elliott-consulting-group

Safety in Manufacturing

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:48:09 GMT

General Industry Standards on OSHA's "Top 10" Citations List

Once again, five of OSHA’s “Top 10” list of safety violations are associated with industrial workplaces. The five most often cited safety OSHA standards for General Industry are:

1. Hazard Communication (Employee notification and training on workplace chemicals).

2. Powered Industrial Trucks (Material handling equipment including powered pallet jacks, order pickers, walkies, reach trucks, stand-ups, clamp trucks, and of course, forklifts).

3. Control of Hazardous Energy (Documented procedures to de-energize equipment before service/repair, and placing equipment temporarily out-of-service - Lockout/Tagout).

4. Respiratory Protection (Programs and practices to protect workers from dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, and vapors in the workplace).

5. Machine Guarding (Protections from mechanized equipment hazards including point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks).

Interesting to note that OSHA’s “Top 10” list has remained relatively unchanged for many years. This indicates that compliance gaps with the potential to injure America’s workforce persist in the industrial sector. Savvy Florida manufacturers implement best practices such as facility inspection programs and routine compliance reviews to help ensure OSHA compliance and guard their most valuable resource for success – their employees.

OSHA's FY2026 Budget Request

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 16:54:11 GMT

Time for Business and Industry to Pick Up the Slack

The Trump Administration’s plan for curbing federal spending includes reducing OSHA’s operational budget by about 8% for Fiscal Year 2026. The Labor Department’s $582.4 million budget proposal for OSHA seeks $50 million in savings, primarily through staff reductions. Last month, the Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, testified before the House Appropriations Committee that the budget reduction will modernize and streamline OSHA operations to focus on delivering economic prosperity for all workers. Critics argue that the cuts will jeopardize worker health and safety.

According to Chavez-DeRemer, the proposed FY2026 budget would not affect OSHA’s current level of enforcement, inspection, or investigation activity. Nationwide, OSHA conducted 34,625 inspections in 2023. In 2024, OSHA conducted 274 inspections of Florida workplaces. The implications for workplace health and safety remain subject to ongoing debate. However, it is reasonable to expect that existing and new proposals for workplace safety regulation will be stalled or cease entirely. Florida business and industry should stay informed with future developments at OSHA, since Florida does not administer a State-run workforce protection program and relies on the Federal OSHA program.

Key EHS Compliance Deadlines

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:13:36 GMT

Are these dates on your Compliance Calendar?

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What to Do When OSHA is at Your Door

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:58:35 GMT

Employer tips for handling an OSHA inspection

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Knock, Knock. Who's There?

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:41:49 GMT

Tips for handling an OSHA inspection

A client of mine recently had an unannounced visit from an OSHA compliance officer . The experience was uncomfortable for employer as they had neither anticipated, nor planned for the possibility of an OSHA inspection, so didn’t know what to expect. They are not alone in that regard. So I thought I would share some key tips for working with an OSHA compliance inspector that I picked up from attorneys of Keller & Heckman LLP during ASSP’s Safety 2024 Conference last August.

Do’s

Get a clear agreement on the scope of OSHA’s inspection and monitor strict adherence to that scope.
Escort the inspector through the workplace using a path with the least ancillary or collateral issues – otherwise whatever the inspector spots could be fair game.
Have all requisite safety and health trainings documented and up to date.
Take your own notes, pictures, and measurements – don’t rely on the inspector’s info and data. Ask questions regarding the calibration of any test equipment that is used by the inspector.
Fix any identified safety deficiencies on the spot if you are able to do so.

Don’ts

Do not guess, assume, or otherwise provide answers you are not 100% sure of. It’s OK to tell the inspector. “I don’t’ know”, or “I can get you the answer to that”. Ask for clarification of the inspector’s question if it’s not fully understood.
Do not answer any potential leading questions by the CSHO. Don’t take the bait, ask inspector to restate the question.
Don’t demonstrate tasks or routines unless you are authorized. If you do demonstrate, remember your training and do not perform any inadequate or unsafe demonstrations.
Don’t allow the inspector to interrupt normal business operations (starting offline equipment to allow for closer observation, for example).
Don’t provide operator’s manuals or safety policies unless you know they are updated and compliant.

Employers need to be aware of their rights during an OSHA inspection and there are many excellent OSH attorneys available to advise your business and establish a plan to handle such events. Be prepared. The OSHA inspection process moves rather quickly, so be sure to have qualified resources on tap if/when needed. If you need assistance managing your safety compliance program, Elliott Consulting Group can help. Give us a call at 813-771-0532, or email us at info@elliottconsultingflorida.com.

