Risk Management


Laundry Company Fined for Mismanaging Hazardous Waste

G&K Services failed to control air emissions and properly manage hazardous waste materials

USFA Releases New Technical Report

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has released a new technical report titled "Chemical Fire in Apex, North Carolina." This report examines the response of the Apex Fire Department, the value of pre-planning efforts, and the impact of a well coordinated response in the worst of conditions.

NY Display Manufacturer Cited for Willful Eye Hazards

The company also faces 24 serious citations for missing or inadequate guarding of mechanical power presses and press brakes, uninspected power presses, and lack of a hearing conservation program, among other alleged violations. Total proposed fines exceed $70,000.

NIOSH to Seek Input on Hexavalent Chromium Draft Guidance Document

A public meeting focusing on the draft document's thoroughness and scientific and technical soundness is slated for Jan. 22, 2009 in Cincinnati. Written comments are being accepted from Oct. 15, 2008, through Jan. 31, 2009.

EPA Issues Final Yucca Mountain Radiation Standards

In addition to limiting the radioactive waste dose limit to 15 millirem per year for the first 10,000 years after disposal, the final standard will require the Department of Energy to consider the effects of climate change, earthquakes, volcanoes, and corrosion of the waste packages to safely contain the waste during a 1 million-year period.

CDC Starts Get Smart About Antibiotics Week

The weeklong campaign uses podcasts, ads, brochures, and other communications tools to spread the word about the importance of proper use of antibiotics.

Merit Energy and Shell to lower emissions after clean air violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it has reached an agreement with Merit Energy Co. LLC and Shell Exploration & Production Co. that resolves federal allegations that the companies continued to operate a facility in Michigan after Shell had made improper modifications to the plant.

International Paper Plant Renews MIOSHA Star

The Sturgis Converting & Distribution Center, considered a high-hazard site, achieved a 0.0 total case incidence rate in 2005 and 2007, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration said.



Study: Psychological Distress Levels of 9/11 Workers Exceed Norms

The findings of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in World Trade Center workers are similar to those encountered in U.S. war veterans returning from Afghanistan, researchers say.

EPA Fines 99 Cent Stores for Pesticide Violations

Store sold and distributed unregistered and misbranded products.

EU Project Trying to Lower Adolescent Injury Deaths

20,000 Europeans ages 15-24 per year die from fatal injuries, twice as many as from all other causes combined, according to EuroSafe, the European Association for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion.

EPA Fines Firm for Failing to Report Info Needed by First Responders

"Facilities that use toxic chemicals must provide complete and accurate information about these chemicals so residents and emergency responders are aware of possible chemical hazards in the community," said Enrique Manzanilla, Communities and Ecosystems director for EPA's Pacific Southwest region.

ASSE, U.S. Chamber, NAM Support DOL's Risk Management Rule

Favorable comments by the 33,000-member American Society of Safety Engineers' president are the biggest surprise among 20 posted this week.

IWCA Seeking Comments on Window Cleaning Safety Standard

The standard is intended to serve as a guide for window cleaners, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, architects, consultants, designers, and building owners.

ASSE Kicks off Annual 'Safety-on-the-Job' Poster Contest

ASSE has launched its 7th annual kids' "Safety-on-the-Job" poster contest, which is open to ASSE members' children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and will have a Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2009, deadline.

CDC Awards $24 Million for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Projects

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded $24 million to fund 55 projects in 29 state and local public health departments that could serve as innovative approaches for influenza pandemic preparedness.

OSHA Forms New Alliance with American Fire Sprinkler Association

“Serious injuries can occur while performing tasks commonly associated with fire sprinkler installation. It is our goal to provide useful information and resources to protect the safety and health of these employees,” said OSHA chief Edwin Foulke Jr.

Railroads Join FRA to Strengthen Bridge Safety Policy

The policy soon will include a nine-element program to be used by rail companies in their bridge management evaluation.

DHS Revises Chemical-Terrorism Vulnerability Procedures Manual

The revisions take into account feedback from the private sector and the experience gained since implementing Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) in April 2007, the department said.

OSHA, American Dental Association Renew Alliance, Focus on Ergonomics

As part of the partnership, ADA representatives will continue to provide expertise in updating the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention and the Dentistry Safety and Health Topics pages.

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