December 2017 - Work Environment Council

Webinar: Introduction to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard

For the last two years, the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) 1910.1200 is the second most cited standard on OSHA’s Top 10 list of violations. The sections within the HazCom standard most often violated include implementation of a HazCom program and training, followed by the requirement to maintain Safety Data Sheets. In 2012, the HazCom standard was updated to align with the international Globally Harmonized System of Classification and labeling of chemicals. Major updates included hazard clarification, labels and safety data sheets. Employers have a responsibility under OSHA’s HazCom Standard to educate and train employees about the chemicals they work with and how to protect themselves from any potential hazards. Please join the NJ Work Environment Council (WEC) on January 30, 12 pm for a webinar on the Introduction on OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. Please register here. WEC can also provide FREE training to employers and workers on recognizing hazardous conditions, preventing exposure to chemicals, OSHA’s HazCom Standard and how it is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and labeling of chemicals, and the importance of effective hazard communications programs. This material was produced under grant SH-31183-SH7 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. [...]

By Debra Coyle|2018-01-12T10:05:05-05:00December 31st, 2017|Highlights, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Workplace Violence Infographs and Educational Materials

Below are workplace violence materials developed by WEC in 2017. Understanding and Preventing Workplace Violence webinar Systems and Sub-Systems Chart

By Debra Coyle|2017-12-21T10:28:35-05:00December 21st, 2017|Highlights|Comments Off

Preventing Workplace Exposures

California is considering whether an allegedly dangerous chemical found in common paint strippers should be taken off the market. Health authorities there say dozens of people have died from exposure to methylene chloride, which can kill in minutes if inhaled. It's especially dangerous in enclosed spaces. The Environmental Protection Agency is also proposing a ban, but chemical manufacturers oppose that idea. They say the compound is safe if used correctly. Wendy Hartley's son, Kevin, was just 21 and working at a new job refinishing bathrooms for his uncle. "He would light up the room when he walked in. He had that smile," she said. "He wouldn't have to worry about bills. He would make good money doing it." Kevin took a special training course to protect himself from chemicals used to strip paint. In April, he was refinishing a bathtub in a Nashville apartment complex when his brother called their mom at work. "He said, I'm sorry mom. I did everything that I could and I couldn't save him," Hartley said. The cause of Kevin's death? The medical examiner later determined that, despite wearing gloves and a respirator, he'd been overcome by a chemical in the paint stripper he was [...]

By WEC Staff|2017-12-12T12:03:02-05:00December 12th, 2017|Highlights|Comments Off

Who Tracks the Railroads?

WEC released Who Tracks the Railroads? The Case for Transparency on Rail Bridges, a whitepaper documenting the need for rail companies to release basic information on the safety of our freight bridges. Freight rail bridges, some more than 100 years old, cross over waterways such as the Passaic, Delaware and Manasquan Rivers, as well as sensitive environmental areas like the Oradell Reservoir. Yet, despite repeated calls for transparency on rail bridge infrastructure from federal agencies and the public, the rail companies refuse to release safety and inspection reports. Who Tracks the Railroads outline steps our elected officials can take to protect our lives, jobs, health and our environment. Read the report here. Sign the Petition Respect Our Right to Know

By Debra Coyle|2017-12-07T15:51:36-05:00December 7th, 2017|Highlights|Comments Off