Social Media
Tweets by TheNewEnglandC2
06
Dec
13
Nov
BLS: Injuries, Illnesses Rose in 2022
In 2022, there was a 7.5% increase in nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private sector employers, with a total of 2.8 million cases, driven by a 4.5% rise in injuries and a significant 26.1% increase in illnesses, particularly respiratory ailments; furthermore, transportation and material-moving occupations experienced the highest number of cases among major occupation groups. The overexertion and bodily reaction category were the leading cause of injuries, which, according to Liberty Mutual's Workplace Safety Index, collectively cost employers $12.84 billion a year. To read the article in it's entirety, please click here.
24
Oct
OSHA proposal to update hazcom standard under White House review.
The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs is in the process of reviewing an update to Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) hazard communication standard. This update aims to align OSHA's standard with the seventh revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and includes changes like clarifying existing regulations, adding new hazard categories, and improving precautionary statements. These updates are expected to enhance worker safety by providing more accurate information on labels and Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals, while also improving alignment with international standards and other federal agencies. To read…
24
Oct
Injury and illness rates in warehouses are too high, OIG tells OSHA.
A Nicaraguan immigrant, Marcos, embarked on a perilous post-hurricane cleanup job in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, where he encountered toxic mold and contaminants that left him with health issues. This investigation reveals that the disaster-restoration industry, largely reliant on low-wage immigrant labor, exposes workers to dangerous toxins like mold, asbestos, and lead, with many suffering long-term health problems as a result. Despite the risks, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has failed to establish proper safeguards for post-disaster work and often prioritizes swift recovery over worker health, leaving laborers vulnerable to hazardous conditions. To read the article in…
13
Sep
NIOSH marks 9/11 day of remembrance
On the 2023 National Day of Service and Remembrance, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released a video emphasizing that the memories and impact of 9/11 have not faded with time. NIOSH Director John Howard highlighted the ongoing health impacts experienced by those who responded to the 9/11 attacks, mentioning the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides medical monitoring and treatment for emergency responders, recovery workers, volunteers, and others affected by the events of 9/11, underscoring their commitment to providing compassionate care for those impacted. To read the article in its entirety, please click here.
13
Sep
‘Hot, hard’ work: EPA crews begin months-long effort to remove toxic materials from Lahaina
Hazardous waste from the fire-damaged area in Lahaina, Hawaii is being transported to the Ukumehame Firing Range, where it will be temporarily stored before being shipped to specialized sites on the U.S. mainland for disposal. The toxic materials being removed include items like batteries, solvents, pesticides, and more, with the process expected to take several months to ensure the safety of future crews and residents, involving around 80 EPA workers and cultural monitors to safeguard historical and cultural significance. To read the article in its entirety, click here.
13
Sep
Chemical Safety Board Applauds EPA Hydrogen Fluoride Initiative
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has praised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) updated National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs) for their continued focus on reducing accidental releases at industrial and chemical facilities. For the first time, the EPA's initiatives include a strong emphasis on inspecting and addressing noncompliance at facilities using highly toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF), following recent incidents that put communities at risk. To read the article in its entirety, click here.
18
Aug
UML to Provide Safety Training to Offshore Wind Workforce with Grant from State
TNEC was awarded a $300,000 grant through the state. Funding for the grant was provided by MassCEC, (Massachusetts Clean Energy Center). The grant is tied to MassCEC's Wind Energy Program. TNEC plans to provide 30 hours of in-person and online training over the next two years to students who plan to work as engineers, technicians, field supervisors or project managers in the offshore wind energy industry — and anyone else employed in the field. TNEC's training program will be embedded in a 21 course program through Ben Franklin Institute of Technology, UML, and UMass Amherst. Students who take the 30-hour…
15
Aug
TNEC Partners w/Lowell Community Health Center to Prepare Public for Severe Weather Events
Read this great article on how TNEC works with local organization to prepare a community for severe weather events. TNEC trained roughly 60 individuals from Lowell Community Health Center. Funding for training was provided through a grant by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. To read the article in its entirety, click here.
16
Mar
Charles River Analytics awarded SBIR grant to create VR hazardous waste training modules for NIEHS
Charles River Analytics announced it was awarded a SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grant for NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) to create virtual reality (VR) modules that enhance training for hazardous waste operations & emergency response (HAZWOPER). This award is geared towards creating training modules for firefighters, emergency responders, and environmental and industrial workers, who may all encounter hazardous materials. These hazardous materials can pose health and safety risks such as chemical burns, illnesses, fires, and explosions. To read the article in it's entirety, please click here.