July 2015
Time Running Out for TSCA Vote Before August Break
Bloomberg BNA, July 15, 2015
Supporters of the first major overhaul of a U.S. chemical law are continuing to press Senate Republican leaders for a vote on the bill (S. 697) before the August recess, but the window of opportunity for floor time may be closing fast. Read more
Settlement with Interstate Power and Light to Reduce Emissions From Iowa Power Plants
EHS Today, July 20, 2015
The Department of Justice and EPA have reached a settlement with Interstate Power and Light to install pollution control technology and meet stringent emission rates to reduce harmful air pollution from the company’s seven coal-fired power plants in Iowa. Read more
Significant New Use Notification from EPA
July 20, 2015
The EPA is taking direct final action to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) section 5 electronic reporting regulations. This direct final rule is effective January 19, 2016 without further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comment on or before August 19, 2015. Read more and/or submit comments here.
Does a Loophole in Safety Laws Contribute to Injuries and Death for Massachusetts Public Employees?
EHS Today, July 22, 2015
Powerful testimony from workers and labor advocates called on legislators to close a loophole in Massachusetts’ safety laws that has resulted in hundreds of public employee injuries and deaths, according to worker advocates. Read more
Death at New York Paper Plant Preventable
EHS Today, July 27, 2015
OSHA ruled that the death of an employee at International Paper Co.’s Ticonderoga plant was preventable. The paper manufacturer did not provide the employee with the necessary fire-resistant clothing and didn’t train him and other employees on the specific physical hazards of combustible fly ash, according to OSHA. Read more
Clarification of Employer’s Continuing Obligation To Make and Maintain an Accurate Record of Each Recordable Injury and Illness
Federal Register, July 29, 2015
OSHA is proposing to amend its recordkeeping regulations to clarify that the duty to make and maintain accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses is an ongoing obligation. The duty to record an injury or illness continues for as long as the employer must keep records of the recordable injury or illness; the duty does not expire just because the employer fails to create the necessary records when first required to do so. Read more
PETA to OSHA: Prohibit direct contact between elephants, handlers
Safety & Health Magazine, July 29, 2015
A disturbing rate of worker injuries and fatalities involving captive elephants has led People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to submit a formal petition to OSHA asking for stronger worker protections in the industry. Read more
