the study abstract, the researchers say the database allowed them to analyze FACE reports "quantitatively and efficiently," adding "comprehensive research using FACE reports may improve understanding of work-related fatalities and provide much-needed information on injury prevention."

Nashville Hazardous Waste and DOT Training
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Nashville, TN, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

Kansas City Hazardous Waste and DOT Training
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Kansas City, MO, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

California Hazardous Waste and DOT Training
Register for California Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in San Jose, CA, on February 27 - March 1 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.

Continued Dangers for Construction Workers Revealed in New Report
A new report released by a state workplace safety watchdog highlights the deadly risks construction workers face in New York.

The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) released its latest construction fatality report, "Deadly Skyline: An Annual Report on Construction Fatalities in New York State." The report found increases in New York State construction fatalities stating that "employers routinely violate legal regulations with impunity."
The organization’s members include workers, unions, community-based organizations, workers’ rights activists, and health and safety professionals.
The report’s key findings:
* In 2016, New York State had a 60% higher construction fatality rate than New York City. Over the past five years, the New York City fatal occupational injury rate in construction decreased by 21.3%, while the New York State rate increased by 29.5% over the same period of time.
* Non-union job sites are especially dangerous for workers. NYCOSH analyzed OSHA’s 36 investigated construction fatality citations in 2016 and found that in New York State, 94.7% of workers who died on private work sites were non-union. In New York City, 93.8% of construction workers who died on private work sites in 2016 were non-union.
* Falls continue to be the top cause of construction fatalities in New York State and New York City. In all of New York State in the past ten years, 218 workers died in falls, which accounted for 48% of all construction fatalities. In New York City alone, over the past ten years, 101 workers died due to falls, which on average accounted for 46% of all construction deaths.
* Enforcement agencies are drastically underfunded. NYCOSH conducted an in-depth analyses of OSHA inspections in New York State since OSHA’s founding and found a staggering decrease in inspections over the past twenty years.
* OSHA construction fines for fatality cases remain low. Average OSHA fines in construction fatality cases decreased by 7%, to $20,217.

The report, published in part by a grant provided by the New York State Department of Labor, offered a number of recommendations to improve worker safety in the state:
* Require construction training and certification for New York State’s construction workers. Municipalities and New York State need to create rigorous training requirements for construction workers.
* Establish funding streams for construction safety training programs in New York City. As the requirements for construction safety training increase, so should the funding to provide such training, especially to ensure that low-wage immigrant workers have the opportunity to access them.
* Preserve the Scaffold Safety Law. Given that fall-fatalities are the top cause of death on construction sites, this legislation must be defended in order to prevent such deaths.
* Pass Carlos’ Law to ensure corporate responsibility for worker fatalities.
* Expand criminal prosecutions statewide.
* Use existing city power to suspend or revoke licenses and construction permits for criminal contractors.

The post Falls Top Construction Death Incidents appeared first on Environmental Resource Center.



Sunday, February 4, 2018

Metal Working Fluid to be Listed as a Carcinogen

California’s Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is planning to list TRIM® VX as known to the state to cause cancer under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. This action is being proposed under the Proposition 65 authoritative bodies listing mechanism.

TRIM® VX is a metalworking fluid used as a lubricant and coolant liquid for cleaning tools and parts during cutting, drilling, milling, and grinding.

TRIM® VX meets the criteria for listing as known to the state to cause cancer under Proposition 65, based on a study performed by the US National Toxicology Program NTP. In 2016, NTP published a report on TRIM® VX, entitled Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of TRIM® VX in Wistar Han Rats and B6C3F1/N Mice (Inhalation Studies), that concluded that the chemical causes cancer. This report satisfies the formal identification and sufficiency of evidence criteria in the Proposition 65 regulations.

OEHHA relied on the NTP’s discussion of data and conclusions in the report that TRIM® VX causes cancer. NTP stated in the Conclusion section of the report’s Summary, "we conclude that exposure to aerosols of TRIM VX caused tumors of the lung in male and female mice..." The NTP report stated in the Conclusion section of the report’s Abstract and main body of the report (pages 9 and 71, respectively), "under the conditions of these 2-year inhalation studies... There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of TRIM VX in male B6C3F1/N mice based on the increased combined incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma or carcinoma of the lung." "There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of TRIM VX in female B6C3F1/N mice based on the increased combined incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma or carcinoma (primarily carcinoma) of the lung."

NTP found that TRIM® VX causes increased incidences of malignant and benign alveolar/bronchiolar tumors in male and female mice.

OEHHA has requested comments as to whether TRIM® VX meets the criteria set forth in the Proposition 65 regulations for authoritative bodies listings. In order to be considered, OEHHA must receive comments by 5:00 p.m. on February 26, 2018. Comments may be submitted electronically through OEHHA’s website at https://oehha.ca.gov/comments. Comments submitted in paper form can be mailed, faxed, or delivered in person to the address below.

Michelle Ramirez
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
P.O. Box 4010, MS-12B
Sacramento, California 95812-4010
Street Address:
1001 I Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Fax: 916-323-2265

Comments received during the public comment period will be posted on the OEHHA website after the close of the comment period. By sending your comments, you are waiving any right to privacy you may have in the information you provide. Commenters should advise OEHHA when submitting documents to request redaction of home address or personal telephone numbers. Electronic files submitted should not have any form of encryption.

For questions, contact Ms. Ramirez at Michelle.Ramirez@oehha.ca.gov or at 916-445-6900.

TSCA Reset Webcast
If your company manufactured or imported chemicals between June 21, 2006 and June 21, 2016, the EPA’s TSCA Inventory reset rule requires you to identify those substances as active on EPA central data exchange (CDX) by February 8, 2018.

If you process or use chemicals, you may identify them as active on the TSCA Inventory October 6, 2018. After October 6, 2018, chemicals which have not been identified as active on the TSCA Inventory may not, unless exempted, be imported, manufactured, processed, or used in commerce, in the United States.