OSH Act Archives

Nov 1, 2017

EPA Enforcement Action Signals Heightened RMP Oversight

In August, EPA announced a Consent Order with ChemArt Company of Lincoln, Rhode Island to correct alleged violations of EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) under the Clean Air Act. The Consent Order included a civil penalty of $221,326 and a supplemental environmental project (SEP) requiring ChemArt to reduce its stockpile of hazardous materials, including chlorine, and to update manufacturing equipment to reduce the likelihood and consequences of a release. In the waning days of the Obama Administration, EPA issued a final rule updating the RMP and imposing new requirements. On June 14, the Trump Administration EPA issued a final rule… Read more

Jun 23, 2014

Texting While Driving is an Employee Safety Issue

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death on the job, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation incidents accounted for 42% of all fatal work injuries in 2012. And in our increasingly technological world, more texting leads to more crashes. With each additional 1 million text messages, fatalities from distracted driving rose more than 75%. Recently, OSHA reminded employers that they have a responsibility to protect their workers by prohibiting texting while driving. It is a violation of the OSH Act if an employer requires workers… Read more