Veteran’s Day
Remembering the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and those who served.
Thursday, November 11, 2021
EHS Professional is an online publication of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
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IHMM Credential Recognition
Below you will see the 3 EHS credential badges that are now in each CSHM, CSMP, and ASHM certificant’s MYIHMM account. Every IHMM certificant may use these badges, linked as those below are to their IHMM credential page, for their email signatures, business cards, and other social media applications. You’re justifiably proud of the accomplishment of having earned your credential and you can show the rest of the world. Simply right-click on the badge of choice, then save as to your computer, and then load it to wherever you want to use it and please link that back to https://ihmm.org/.
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…Is Rebranding to Become…
OSHA – COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard
The Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) issued a COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard on November 5, 2021. The ETS is currently up for public inspection and is accessible here. OSHA has also updated its webpage with access to the regulatory text, fact sheets, a webinar, sample policies, frequently asked questions, and links to related Department of Labor (DOL) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources.
Beginning November 5, 2021, submit comments at www.regulations.gov, the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, and refer to Docket No. OSHA-2021-0007. All comments must be submitted 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. For more information, please the Federal Register Notice.
While this rule applies to employers with 100 or more employees, the rule asks for comments from employers with fewer than 100 employees to determine costs and burdens. See below…
5th Circuit Court of Appeals Issues Stay in DOL Employer COVID Mandate Rule
On Saturday the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals istayed enforcement of the Biden administration’s private-employer vaccine mandate, contending it raises “grave statutory and constitutional issues.”
President Biden announced earlier in the week that certain employers must ensure their workers are fully vaccinated or tested weekly by Jan. 4 or face federal fines starting at nearly $14,000 per violation, according to senior administration officials.
- The Texas attorney general, along with the attorney generals of Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Utah, joined the petition, in addition to several companies and sought an emergency stay against the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which will enforce the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard that affects about two-thirds of all U.S. workers.
The Court’s stay order is here > https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/unpub/21/21-60845.0.pdf
$1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Passes U.S. House – On to Pres Biden
After a daylong standoff, Democrats set aside divisions between progressives and centrists to pass a $1 trillion package of highway, broadband and other infrastructure improvement, sending it on to President Joe Biden to sign into law.
The 228-to-206 vote late on Friday follows the Senate action passing the same legislation last August.
- The deal invests $21 billion in environmental remediation, making the largest investment in addressing the legacy pollution that harms the public health of communities and neighborhoods in American history, creating good-paying union jobs in hard-hit energy communities and advancing economic and environmental justice. The bill includes funds to clean up superfund and brownfield sites, reclaim abandoned mine land and cap orphaned gas wells.
- The deal’s $55 billion investment represents the largest investment in clean drinking water in American history, including dedicated funding to replace lead service lines and the dangerous chemical PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl)
The full text of the 1,039-page legislation is here > https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr3684/BILLS-117hr3684enr.pdf
$1.75 Trillion Build Back Better Act Up Next in Congress
The Biden administration Build Back Better Act is currently pending action before the United States House of Representatives. The $1.75 trillion, 2135 page bill contains a wide variety of things not the least of which is a 900% increase in OSHA fines, see…
Moderate Democrats in the house have demanded a budget score for the legislation prior to voting. The CBO has yet to provide a score so there will be no vote on the legislation until after the House returns from recess.
This is what the 2,135 page, HR 5376 looks like…
IHMM CSSS-CSSM Committee
Last week the 15-member Certified School Safety Specialist [CSSS] and Certified School Safety Manager [CSSM] committee got underway creating the foundation of new blueprints for each of these credentials. Thanks to the dedication and contributions of these 15 people IHMM will be able to launch these newly revamped credentials in 2022.
The committee is found here > https://ihmm.org/csss-cssm-committee/
IHMM Professional Standards Committee
Last week the IHMM Professional Standards Committee met to continue their work on two important projects for every IHMM certificate; [a] the development of an ethics training module to be added to the application and annual renewal process, and [b] the development of a conflict of interest policy with a methodology for resolving conflicts.
