The EPA has announced that it is reviewing actions issued under the previous Administration and will take any needed steps to ensure that they protect human health and the environment. The announcement included an update on chemical safety actions that have immediate or near-term effective dates or other steps associated with them. According to the …
The EU’s REACH chemicals regulations offers health benefits that are four times greater than the costs, according to new analysis by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The monetized health benefits of REACH from restricting the manufacture and use of chemicals that pose a risk to EU citizens amount to €2.1 billion ($2.5 billion) annually, while …
By Dave Johnson, Phylmar Newsletter Editor
How are you talking to your workforce about the COVID-19 vaccine? Has the discussion started? And how open are you to require them to take it?
It’s not an easy conversation, but one that cannot be put off, even if the slowly developing rollout continues through the summer, …
Leading textile chemical firms have come together in a new alliance to develop a globally harmonized chemical ‘sustainability standard’ along with screening tools that cover hazards through to environmental and social impacts, according to Exotextile News.
The new Sustainable Chemistry for the Textile Industry (SCTI) aims to “drive transformational change, inspire action and lead the …
Critics of the EPA are renewing their call for a complete ban on asbestos after the agency’s release of Part 1 of a final risk evaluation concludes that the substance – a known human carcinogen – presents an unreasonable health risk to workers under certain conditions.
Used in chlor-alkali production, consumer products, coatings and compounds, …
“Training using technology is a trend that has been underway for years, and now COVID has been an accelerator,” explains Chris Fanning, CEO of KPA, Inc. “Moving forward EHS training will become embedded in a company’s DNA.”
The technology is easy-to-use and accessible for medium-sized companies.
Once companies have a more formalized EHS system, based …
EU “toxic-free” vision shapes safer chemicals strategy
The European Union is proposing a new vision for a “toxic-free environment” and has published a strategy for moving the EU towards that goal, according to Green Buzz. It’s likely these new policies will drive significant changes in the U.S.
EU chemical restrictions have gained limited traction in …
Many states resist adapting worker safety rules to pandemic
Most states have not issued COVID-19 requirements for workplaces, according to Stateline News. Some cite existing rules or executive orders for enforcement, but workers’ rights advocates say many states have not been aggressive about inspecting workplaces or issuing citations, despite an overwhelming number of complaints, leaving …
Companies disclosing their impacts through the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) sustainability reporting standards are to adhere to new and updated standards for occupational health and safety.
An update of GRI 403: Occupational Health and Safety 2018 addresses reporting on occupational health and safety management, including prevention of harm and promotion of health at work. With …
According to a new study, 68% of workers globally do not feel completely safe working in their employer’s buildings.
The number is higher for those working remotely, 75%. And nearly one in four of those remote workers (23%) said they would look for a new job rather than return to a worksite that did not …