Oil and gas extraction workers are more likely to encounter risky driving events due to long shifts, lengthy commutes and fatigue, according to research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). A lack of employer policies in these areas were also associated with a greater likelihood of risky driving, the research report […]
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released a new safety video Oct. 27 about the fire, explosions and hydrofluoric acid (HF) release at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery. This incident occurred at the refinery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 21, 2019, causing the release of more than 5,000 pounds of highly toxic […]
A new investigation report recommends that refineries find safer alternatives to replace the hydrofluoric acid (HF) alkylation process that led to the 2019 Philadelphia Energy Solutions explosion and fire. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) wants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require refineries to use safer alternatives to HF alkylation when […]
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released updates Oct. 3 on four ongoing investigations into chemical releases and explosions. These updates aren’t final investigation reports and still lack information regarding the actual causes of the incidents that are under investigation. The four updated investigations are: Watson Grinding and Manufacturing in Houston, Texas […]
Deficiencies in a company’s hot work policies and procedures led to the 2016 flash fire and explosion at the Sunoco Nederland, Texas, crude oil facility, which resulted in burn injuries to seven workers. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final report on the incident Sept. 28, detailing how the company, […]
Cal/OSHA posted new guidance on what employers can do to protect workers from monkeypox (MPX). The guidance applies to workplaces covered by the state’s Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) standard, including healthcare facilities, medical transport, public heath services and police. MPX is a viral infection that can spread from infected humans, animals and materials contaminated with […]
Nearly half of U.S. employers report that they’re unprepared to prevent and respond to workplace violence, so the National Safety Council developed a new report and playbook to address this. In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found nearly one in six work-related fatalities stemmed from violent incidents. Further, additional research shows the threat workplace […]
New research reveals that the National Weather Service heat index may be leading people to misjudge the dangers of extreme heat, and it may underestimate the effect of extreme heat on the human body. Experts are finding that the current heat warning system in the U.S. is falling short as heat waves are becoming more […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the Colour Index Pigment Violet 29 (PV29) presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health. EPA announced Sept. 6 that PV29, as a whole chemical substance, is a risk to workers and the public when evaluated under its conditions of use. 2021 promise of restrictions fulfilled […]