Thank you to Dan Blankfeld, CSHM our Chair, and his committee for their dedication. The committee is found here > https://ihmm.org/professional-standards-committee/
National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) Meeting Notice
The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) will meet on Tuesday November 16, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET, by teleconference and WebEx. Comments and requests to speak must be submitted by November 9, 2021. Individuals may submit comments and requests to speak, identified by Docket No. OSHA-2021-0001, electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. For more information, including tentative agenda items and access information for the virtual meeting, see the Federal Register Notice.
Driving Employee Participation in Safety through Representation
Save the Date!
The next installment of the Safe + Sound Partner Seminar Series will take place on November 16, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Join the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Safe + Sound Campaign for a webinar on “Driving Employee Participation in Safety through Representation,” which focuses on building employee engagement around safety by ensuring everyone has a voice at the table. This webinar will also examine how to set clear, measurable goals around participation and representation.
Registration Link:
https://nsc-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uW89Tf0vT-q-IimfwT0H4Q
Encourage Workers to Participate
Workers often know the most about potential workplace hazards associated with their jobs, and they may be able to recommend simple, effective solutions. Managers should create an environment where workers feel encouraged to speak up and offer their input. Learn how to include worker participation in your safety and health policy. Download the Worker Participation Worksheet – Inclusion in your Policy worksheet now! The purpose of the Safe + Sound worksheets is to provide concrete activities to help you develop and implement your safety and health program.
Learn How to Conduct Self-Inspections
At the core of every effective safety and health program is a systematic process for finding and fixing workplace hazards. Self-inspections are a critical part of a safety and health management system. These inspections are important in identifying new or emerging hazards, and ensuring the safety and health of workers. View Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) Consultation Services’ microlearning on conducting self-inspections
Federal court blocks CMS vaccine mandate
A federal judge in Louisiana has granted a preliminary injunction against the COVID-19 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) vaccine mandate following a lawsuit filed by Montana and 13 other states.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen previously told MTN the Nov. 5 CMS rule is not only unconstitutional, but also will exacerbate the shortage of health care workers, by leading many of them to quit or be fired because they won’t get vaccinated. In addition, a new Montana law that was passed this year by Republican legislators prohibits most private businesses from requiring their employees to be vaccinated.
The CMS vaccine mandate was set to take effect Monday, Dec. 6 and would have required most hospitals and other health-care facilities to have their employees vaccinated against Covid-19 by January.
The ruling by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty, appointed by former President Trump in 2017, of the Western District of Louisiana puts a hold on enacting the mandate until the case is decided.
Doughty’s order states: “During a pandemic such as this one, it is even more important to safeguard the separation of powers set forth in our Constitution to avoid erosion of our liberties.”
The judge states the Biden Administration does not have the power to bypass Congress, but also notes, “This matter will ultimately be decided by a higher court than this one.”
National Safety Council
IHMM is a member of the National Safety Council and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
NSC Webinars
- January 19 – Understanding OSHA 1910.134 Respiratory Protection Program Requirements
- January 20 – Common OSHA Training Violations: What you can do to protect your company and your workers
- January 27 – Hazard Communication – Past, Present and Future
- February 2 – Celebrating Safety! Positive Reinforcement with Validity and Reliability
- February 3 – COVID-19 Update – The Latest on Mandates and Best Practices
- February 10 – Top 5 OSHA Safety Training Topics: Requirements and Best Practices for Safety and Health
Due to the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic and its cascading effects on safety and health, work, travel, and large gatherings, all SafetyFOCUS events are now virtual. Our hope is that this format will make SafetyFOCUS events more accessible while offering the same networking opportunities and high-quality education you expect from ASSP. IHMM is a member of ASSP and we are pleased to send all IHMM certificants and you may learn more here.
