Government Safety Regulations

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Seventeen scientists who launched a high profile attack on plans in Europe to regulate endocrine-disrupting chemicals have past or current ties to regulated industries. An investigation by Environmental Health News (EHN) revealed that of 18 toxicology journal editors who signed a controversial editorial, 17 have worked with or for the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, tobacco, pesticide or biotechnology industries.

OSHA’s deadline for training workers on its updated Hazard Communication standard is looming large. The agency is requiring that workers be trained by Dec. 1 on the new label elements and safety data sheets (SDS).

A newly published study of Chinese tin and pottery workers has  found that exposure to airborne silica dust is associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing lung cancer.

The EPA is finalizing a rule that will allow the agency to restrict imports of potentially harmful perfluorinated chemicals that could be used in carpets. The regulation will require companies to report to EPA all new uses, including in domestic and imported products, of these chemicals once used  for soil and stain resistance in carpets.

While efforts to reform the federal Toxic Chemicals Safety Act continue to inch slowly forward, the state of California has taken a bold regulatory leap into controlling toxic chemicals – at least those found in consumer products.

No, they didn’t turn off the lights and locked the doors. The show definitely goes on, and when you’re inside the expo or attending education sessions, the ugly world of federal government shutdowns seems far far away.

Spend a day talking to safety pros and safety product trainers, consultants and PPE vendors and one thing strikes you: a new vocabulary is emerging in safety circles. You hear little talk about OSHA or compliance. Policing or rules or discipline. The new language is much more positive.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) has come out “strongly against” Congressional efforts to defund the Affordable Care Act just days before it takes affect. From a statement issued by the organization: “The proposed legislation would harm Americans in multiple ways..."

The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) has sent a letter to U.S. Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D. Mich.) supporting a bill that would protect both health care workers and patients from injuries.