Hazard Communication


EPA Tallies ’09 Enforcement Results; Polluters Paid $5 Billion+

The agency has developed a new Web-based tool and interactive map that allows the public to get detailed information by location about the enforcement actions taken at approximately 4,600 facilities.

Crimes Were Down in '09, FBI Reports

The number of reported arsons, which are tracked separately from other property crimes, declined 8.2 percent nationwide during the first half of 2009 when compared with data from the first half of 2008, according to the agency’s preliminary statistics.

Fire Safety

Ensuring Industrial Lone Workers' Safety

This article focuses on the issue of lone worker safety in the industrial workplace in industries both large and small. The first point of order is to define just what is meant by a "lone worker."

Achieving conformance with GHS in the United States is expected to be quite cumbersome.

OSHA, GHS, and Your MSDSs and Labels

The clock is ticking. Companies will have three years from promulgation to come into compliance with the final rule and two years to implement training requirements.

Robert Augeri

Safety Tips for Roadway Work Zones

June 3, 2008, turned into a nightmare for Chris and Janet Augeri. Instead of celebrating their son Rob's 31st birthday, they were making plans for his funeral.

NSC: 2009 Traffic Deaths on Track to Hit a Record Low

The United States is on track to achieve its lowest annual rate of traffic deaths ever recorded. The National Safety Council reports a 10 percent decrease in motor vehicle deaths during the first 10 months of 2009. An estimated 29,450 motor vehicle deaths occurred from January through October 2009. The annual population death rate from motor vehicle crashes also is down 10 percent at 11.5 deaths per 100,000 people.

ASSE's 8th Annual Kids' Safety-on-the-Job Poster Contest Deadline Near

During the holiday season, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is encouraging youth aged 5-14 years old to enter its 8th annual kids' "Safety-on-the-Job" poster contest. To win, children simply have to draw an example of being safe at work on a poster. The contest is open not only to ASSE members' children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, but also to children and schools sponsored by ASSE members.

CPSC Urges Caution with Heating as Winter Weather Arrives

As families look for ways to save money in tough economic times, there is an increased risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings and fire deaths associated with the use of alternative heating and power sources. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to check all home heating systems from fireplaces to furnaces, including any back-up power systems.



Diving Equipment Recalled Due to Drowning Hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Lamartek Inc., dba Dive Rite of, Lake City, Fla., announced a voluntary recall of Dive Rite Wings.

ASSE Offers Tips for Preventing Slips, Trips, Falls at Work

According to the society, four factors can contribute to slip, trip, and fall hazards: 1) workers; 2) machines/equipment; 3) work environments; and 4) management.

EPA Settles Clear Lam Packaging Hazardous Waste Violations

Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has settled with Clear Lam Packaging Inc. for alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requirements for treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. The Elk Grove, Ill., company will pay a $20,750 penalty and perform an environmental project costing at least $221,000.

Coast Guard Issues Christmas Kayak Safety Advisory

"My goal is to intentionally dampen the excitement of launching any new boat," said USCG's Al Johnson, "unless the person is properly attired and prepared for sudden cold water immersion. It might sound excessive, but if it saves a life, it isn't."

CPSC Extends the Stay of Enforcement for Many Children's Products

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously (5-0) to extend a stay of enforcement on testing and certification of many regulated children's products. While enforcement of specific CPSC testing requirements has been stayed, the products must still comply with all applicable rules and bans.

Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu Liquicaps Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Procter & Gamble Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio, have announced a voluntary recall of Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu 24-Count Bonus Pack Liquicaps.

USFA Releases 'Fire in the United States' Report

United States Fire Administrator Kelvin J. Cochran recently announced the availability of the fifteenth edition of Fire in the United States. This edition covers the 5-year period from 2003 to 2007, with a primary focus on 2007.

Power Company to Spend $93M to Resolve Clean Air Act Violations

The settlement is expected to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by almost 35,000 tons per year -- the equivalent to the emissions from 500,000 heavy-duty semi trucks, which is more than all the trucks registered in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio combined.

Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts Recalls Raw, Dry Roasted Hazelnut Kernels

Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts of Eugene, Ore., is recalling 6,712.5 lbs. of raw and dry roasted hazelnut kernels because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail, or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Printer Fined Nearly $160K for Not Providing PPE, Other Violations

Among other charges, the company faces citations for six willful violations that address its failure to provide adequate energy control procedures and a hearing conservation program.

The DOT Motorcoach Safety Action Plan lists numerous rulemaking and research efforts to be done in the next two years.

Senate Committee Advances CO Monitor, Bus Safety Bills

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation moved two bills forward on Dec. 17 that will address carbon monoxide poisoning cases -- like home fires, they are a recognized winter danger -- and the safety of motorcoach operations.

California Dairy Gives County a Gas Detection System, Settling Case

As part of a settlement, an alleged violator may voluntarily agree to undertake an environmentally beneficial project related to the violation in exchange for mitigation of the penalty to be paid. This company chose to donate a RAE Systems gas monitoring system and 42 radiation pagers.

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