Whoever Has Ears, Let Them Hear

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:30:28 GMT

Listen up you auditors

Worker engagement and simple conversation, is perhaps the best, yet most underutilized tool available to EHS compliance auditors. Auditors spend a lot of their time touring the facility; observing workplace conditions, machinery, processes and procedures; reviewing piles of facility records and assorted documents, and filling out compliance checklists. Organizations always benefit from an auditors “fresh set of eyes”; however, I’ve learned that management relishes a set of “fresh ears” as well.

Worker interviews are an important aspect of auditing, but are vastly underutilized in my opinion. Employers can’t fix EHS problems they don’t know about, and oftentimes, the best source of information is obtained from the workforce itself. Savvy employers who place safety over profits encourage, if not expect, auditors to engage and interact with their workforce. (I sense that is because management feels that it does not do enough of this by itself in that regard). Auditors may only be onsite for a few days at best to assess an operation, while frontline workers are onsite daily.

Depending on the auditor's plan, engagement can occur in the workplace setting, or can be arranged in a one-on-one discussion in a more private setting. Worker engagement, when done appropriately and without judgement, provides an opportunity for the workforce to be heard and reveal things that may escape even a seasoned auditor’s observations. Only through careful questioning and discussion can an auditor evaluate the effectiveness of training, labor’s awareness of hazards, unreported mishaps, defective or ineffective tools/equipment, or a myriad of potential employee safety and environmental issues. I like to think that my audit style reminds individuals to think about of the risks associated with their work and how their responsibilities effect co-workers’ safety and contribute to the success of the organization. Conversations with workers usually conclude with me thanking the worker for their information, input, and positive contribution to the company’s safety efforts.

Over the years, I’ve developed a series of general questions that I use on audits to stimulate conversation with the workforce and unlock good information and elicit meaningful feedback from the workforce. If you’re looking to step up the effectiveness of your audits and inspections and would like to receive an emailed copy of sample audit questions I use to gauge EHS risk, please send a request to info@elliottconsultingflorida.com .

OSHA's 2024 Agenda

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 20:08:28 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

I recently attended an OSHA regulatory update for this year. Here’s what I learned:

1) OSHA’s Maximum Penalty Levels increased to keep up with the cost of living adjustment for 2024: $6,131 for serious/other than serious/posting requirement violations; $161,323 for willful or repeat violation; and $16,131 per day for Failure to Abate a violation.

2) There were 5,486 workplace fatalities in 2022, up over 5% from the preceding year. Construction and Transportation & Warehousing industry sectors reported the highest numbers of fatalities; however, agriculture/ forestry/fishing/hunting had highest fatality rate (18.6 per 100,000 workers).

3) OSHA continues to implement National Emphasis Programs to focus regulatory efforts on specific hazards and high-hazard industries. Active NEPs include: heat combustible dust, machinery, hexavalent chromium, lead, primary metal industries (ex., iron foundries & establishments that manufacture nails, insulated wires and cables, steel piping, and copper and aluminum products), process safety, shipbreaking, silica, trenching & excavation, Covid-19, Fall Protection, warehousing & distribution.

4) There are also several OSHA Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN) Local Emphasis Programs in effect. The LEPs include: construction, sanitation and cleanup operations, electrical hazards, landscaping and horticultural services, noise, poultry processing, powered industrial trucks, and the auto parts industry (vehicle parts manufacturing).

5) OSHA has a healthy regulatory agenda this year. We’re anticipating the release of several Final Rules that address the hazard communication standard, worker retaliation complaints, Covid-19 in healthcare, improved tracking of workplace illness and injuries, and other issues.

6) OSHA is also contemplating several proposed rules. While these proposed rules may never happen, the areas of OSHA’s regulatory interest include infectious diseases, communication towers, lockout/tagout, tree care, welding in confined spaces, and PPE. Some longer term actions being considered by OSHA include powered industrial trucks, respiratory silica and the Covid 19 Vaccination and Testing ETS (yes, OSHA hasn’t forgotten this).

Looking to discuss the fitness of your OSHA and EPA compliance program? Contact Elliott Consulting Group for trusted advice concerning the regulatory requirements applicable to your business.

Thanksgiving Message from ECG

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:02:13 GMT

Gratitude brings joy to the soul

May the good things in life be yours in abundance, not only on Thanksgiving, but throughout the coming year.