Safety and Health This Week
- MSHA publishes posters on wintertime hazards
- DOL adjusts civil penalty amounts for inflation
- Despite PPE, medical instrument sterilization workers may face hazardous exposures
- Setting Realistic Safety Goals for 2022
- Respiratory protection: NIOSH publishes toolbox talk
- Wrapping Up 2021: Looking Towards the Future with Gratitude
- Addressing the Safety of Temporary Workers
- ASSP Sees Uncertainty in Workplace Fatalities
Latest Safety Tips
Latest Solutions
IHMM Environment & Safety Recent Updates
OSHA retaliation complaints rising
Tips for applying LOTO procedures at client facilities
Industrial waste management professionals can improve safety with IoT technology
4 Tips to Beat Back COVID-19 Supply Chain Troubles
Construction Worker Shortage at ‘Crisis Level’
Some Observations About Safety Efforts
Everything you need to know about EHS Incident Reporting
Us Department Of Labor Relaunches Earn Web Site To Help Make Public, Private Sector Workplaces More Inclusive For People With Disabilities
ANPRM Fact Sheet
White House tells businesses to proceed with vaccine mandate despite court-ordered pause
Whistleblowers to play key role in enforcing vaccine mandate
OSHA recognizes Lamar Advertising Co. for commitment to workplace safety, health
Ron DeSantis announces legislative agenda to address vaccine mandates, leaving OSHA
PODCAST: ComplyNet shares critical update about OSHA’s COVID-19 mandates
Indiana files lawsuit against federal workplace safety agency over vaccination requirement
Wearable Safety Technology Reduces Workplace
Does Your Security System Enhance Workplace Safety?
Tech to boost workplace safety, green innovations recognised at LTA awards
Mobile EHS technology tackles complex challenges and encourages more participation
OSHA recognizes Lamar Advertising Co. for commitment to workplace safety, health
Advocates stress importance of work zone safety
Twenty-seven states have taken legal action against the Biden administration over the mandatet
OSHA’s vaccine rule is on hold. Employers urged to still comply.
Ron DeSantis announces legislative agenda to address vaccine mandates, leaving OSHA
The Fifth Circuit halted Biden’s vaccine mandate. Here’s what the lawsuits are arguing.
Using Design Thinking to Improve Worker Safety in Manufacturing
S. Urges Court Not to Block Vaccine Mandate on Employers
Center City District doubling public safety presence to reassure anxious office workers
Advocates stress importance of work zone safety
Can the Construction Industry Deliver on What the Infrastructure Bill Promises?
Demolition Contractors Earn ‘First Responder’ Title at Surfside Collapse
Construction Worker Shortage at ‘Crisis Level’
IHMM is a member of ASSP and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
ASSP News
- 5 Ways to Commit to Your Safety Career in 2022
- Final Days of Discounted Rate for SafetyFOCUS 2022
- The Current State of Our Society
- ASSP Sees Uncertainty in Workplace Fatality Report
- Safety Professionals Turn to ASSP for Knowledge
- Q&A: Proactively Preparing for OSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard
ASSP Webinars
- January 19, 2022 – Implementing the Hierarchy of Controls to Reduce Risk
- January 26, 2022 – Mitigating Liability and Managing Safety on Multiemployer Work Sites
- February 2, 2022 – Women in Safety: What it Means for Women to Lead
- February 9, 2022 – Human & Organizational Performance: Viewing Safety Through a Different Lens
- February 16, 2022 – Turning over the right stones: Keys to building an incident investigation process that delivers results
- February 21, 2022 – Live Virtual Classroom: Analytics for Safety: A New Approach to Performance Measurement
- February 21, 2022 – Analytics for Safety: A New Approach to Performance Measurement
- February 21-23, 2022 – Live Virtual Classroom: Safety Management I
- February 21-23, 2022 – Live Virtual Classroom: Corporate Safety Management
Hazardous Materials Society Board of Directors Election
In the 2021 Hazardous Materials Society Board of Directors election there are 7 total candidates for 4 open positions. There are 6 candidates for 3 regular Board positions and 1 candidate for 1 Public Member Board position. Of the 6 candidates for the 3 regular Board positions, you may vote for up to 3 people. You may also vote for the 1 candidate for the 1 Public Member Board position.
