Best of BLR’s EHS ‘Trends in 20’ webinar series
A year in review
Navigating the complex landscape of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance and workplace safety management requires constant vigilance and adaptability. As regulations evolve and new risks emerge, it’s essential for professionals to stay informed and prepared. The landscape is constantly shifting, whether due to changes in federal or state regulations, advancements in technology, or the identification of new hazards that could impact workplace safety. To stay ahead of these developments, EHS professionals must not only understand the latest regulations, but also anticipate and address potential challenges before they arise.
Our Trends in 20 webinar series offers critical insights designed to keep EHS professionals ahead of these changes. Led by our team of in-house subject matter experts with a combined experience of over 100 years, this series provides concise, actionable content on the topics that matter most to professionals. We cover topics such as OSHA regulation updates, Hazard Communication (HazCom), and workplace injury prevention strategies. These free sessions—usually about the length of a lunch break—help EHS leaders quickly absorb key information to make informed decisions, improve workplace safety, and ensure compliance with ever-changing standards.
1. EHS compliance update: recent changes to regulations by EPA and OSHA
In this free on-demand webinar, EHS professionals can gain a clear understanding of the latest regulatory shifts affecting workplace safety and environmental compliance. During our most-attended EHS Trends in 20 webinar of 2024, BLR’s dedicated team of EHS content experts explore how recent changes impact operations and provide proactive strategies for compliance.
Regulatory governances such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and various state agencies are constantly revising and introducing new rules that impact several organizations. Addressing compliance can be complex, but it ensures workplace safety, reduces environmental impact, and helps avoid costly penalties.
This on-demand webinar explores several critical regulatory updates that directly impact workplace safety and environmental compliance. One of the main topics is OSHA’s proposed regulation on Heat Injury & Illness Prevention, which aims to protect workers from the growing risk of heat-related illnesses. The session also covers California’s updated rule on indoor heat stress, which further strengthens protections for employees in indoor environments facing high temperatures.
The webinar also addresses recent modifications to hazardous waste manifest regulations, which improve the tracking and documentation of hazardous waste shipments, ensuring safer transportation. These changes are designed to enhance environmental protections and streamline compliance for businesses.
By leveraging these insights, organizations can avoid costly fines and improve operational safety. This on-demand session is an invaluable resource for EHS professionals who are seeking to strengthen their compliance frameworks and enhance their workplace safety programs amidst a changing regulatory environment. Maintain regulatory compliance with the latest updates by watching the webinar on-demand.
2. Staying in compliance with heat stress regulations
Heat stress is the leading weather-related cause of death nationwide, making it crucial for organizations to assess their heat illness prevention plans. With temperatures continuing to rise, organizations must assess their current heat illness prevention plans to protect workers from potentially deadly heat-related illnesses. In recent years, multiple states have enacted heat illness prevention regulations, setting specific requirements for employers to follow during extreme heat conditions. Meanwhile, OSHA is actively working on a federal rule aimed at standardizing heat stress regulations for both indoor and outdoor work environments.
During this session, BLR Senior Legal Editor Laura Brody covers:
- Common heat-related illnesses
- Industry-specific risks
- Recent regulatory updates
- Effective heat stress prevention tips
- Practical steps to remain compliant
She highlights how these updates affect workplace requirements, such as training, equipment, and emergency procedures. Attendees learned key heat stress prevention strategies, including the importance of hydration, acclimatization, and providing regular breaks for workers in extreme heat.
Gain essential insights and a proactive approach to managing heat stress in the workplace. With OSHA ramping up enforcement and increasing penalties for non-compliance, it’s more important than ever for employers to stay ahead of the curve. This on-demand session is invaluable for anyone responsible for ensuring compliance with heat illness regulations and protecting employee safety during extreme weather conditions.
3. Complying with revised Hazard Communication regulations
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is a fundamental regulation aimed at safeguarding workers from the potentially hazardous chemicals they may encounter in the workplace. The HCS ensures that employers take proactive steps to inform employees about the risks associated with the chemicals they work with, helping them make informed decisions and take necessary precautions. To comply with this standard, employers are required to effectively communicate chemical hazards through clear labeling, providing comprehensive safety data sheets (SDS), and conducting thorough training sessions for employees on how to recognize and handle these chemicals safely. Despite its importance, the HCS remains one of the top 10 most cited OSHA violations each year.
OSHA published updates to the Hazard Communication Standard on May 20, 2024, which took effect on July 19, 2024. During this webinar, Timothy P. Fagan, Content Manager and Senior Editor for BLR’s Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) publications provided us with the latest updates to the HazCom Standard. These revisions, aimed at improving clarity and consistency in hazard communication across industries, emphasize the need for employers to stay informed and ensure compliance. Failure to adhere to the updated HazCom standards poses significant risks, including citations from OSHA. Non-compliance can lead to costly fines, increased scrutiny, and the potential for legal liabilities. It’s essential for employers to understand these changes to avoid penalties and protect their business interests.
While compliance is crucial, the primary concern for employers should always be the health and safety of their workers. Properly adhering to HazCom regulations is key to minimizing the likelihood of workplace accidents and chemical-related injuries. By ensuring that employees have access to the necessary information about hazardous substances through labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and training, employers provide a safer work environment. This proactive approach not only helps maintain compliance but also contributes to a culture of safety, preventing health risks and enhancing overall worker well-being.