ECG Upgrades Building Moisture Detection Capabilities

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:12:23 GMT

ECG uses FLIR’s MR277 all-in-one infrared camera moisture meter and psychrometer for mold assessments services

ECG upgrades building moisture detection capabilities with the addition of FLIR’s MR277 all-in-one MSX infrared camera moisture meter and Psychrometer.

Thermal imaging guides our assessors to problem areas where confirmatory moisture level data can be collected using conventional (intrusive) measurement or non-intrusive (pinless) readings. Ambient readings of temperature and humidity are readily available as well to evaluate for conditions conducive to mold growth.

Efficiency, accuracy, and improved documentation capabilities are available for water intrusion assessment, moisture mapping, and mold investigation and assessment issues. Contact ECG to learn how we can help identify, assess, and fix your facility mold/moisture-related problems.

ECG Receives FDOT DBE Certification

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:34:20 GMT

Small Business Supports Big Public Sector Projects

ECG is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) through the Florida Unified Certification Program. With this designation and our technical capabilities, our services help clients demonstrate competency and readiness to support small business utilization goals established for their high value public-sector transportation project pursuits. As we continue to grow, we are excited to include this credential to help our clients remain competitive and exceed project expectations.

ECG provides skilled, high quality EHS technical support to manufacturing and transportation-related industries. Specializing in environmental and safety compliance, and hazardous materials management, we are a MBE/DBE/WBE enterprise located in Tampa, Florida and provide services throughout the southeastern U.S.

Managing Lithium Battery Hazards

Thu, 04 May 2023 19:37:08 GMT

Not Your Granddad's Dry-Cell Batteries

Recently, a client came to me with concerns about lithium battery hazards at their facility. Their concerns were well justified. According to a 2018 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, more than 25,000 issues involving fires or overheating from lithium batteries were reported between 2012 and 2017 . Without a doubt, rapid advances in rechargeable battery technology allow for increasingly more energy to be stored in smaller packages. This presents increasing risk, especially given the swift rise in the use of Lithium powered batteries in mobile phones, business devices, radios, power tools, computers, , wearable devices, and backup energy storage systems, and vehicles. Chances are there are numerous such devises throughout your workplace. I’ve compiled a dozen important tips for EHS professionals to consider when managing lithium ion batteries (LIBs) which are common in today's workplaces:

USE

Assess the workplace for LIBs and manage them a hazardous chemical. LIBs contain reactive metal and flammable liquid electrolyte. They can leak, spill or break during normal use and in emergencies and result in potential chemical exposure.
Review and assess regulatory requirements applicable to LIBs. LIBs should be part of your facility’s EPA, OSHA, DOT, and NFPA compliance programs.
Check manufacturer’s guidance on how to extinguish small battery fires. This could include ABC dry chemical extinguishers, Class D fire extinguishers (for lithium-metal), dirt, or sand.
Inform and train workers on the physical and health hazards associated with lithium-ion and/or lithium-metal cells or LIB hazards, and the safe use, handling, and disposal of LIBs in the workplace.

STORAGE/CHARGING

LIBs are a potential ignition source. Do not store, charge, or collect LIBs near flammable chemicals, or hazardous materials.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for storage, use, charging, and maintenance.
Do not overcharge batteries. Any defects in protection circuitry could lead to an
over current condition and result in fire/explosion.
Use the designated charging apparatus for each battery as charging devices have special circuitry to monitor the particular requirements to safely charge each battery. When replacing batteries and chargers for an electronic device, be sure they are specifically designed and approved for use with the device.

DISPOSAL

Establish a procedure for disposing or recycling of LIBs in accordance with federal/state/local requirements. Typically, non-conductive tape (e.g., electrical tape) is placed over the battery’s terminals and each battery or device containing a battery is placed in a separate plastic bag. Consult a reputable vendor for industrial waste disposal or contact your local solid waste program for options. EPA recommends sending batteries to specialized battery recyclers or retailers that are participating in takeback services. Two resources for finding a recycler are the Earth 911 database and Call2Recycle .
Do not dispose of spent LIBs or LIB-containing devices in municipal trash. There may be enough residual energy in the battery to initiate a fire during waste storage, handling, and disposal.
Damaged LIBs can result in internal battery failure resulting in fire, thermal runaway, explosion. Immediately place damaged LIBs in fire resistant container (e.g., metal drum) with sand or other extinguishing agent, and dispose in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Review incident response procedures based on manufacturer’s instructions for responding to battery failures including fires and/or explosions.