Each HMS Board seat is for a two-year term commencing Jan 1, 2022, and ending Dec 31, 2023.
The candidates are shown with their bios below. Each IHMM certificate in good standing has received their numbered, secure ballot instructions by email from our voting system. The election runs through the end of November.
HMS Education and Training
Hazardous Materials Society now has 6,347 education and training programs on its website, with more coming every week. Certificants will note that most of these programs carry a CMP value, making it easier to know in advance what to expect. The HMS Education and Training platform also provides a wide variety of courses for professional development across all of IHMM’s credentials – and more are being developed by the HMS Education and Training Committee.
IHMM applicants and certificants are free to search the landscape for training. IHMM wanted to make that task easier by aggregating training in one place if you choose to use it. Among these more than 6.000 programs are webinars delivered online and virtually all carry IHMM CMPs values with them for your annual / 5-year CMP planning.
Member Benefits of Hazardous Materials Society
81% of IHMM certificants are aware of the Hazardous Materials Society, which we appreciate. IHMM established the Hazardous Materials Society in order to support and provide services to IHMM certificants.
Did You Know?
Your company’s membership dues for Associate Membership in the Hazardous Materials Society (HMS) are 100% tax-deductible and your participation directly supports scholarship and education/training opportunities for professionals working in hazmat and EHS. Joining as an Associate Member expresses your commitment and your company’s leadership in giving back to our professional community. Join today to claim your tax deduction for the 2020 tax year while expressing your company’s professional affiliation and accessing tools for your marketing and business development plans.
To learn more about what HMS is doing now and what they are planning for the future, please see the new Member Benefits page here.
CHEMTREC Becomes An HMS Annual Training Agenda Vendor
HMS is pleased to announce CHEMTREC [https://www.chemtrec.com/] has become an education and training vendor and a part of the development of the HMS Annual Training Agendas.
CHEMTREC is an Emergency Response Information Provider (ERIP). CHEMTREC is the premier call center for hazmat emergency response coordination. CHEMTREC’s world-leading call center operates on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week, providing emergency response information wherever hazardous materials are manufactured, stored, transported, or used. With the right procedures and protocols in place, and by doing what’s right quickly and effectively, CHEMTREC helps minimize environmental impacts, protect people, and preserve the assets and reputations of its customers.
Operating globally, CHEMTREC has offices in major regions and on-the-ground knowledge of local regulations, understanding of local nuances, and appreciation of cultural sensitivities. CHEMTREC offers a suite of services along with L1 emergency response, including SDS management and authoring, hazardous materials training, crisis management, L2/L3 notification services, carrier solutions, data reporting, and lithium battery solutions. CHEMTREC is proud to contribute to the practice of safe handling and transportation of hazardous materials throughout the supply chain.
IHMM/HMS Coronavirus Resources
In February of 2020, the World Health Organization’s director-general has declared a public health emergency of international concern over the ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. On March 13, 2020 President Trump declared a national emergency for the United States. IHMM and HMS’ first concern is with the safety and health of all of us; our staff and families, colleagues, certificants and members. We will update this page regularly as credible, authoritative information is available.
INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, AND LABORATORIES.
In February of 2020, the World Health Organization’s director-general has declared a public health emergency of international concern over the ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. On March 13, 2020 President Trump declared a national emergency for the United States. IHMM and HMS’ first concern is with the safety and health of all of us; our staff and families, colleagues, certificants and members. We will update this page regularly as credible, authoritative information is available.
INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, AND LABORATORIES.
Environmental Workshops Becomes An HMS Annual Training Agenda Vendor
HMS is pleased to announce Environmental Workshops, LLC [https://enviroworkshops.com/] has become an education and training vendor and a part of the development of the HMS Annual Training Agendas.
Environmental Workshops, headquartered in North Carolina, is the largest training organization for environmental professionals worldwide. Since 2013, we have been training environmental professionals on the latest technologies in the industry. We have hosted over 300 workshops on 6 continents and more than 25,000 people have registered for our Professional Development Hours (PDH). Our sponsors are leaders in the environmental market and many of our speakers hold multiple patents and degrees. Their presentations address the following topics: Remediation, Vapor Intrusion, Air Monitoring, Air Quality, and Waste Water.
