The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has released the “Top Ten List” for Fiscal Year 2021, providing the data for the first full year of reporting violations since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While the pandemic has introduced much uncertainty into our lives, we can still rely on Fall Protection–General Requirements topping this list…now for the 11th consecutive year.
Author: Bob Reiser
Oil & Gas Environmental Issues: Spills And Releases
During the last two decades, the oil & gas industry has experienced significant swings in petroleum hydrocarbon drilling and production. Technological advances – including horizontal drilling capabilities and widespread hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) of shales – have greatly expanded domestic oil & gas exploration and production.
Lead Exposure In The Workplace
Inorganic lead is a malleable, blue-gray, heavy metal that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust. Lead was one of the first metals used by humans and consequently the cause of the first recorded occupational disease (lead colic in a 4th Century BC metal worker). When absorbed, it can be stored in human bones, blood and tissues. And, as we age, bones demineralize and the internal exposures may increase as a result of larger releases of lead from the bone tissue. Continue Reading →
Chromated Copper Arsenate: Still Found In Lumber & Wood Products
According to MarketWatch’s September 15, 2021 press release, the size of the global chromated copper arsenate (CCA) market will decrease to $53 million US by 2026 – down from $58 million this year. While CCA preservative was voluntarily withdrawn by manufacturers for residential use in the United States in 2003, it is still in high demand for treating wood and lumber used in industrial settings and agricultural applications. Continue Reading →
Electric Battery Recycling & Repurposing
It wasn’t the first time I was stuck behind a Tesla Model S in traffic searching for its tailpipe. I know it doesn’t have one; but that doesn’t stop me from searching for it, as if the Tesla engineers cleverly hid it away from prying eyes. No tailpipe means the absence of harmful exhaust emissions which contain greenhouse gases. Nothing, except frictional kinetic energy from braking; but even most of that is captured by the regenerative braking system and converted into chemical energy to the battery. Whether you’re a fan or not, the global vehicle electrification has emerged in the past decade as a challenge to the internal combustion engine. A Bloomberg survey suggests electric vehicle sales will hit 41 million by 2040 – representing 35% of all light-duty vehicle sales. Continue Reading →
Internal Audit: Evaluating OHS Effectiveness
A company is preparing to implement a new occupational health & safety (OHS) policy. Management has proactively gathered necessary input from interested and affected stakeholders across the organization. They have informed and trained employees on the specifics and importance of adhering to this new OHS policy and advised them of their roles and responsibilities. Now the policy must stand on its own and become incorporated into the company’s day-to-day operations. Does management just walk away – assuming that employees will implement the new policy effectively, expediently and as intended; and that no issues, and hence, risk will arise? Or are they proactive in the implementation of the program? Continue Reading →
The Approaching ASTM Phase I Update — We’ve Been Here Before
This issue of HETI Horizons presents an overview of some major themes and selected details anticipated in the 2021 update to ASTM E1527, “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process”.
Guidance For Workplace Lighting
Appropriate lighting in a workplace can have a profound effect on worker safety, as well as the bottom line. Offices, retail locations and industrial facilities can all benefit from the added productivity, enhanced safety, and improved employee morale associated with appropriate lighting. Proper illumination and electrical installation practices will also avoid possible Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) citations. Newer lighting technologies, such as light emitting diode (LED), reduce electrical demand and save energy and money. Continue Reading →
Ergonomics: What Is It…And Why Is It So Important?
Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the worker. The goal is to reduce work-related injuries – including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) or cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) – that may occur from repetitive reaching, bending, or lifting; excessive force; working with vibrating equipment; and doing other tasks that require repetitive motion.
Emerging Fuels And Compatibility With Underground Storage Tanks
In 1925, Henry Ford said, “The fuel of the future is going to come from fruit like that sumac out by the road, or from apples, weeds, sawdust – almost anything.” Mr. Ford may have been foreshadowing “emerging fuels”. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines “emerging fuels” as new or different fuel formulations that enter the market for various reasons, such as policy changes or technical requirements. For example, biofuels (like ethanol), ultra-low sulfur gasoline, and biodiesel are examples of emerging fuels primarily derived from plants, animal products or other wastes.