ECG is a Powerful Small Business Partner For Your EHS Success

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 17:46:29 GMT

Another Business Success Story In The Making

Elliott Consulting Group (ECG), an experienced provider of safety and environmental compliance services, is happy to announce that it has received Woman and Minority Business (WBE/MBE) Certification from the State of Florida. This certification unlocks many exciting, new opportunities for ECG to showcase its expertise and to grow alongside our business partners across the State. Now, in addition to delivering project excellence, ECG’s work also helps it’s valued partners and clients achieve their project utilization goals for WBE/MBE participation.

Are We Becoming a Safer Society?

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:45:03 GMT

Growing Concerns About Our Everyday Safety

The East Palestine, OH train derailment in early February 2023 was an industrial incident of historic proportions. The catastrophe threatens the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people, puts precious drinking water resources at risk, and has spread pollution across vast stretches of the environment. The full consequences of the incident on the community may not be known for many more years.

As the root-cause behind the East Palestine tragedy remains under investigation, a seemingly recent outbreak of industrial incidents across the country is cause for grave concern. Disasters are always made worse when they involve hazardous materials and the use of hazardous materials in society is always increasing. According to the EPA , here are, nationwide, approximately 150 incidents each year involving chemical and industrial facilities.

Florida is no stranger to environmental catastrophe. The State has already experienced major environmental damage involving hazardous materials. There was the infamous Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 and the relatively recent release of 460 million gallons of toxic wastewater from Piney Point facility in Manatee County in 2021. While the threat of a looming natural disaster is always foremost in the minds of Floridians, the risk of a man-made industrial catastrophe is ever present. Our responders, safety professionals, and industrial base must remain ever vigilant to prevent accidental and malicious events involving hazardous materials.

Florida’s transportation networks coupled with a burgeoning industrial manufacturing base, an increasing population, and a plethora of sensitive environmental resources make Florida a high risk for another future environmental calamity. The State is a major hub for the bulk transportation of flammable chemicals, corrosive liquids, gasses, oxidizers, explosives, toxic substances, and radioactive materials. Every day such hazardous materials are handled and transported across Florida’s ports, highways, railroads, and pipelines. Our economic livelihood thrives on that. Florida operates 10 major seaports including Port Tampa Bay, which handles large amounts of anhydrous ammonia for our agricultural and refrigeration industries. There are also 270,000 miles of roadway, over 30,000 miles of chemical pipeline and nearly 2,800 miles of rail line in the State, most of which carry freight. Shoreline communities know they are also vulnerable to offshore incidents.

I believe in the fundamentals of safety. My concern is that the environmental politics of climate change, ESG, sustainability, green initiatives, and DEI guide society’s attention away from the important fundamentals of delivering day-to-day safety at the local level. Industrial safety departments and first responder communities remain understaffed, underfunded, and are increasingly ill-equipped to protect our communities from chemical hazards. As a result, everyday risks have the potential for grave consequences. Let the East Palestine, OH incident remind people, industry, and government that enduring day-to-day, operational safety is paramount to protecting our people, communities, and our environment from hazardous chemicals.

Hazard Communication & Industy

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 18:28:10 GMT

Gaps In OSHA Hazcom Programs Put Your Business in Danger

Compliance with OSHA's Hazard Communication (HazCom) standard is a problem for business & industry. In fact, the Hazcom standard is ranked #2 on OSHA's Top 10 list of citations issued to industry in 2022.

Chemical hazards account for thousands of workplace injuries and fatalities each year, and non-compliance with OSHA's Hazcom standard costs employers millions of dollars in penalties annually. Routine evaluations of you company's Hazcom program and practices are necessary to protect your workforce and your business.

Request a Free Professional Evaluation of Your Hazcom Program

If you're interested in professional review of you facility's Hazcom practices, ECG offers a free, no obligation assessment o your program. This office is available through 2023, so contact us at 813-285-3548 or info@elliottconsultingflorida.com for details or to schedule a free consultation.

Why Does Industry Struggle With HazCom Compliance?