Columbia Southern University
The Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] is a partner of Columbia Southern University. Columbia Southern University is an online university based in Orange Beach, Alabama, that strives to change and improve lives through higher education by enabling students to maximize their professional and personal potential.
A subsidiary of Columbia Southern Education Group, CSU offers online degree programs at the associate, bachelor, master, doctorate or certificate levels in a multitude of areas such as occupational safety and health, fire administration, criminal justice, business administration, human resource management, health care administration and more. CSU also features undergraduate and graduate certificate programs to provide focused training in specialized areas for adult learners.
Click on the CSU graphic at left and learn more about the professional development and degree program opportunities at CSU.
IHMM CONFERENCES FOR 2021 & 2022
IHMM will attend and support a number of conferences and trade shows throughout 2021, virtually as well as in-person as COVID issues allow. Below are some of the conferences IHMM will support in 2021.
Are there conferences you believe IHMM should attend that do not appear here? If so, let us know! Send an email to Jillian Wood and tell us what conferences we should attend.
Ohio Safety Conference 2022
March 9-10, 2022
In March 2022, OSC22 will feature a premium lineup of online learning sessions and a newly enhanced digital expo.
Exhibitors to feature their products and services related to the safety of workers, their equipment, environment, and health all in a remote and virtual environment. Join us to access this exciting event that serves the individuals responsible for keeping Ohio’s workers safe on the job.
American Society of Safety Professionals – San Francisco
March 10, 2022
San Ramon, California
This Annual Symposium provides one of the most sought-after events for attendees to learn the profession’s best practices focusing on Safety, Health, Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Issues. The Symposium is attended by over 400+ attendees annually and features an Exhibition of over 40+ Sponsors and Exhibitors. The event features a keynote speaker and 20 breakout sessions with five concurrent tracks running throughout the day. The event is hosted at the San Ramon Marriott, located at 2600 Bishop Drive in San Ramon, California.
Thank you to Bart Miller, CHMM, for being the IHMM’s leader for this event.
AHMP National Conference
March 20-23, 2022
Planet Hollywood Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada
Pre-conference workshops at the AHMP National Conference for 2022 include a Certified Dangerous Goods Professional [CDGP] exam prep course offered by Gene Sanders. The 3-day exam prep course will be offered on March 18-19-20. For more information see> https://ahmp.confex.com/ahmp/2022/meetingapp.cgi/Session/5584
Information about the AHMP National Conference is found here.
April 4-7, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina
Contaminated soil, groundwater, and the air is a global issue and over $1 trillion is spent every year to mitigate pollution. There is a lot still to learn from each other on how each segment of the environmental industry impacts the next. The 2021 Global EnviroSummit is postponed until April 4-7, 2022 due to COVID-19 Delta variant.
With over 75 speakers from around the globe, the EnviroSummit is likely the first environmental conference that will have presentations from all 6 continents about 4 different themes – Remediation, Air Quality, Vapor Intrusion, and Wastewater.
COSTHA Annual Forum and Expo
April 4-6, 2022
Beltway Buzz – Ogletree & Deakins
OSHA Issues Vaccine ETS. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published its COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on November 5, 2021. The ETS, which is effective immediately, applies to employers with 100 or more employees. Key components of the ETS include the following:
- Employers must implement (a) a policy requiring all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 4, 2022, or (b) a policy requiring unvaccinated employees to submit to weekly testing and masking requirements.
- Employers must provide employees with reasonable paid time off to get vaccinated (up to four hours for each dose) and/or recover from vaccine side effects.
- Employers are not required to pay for testing for employees who choose not to get vaccinated.
- The preamble states, “This ETS will preempt inconsistent state and local requirements, including requirements that ban or limit employers’ authority to require vaccination.”
- The ETS does not apply to workplaces covered under the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Guidance for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors.
