U.S. Compliance

A group of factory workers wearing hard hats and lanyards

Keeping Workers Safe with Fall Protection

Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, highlighting it as an essential focus for any industrial organization. Whether working on rooftops, scaffolding, or elevated platforms, having the right systems and protocols in place can mean the difference between a near miss and a tragic accident. This article explores when fall protection is required, the ABCD’s of fall protection, the importance of effective fall arrest lanyards, and proper inspection procedures to ensure safety systems perform as intended.

Are You Ready for The New TSCA PFAS Reporting Requirements?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published an extensive wide-ranging final rule that requires companies to report per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) manufactured, including imported, in the United States under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This Rule does not solely extend to traditional chemical manufacturers but is inclusive of importers of products that contain one or more PFAS compounds.

Man using infrared scanning on machine in factory

IR Scanning Best Practices: Protecting Equipment, Employees, and Facilities

Infrared (IR) scanning, also known as thermographic or thermal imaging, is a vital technology used across industries to detect potential issues in electrical and mechanical systems before they escalate into costly or hazardous failures. By capturing temperature variations invisible to the naked eye, IR scanning can identify anomalies that signal potential failures, energy inefficiencies, and safety risks. This technique is particularly useful for equipment inspection, predictive maintenance, and ensuring compliance with industry safety standards. In this article, we will explore the purpose and scope of IR scanning, examine relevant regulatory requirements, and outline best management practices and effective control methods to enhance both equipment reliability and employee safety.

Worker in auto parts warehouse using a forklift

10 Essential Forklift Safety Practices

Forklifts are indispensable tools in various industries, enabling efficient movement of heavy materials and contributing to the productivity of warehouses, manufacturing plants, and construction sites. However, despite their utility, forklifts can pose significant risks if not handled correctly. This article highlights key forklift safety practices every operator and company should implement, from training and inspections to understanding forklift stability. Following these guidelines reduces accident risks, promotes a safer work environment, and enhances overall productivity.

Man in yellow helmet and gloves using a tool to cut through metal

Ensuring Safety in Metal Fabrication: Common Industrial Hygiene Testing Needs

Metal fabrication is a cornerstone of modern industry, playing a vital role in sectors ranging from automotive to construction. This process, which includes cutting, welding, brazing, and assembling metal, poses numerous health risks to workers due to hazardous substance exposure. Industrial hygiene testing is essential in identifying and mitigating these risks, ensuring a safe and compliant workplace. This blog post delves into the common industrial hygiene testing needs associated with metal fabrication, offering a detailed guide to fostering a healthy work environment.

Announcing the EPA’s e-Manifest Final Third Rule

The EPA Administrator finalized an amendment to hazardous waste manifest regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) with the e-Manifest Third Final Rule. This amendment is designed to encourage hazardous waste generators to adopt the electronic Hazardous Waste Manifest system (e-Manifest) to enhance compliance monitoring and improve access to information availability.

A woman sitting with a laptop showing the EHS Gateway

Leveraging Technology for Safety Hazard Management

In today’s fast-paced industrial environment, ensuring workplace safety is a top priority. Companies must navigate an intricate landscape of regulations, hazards, and risks to protect their employees and maintain operational efficiency. Traditional methods of managing hazards, often relying on paper-based systems, can be cumbersome, inefficient, and prone to errors. Enter the EHS Gateway’s Safety Action Item List—a digital tool designed to streamline the management of safety hazards, mitigate risks, and foster a culture of safety. The Safety Action Item List, along with our EHS Gateway platform, is included in your Compliance as a Service (CaaS) program at no additional cost.

Two factory workers wearing respiratory protection

How to Select the Right Respiratory Protection

Across all facilities, ensuring the safety and health of workers in environments with potential airborne contaminants is paramount. Respiratory protection is a critical component of workplace safety, designed to protect employees from inhaling harmful substances that can cause severe health issues. This comprehensive guide covers the basics of selecting the right respiratory protection, from identifying air contaminants to choosing the appropriate respirator.

Toxic Release Inventory Reporting Process and Considerations

If you manufacture, process or otherwise use EPCRA Section 313 chemicals, then the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) report may apply to your facility. In this article, we will cover the reporting criteria and process, exemptions, how to gather information, common pitfalls, EPA and state reporting, and penalties.

Understanding the Unpreventable Employee Misconduct Defense in OSHA Inspections

As a business owner or employer, prioritizing workplace safety is crucial. However, despite best efforts, accidents or violations can still happen. In such instances, understanding your rights and defenses under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations becomes critical. One such defense is the Unpreventable Employee Misconduct Defense. In this article, we’ll explore what the defense entails, the criteria for application, and how you can use the defense to avoid certain citations issued by OSHA.

Strategies and Considerations for Noise Reduction in Manufacturing

In the dynamic world of manufacturing, where productivity is paramount, noise often becomes an overlooked concern. However, in the realm of occupational safety and health, noise reduction plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of workers. In this article, we will explore various facets of noise reduction in manufacturing, ranging from understanding work-related noise exposure to implementing effective control measures.

A business man's hands typing on a computer

Managing OSHA’s Electronic Submission of Workplace Injury Data

In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace safety, OSHA’s Electronic Submission of Injury and Illness Data, also known as the ITA (Injury Tracking Application), plays a crucial role. This article aims to guide businesses through the intricacies of electronically submitting OSHA logs, focusing on who must submit, what to submit, and how to navigate the OSHA ITA website.