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 19:32:35 GMT

Manufacturer's inability to communicate chemical hazards in the workplace remains a problem

According to OSHA’s list of Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards for non-compliance, Hazard Communication ranked #2 with 2,682 violations reported across all industries . Non-compliance with hazard communication (HazCom) standards appears to be on the rise with figures showing a 38% increase in violations from 2021 . OSHA data indicate that manufacturing sectors hold the largest share of the citations issued for non-compliance with HazCom. OSHA reports that the main reasons for industry non-compliance with the HazCom rule include:

Lack of a written HazCom program that meets minimum requirements - 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)
Inadequate information and training on hazardous chemicals in the workplace - 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1);
Absence of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) in the workplace, or SDSs not readily accessible to workers - 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8); and
Inadequate labeling of chemical containers in the workplace - 29 CFR 1910.120(f)(6).

We will always depend on manufacturers to safely develop, process, handle, and manage the chemicals which drive our economy and improve our quality of life. Of the more than 80,000 chemicals in common use today, many pose a serious risk of harm to health and safety from acute and chronic workplace exposures, and environmental release. The National Safety Council reported that in 2020, exposure to harmful substances or environments led to 424,360 non-fatal injuries and illnesses. In 2021, 798 fatalities were from chemical exposure were reported according to the Centers for Disease Control. There are monetary consequences also as industry pays out millions of dollars in OSHA assessed penalties each year just from non-compliance with HazCom standards.

For a long time, the ability of employers to effectively identify chemical hazards in the workplace and communicate those hazards to employees has presented problems for industry. OSHA’s HazCom regulations have a broad reach and ongoing compliance poses a critical housekeeping duty for industry. Consequently, HazCom is a “low-hanging fruit” for compliance auditors and workplace safety inspectors. From my years’ of experience with EHS compliance auding across a wide-range of industrial sectors, I’ve listed below the main challenges I see that prevent industry from achieving a winning HazCom program:

1. Management is genuinely unaware of the written HazCom program requirements and that several specific chemicals listed in 1910 Subpart Z have extra requirements for container labeling, workplace posting, and worker training;

2. Management’s inability to keep track of the numerous containers present in the workplace including the production floor, facilities maintenance shops, and on-site contractor areas;

3. Problems keeping chemical container labels affixed to certain types of containers, and the placing of labels on small-size containers.

4. Management assigns little time to maintaining its SDS list;

5. There are too few resources available to provide the appropriate level of HazCom training; and

6. Workers’ comprehension and retention of information relative to the Global Harmonization System for chemical labeling needs improvement.

Despite the cause, HazCom compliance deficiencies are easy to identify and many simple compliance assistance solutions are available. It is well worth a facility’s time to conduct routine in-house reviews of its HazCom program and workplace practices to assess compliance and fix issues before they result in an accident, injury, or inspection/audit finding.

OSHA’s full “Top 10 List” for 2022 can be found here https://www.osha.gov/top10citedstandards .

OSHA Adjusts Maximum Penalties for Violators of Workplace Safety Rules

jmelliott66@gmail.com (Jim Elliott) — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:50:48 GMT

What it means for Florida Employers

OSHA is the agency that regulates and oversees worker safety. As required by law, OSHA adjusted its penalties for 2023 to account for annual inflation. OSHA's maximum penalties for serious and other-than-serious violations has increased from $14,502 per violation to $15,625 per violation. Willful or repeated violations may incur penalties of up to $156, 269 which is up from $145,027 per violation in 2022.

Last year in Florida, OSHA conducted over 2,000 workplace inspections and assessed about $6 million in penalties to employers in the State. In 2021, OSHA performed about 200 fewer workplace inspections in the State, but assessed approximately $8 million in total penalties. OSHA data also reveal that the number of citations issued by OSHA to Florida employers significantly declined from 2021-2022.. Thus, despite an increase in the number of OSHA inspections performed at Florida workplaces in 2022, the number of OSHA violations and citations actually declined from the prior year. This is good news! At first glance, one concludes that this indicates safer workplaces and improved compliance by Florida employers; however, I won’t be so bold as there may be other factors to consider. Nevertheless, I do hope this continues. As the number of businesses and workers rapidly increasing in the State, and the adjusted maximum penalty schedule, it will be interesting to see how this pans out.

On a side note, the revenue generated by OSHA penalties goes to the U.S. Treasury General Fund, and not to into OSHA coffers or the State of Florida. OSHA’s budget is appropriated by Congress and stands at $632 million, a 3.3% increase from FY2022.

For sure, OSHA inspections, citations and penalties will continue. The best way to protect your business from risk of citations and penalties is to diligently implement your workplace safety program and perform a routine workplace safety review or safety compliance audit by an outside consultant. Outside safety consultants provide a set of "fresh eyes" and to capture any compliance gaps that may exist in your program and can also provide feedback on any new and updated regulatory standards that apply to your operations.