- Employers have until December 5, 2021, to comply with the ETS, but have until January 4, 2022, to comply with the vaccination and testing components.
Melissa A. Bailey and John F. Martin have the details. For more information on OSHA’s COVID-19 ETS, please join us for our upcoming webinar, “It’s Here—OSHA Issues COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard,” which will take place on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST. Register here.
CMS Issues Mandatory Vaccination Rule. Also on November 5, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an interim final rule (IFR) instituting COVID-19 vaccination requirements for staff at covered Medicare and Medicaid providers and suppliers. The vaccine mandate applies to staff “regardless of clinical responsibility or patient contact” and there is no testing alternative. Like the OSHA ETS, the CMS IFR requires covered employees to be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022. Cynthia A. Bremer, James M. Paul, and Jody Ward-Rannow have the details.
For more information on key provisions of the CMS IFR, please join us for our webinar, “CMS Boosts Vaccination Requirements in Healthcare: Above and Beyond the OSHA ETS and EO 14042?,” which will take place on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST. Register here.
Federal Contractor Vaccine Update. Completing the federal vaccine trifecta, as part of the launch of both the OSHA and CMS vaccine rules, the White House issued a fact sheet with the following statement: “Employees falling under the ETS, CMS, or federal contractor rules will need to have their final vaccination dose—either their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or single dose of Johnson & Johnson—by January 4, 2022.” (Emphasis added.) Pursuant to Executive Order 14042 and the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force guidance, federal contractors were previously instructed that December 8, 2021, was the deadline by which covered employees needed to be vaccinated. While this statement from the White House presumably extends that date, as of this writing, that December 8 deadline in the Task Force guidance has not yet been corrected.
NLRB Seeks Input on Virtual Hearings. Also on November 5, 2021, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) soliciting “input on the use of videoconference technology to conduct, in whole or in part, all aspects and phases of unfair labor practice and representation case hearings and on potential amendments to its procedural rules regarding the use of videoconference technology.” The ANPRM makes clear that the NLRB does not intend to replace in-person hearings with virtual hearings (which have been permitted during the COVID-19 pandemic), but “the Board is considering whether to retain virtual hearings as an option for future use.” Comments are due on or before January 4, 2022.
EEOC Will Address Artificial Intelligence. On October 28, 2021, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced an initiative to address technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and federal discrimination law. According to the EEOC, the initiative “aims to guide applicants, employees, employers, and technology vendors in ensuring that [AI and algorithmic decision-making tools] are used fairly, consistent with federal equal employment opportunity laws.” As part of the initiative, the EEOC will “[i]ssue technical assistance to provide guidance on algorithmic fairness and the use of AI in employment decisions.”
House Committee Approves Bill Banning Arbitration. This week, the House Committee on the Judiciary advanced the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act (H.R. 963), a previous version of which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019. The bill, sweeping in scope, would prohibit predispute arbitration agreements in employment, consumer, antitrust, and civil rights disputes. The bill, which has been opposed in the past by myriad business groups, may make it through the House, but it is likely to be stopped in the U.S. Senate, as long as the legislative filibuster remains in place.
Spring Forward, Don’t Fall Back. Daylight saving time ends this weekend, but it would not if it were up to Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). This week, the senator from the Evergreen State took to the Senate floor and social media to criticize the biannual clock-changing exercise. Senator Murray is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act of 2021 (S. 623), which would make daylight saving time permanent in the United States. Proponents of the bill claim that permanent daylight saving time will have positive impacts on individuals’ health and wellness, reduce crime, and save energy. Senator Murray and her fellow cosponsors are continuing a tradition of congressional time tinkering, as the Buzz has previously documented. Only “time” will tell if they are successful.
IHMM-HMS EVENTS CALENDAR
IHMM has a companion organization for which education and training programs are presented and delivered. The Hazardous Materials Society education and training website can be found here.
9210 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 470
Rockville, Maryland, 20850
www.ihmm.org | [email protected]
Phone: 301-984-8969 | Fax: 301-984-1516