Thoughts on Business Resiliency & EHS

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:39:24 GMT

The importance of today's EHS programs

Environmental, health, and safety (EHS) management plays and ever-increasing role in business success. Effectively managed EHS programs save money, protect workers, reduce business risk, eliminate workplace hazards and liabilities, and help ensure regulatory compliance. In the age of ESG, EHS programs also support a business’s corporate image, its values, its mission, marketability, and access to contracts and capital. Thus, leadership must recognize that even slight disruptions in EHS program can have serious consequences for the organization.

It is a simple fact that organizations with business continuity plans are better equipped to cope with and recover from operational disruptions. However, many small to mid-sized companies are not prepared. Oftentimes, critical EHS programs are the responsibility of one person, the facility EHS Manager. In the absence of the EHS Manager, gaps in inspections, training, recordkeeping, regulatory reporting, permitting, and contractor oversight can quickly increase business risk and the operation and its employees can suffer. Such deficiencies invite potential stoppage of operations due to a workplace accident, or a visit from EPA or OSHA.

I’ve completed numerous EHS compliance audits where I’ve found that significant programmatic deficiencies surfaced after just a few weeks’ disruption in EHS functions. Oftentimes this is because leadership taps its foremen, supervisors, human resources, administrative personnel, or regional EHS managers to fulfill the EHS role. Oftentimes such personnel lack the technical knowledge, training, time, or experience to successfully oversee and administer their EHS program. Most likely it is that personnel have competing responsibilities and priorities to tend to.

Below are some best management practices that can build resiliency into an EHS program so that Plant Managers can rest well at night:

Have a plan to respond to disruptions to EHS operations (written procedures, practices, cross-training, decentralize the EHS function. Seek corporate level support if available, or tap into regional facilities or industry groups for guidance and support.
Know where your key EHS documents are located, how they are organized, and how they can be accessible to leadership. Use tools such as document management systems and shared calendars for increased visibility and accessibility. These systems organize and track key compliance deadlines, tasks, and routine action items. Also, create a written synopsis of key permits, plans, programs, inspection and testing requirements as a “quick guide” reference for others.
Assemble a team of key EHS support contractors and vendors for management support, inspections and testing, training, spill response, etc. Consider outsourcing some services to an EHS consultant with expertise in your industry and applicable regulations. EHS consultants provide support to business and industry and are capable of doing as much, or as little, as needed to keep your organizations compliance on track.
Whenever possible, allow for a transition period where information and knowledge can be passed from the incumbent EHS Manager the new EHS leader. EHS programs are complex and can take several months for someone to learn the system and successfully administer it.
Perform an EHS audit or gap analysis of your facility operations every 3-5 years to assess the health of your compliance programs and weakness in EHS function that invite risk. EHS audits and gap analyses provide a useful and sometimes sobering assessment of the operational threats that may exist.

A robust EHS management program is essential to business. Disruptions to those programs can stress production schedules and threaten the viability of a business. By providing for continuity in your EHS program, your operation is better prepared to handle risk, and provide for continuous improvement and opportunity,

Make 2023 Your Year To Learn CPR!

jmelliott66@gmail.com (Jim Elliott) — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 22:37:06 GMT

Football Tragedy Sends Powerful Message

The recent on-field collapse of football player Damar Hamlin from cardiac arrest aired on national TV is tragic sends a powerful reminder of how basic life support training saves lives. The moments immediately after Hamlin’s collapse were indeed critical to his survival. According to all accounts, Hamlin’s life was sustained for 8 long minutes by CPR and AED as emergency services were mobilized to the scene. Teammates and a nation were shocked as they watched in sorrow and gathered in prayer.

Hamlin was given a chance for recovery solely due to the rapid response those first responders. The current practice of hands-only CPR, and accessible AED equipment can put life-saving capabilities in just about anyone hands. Training is readily available through the American Heart Association, Red Cross, National Safety Council, or local hospital. Reach out to them to learn what CPR/AED training classes are offered in your area.

No one can predict where, when, or to whom a cardiac emergency may occur. Hamlin plays the position of defensive Safety for the Buffalo Bills football team and it seems fitting that his incident sends a powerful safety message. Make 2023 your year to get trained/retrained and certified in CPR. Someone’s life could depend on it.