EHS Professional is an online publication of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management® (IHMM®).
Other than content specifically provided by IHMM, articles contained in EHS Professional are compiled from independent sources and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of IHMM.
Certified Safety and Health Manager™ [CSHM™]
IHMM’s Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM™) credential recognizes environmental, health and safety managers who have a mastery of OSHA regulations and industry standards as well as exceptional management skills. The holder of this credential manages for worker and workplace safety. As a health and safety manager, you are focused on the safety of your employees and workplace. Now you can be recognized for your commitment with a CSHM™ credential.
“IHMM’s Professional credentials not only bolster professional skills and knowledge but also garner industry recognition among peers and employers globally. Pursuing [the] CSHM was the optimal choice for me to elevate my career prospects and to impart knowledge and skills to younger professionals.”
Pradeesh Prabhakaran, CSHM
HSSE Manager
RUA AI Madinah Holding (Saudi Arabia)
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The Value of IHMM Credentials
Below you will see the credential badges that are now in each CSHM, CSMP, CSSM, ASHM, and Student 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, save it to your computer, and then load it to wherever you want to use it, and please link that back to https://ihmm.org/.
EHS/Workplace Safety Credentials
Microcredentials – Emeritus Status
Certified Safety & Health Manager
Certified Safety Management Practitioner
Associate Safety and Health Manager
Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist
Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist
Certified School Safety Manager
Student Associate Safety and Health Manager
Emeritus Status
IHMM Certificant Recognition
Throughout our certificant’s MyIHMM accounts are placed 10-year, 20-year, 30-year, and 40-year badges signifying their longevity as an IHMM certified professional.
With a link from your credential badge to the IHMM website [see above] you can not only stand out as an IHMM-certified professional, you can also promote IHMM credentials to others. Right-click on the badge of choice, save as to your computer, and then load it to whatever medium you choose.
IHMM has Distinguished Diplomates and Fellows of the Institute badges to the appropriate people in the MyIHMM database. These two badges are accompanied by lapel pins sent to each of those distinguished by holding these designations.
IHMM is in all 50 of the United States and in 85 countries around the world.
IHMM Credentials Accredited By
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IHMM RECENT NEWS for EHS Professionals
WORKPLACE
- OSHA Halts Pursuit of Standard on COVID-19 for Healthcare Settings
- Trial of 4-Day Workweek Shows Evidence of Improved Worker Wellness
- Recovery-Ready Workplaces: New Resource from SAMHSA
LABOR
- Working with Carbon Tetrachloride Requires ‘Robust’ Protections, EPA Says
- Nomination Period Open: 2025 Prevention through Design Award
- National Emphasis Program on Heat Will Continue, OSHA says
- Survey Indicates Sharp Decline in SIFs Involving Ladders
- Chemical Safety Board Aims to Stay ‘Productive and Efficient’ Under New Administration
INDUSTRIAL
- The International Code Council’s 45th Annual Building Safety Month Campaign to Kick Off First Week of May
- Is Industrial Hygiene Disappearing or Merely Changing?
- 6 Ways to Revitalize Your EHS Strategy: Inspiring Purpose and Innovation
- Strategic EHS Technology Selection: How to Get the Technology You Need to Build the Safety Program You Want
SCHOOLS
- SAE Chapters at University of Iowa and College of Charleston in Hot Water Over Hazing
- ECU North Recreational Complex: 1 Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting
- 855 Victims Have Been Killed by Guns at U.S. Schools
- UPDATE: Trump Revokes Policy Barring ICE Raids at Schools, Churches
- New Mexico AG Backs Bills That Would Criminalize Hazing, Cyberbullying
- University of Cincinnati to Buy Security Barriers to Deter Vehicle Threats at Nippert Stadium
- Lawsuits Filed Following Massive PowerSchool Data Breach
- 1 Student Killed, 1 Hurt in Tennessee High School Shooting
- House Passes Laken Riley Act, Headed to Trump’s Desk
- Harvard Settles 2 Antisemitism Lawsuits
- 2025 Campus Safety Conference Presentation Proposals Due THIS Friday
- Shooting Prompts Changes to Antioch High School Security
- ICE in Schools: Districts, State Leaders Issue Guidelines for Dealing with ICE Agents
- Borger, Texas: Gateway Elementary Student Killed in Accident at School Drop Off
- Court Rules Washington State University Owed ‘Duty of Care’ to Student Who Died of Hazing
TRANSPORTATION
- OSHA Joins NSC Road to Zero Coalition
- Transportation Secretary Nominee Sean Duffy Testifies Before Senate Committee
- Sean Duffy Confirmed as Transportation Secretary
OTHER
Inside IHMM
IHMM Joins ASAE Executive Steering Committee on Tax Reform in Washington
As Congress prepares to debate the expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the tax-exempt sector faces a significant threat. Major think tanks have called for taxing 501(c) organizations, and with a $4.6 trillion tax cliff looming, lawmakers are increasingly scrutinizing the sector as a potential source of revenue. These are the initial ways to raise federal revenue identified by House Republicans on the Budget Committee. There will be more.
To combat this threat, the American Society of Association Executives [ASAE] is forming a coalition of tax-exempt organizations to take an aggressive stand against all proposals that would burden 501(c) organizations with increased taxation. ASAE is positioned to invest $1M in strategic advocacy and communications counsel.
The Threat
• Increased Scrutiny: Lawmakers are questioning the value of tax-exempt status and considering whether organizations should pay more in taxes.
• Revenue Proposals: Think tanks have proposed taxing all non-donation income and eliminating tax-exempt status. This includes membership fees, investment income, trade show income, and fees for service.
• Lack of Understanding: Many lawmakers are unfamiliar with the scope and impact of the tax-exempt sector and need additional education on its economic value to the U.S. economy.
The Need for Action
• Coordinated Effort: A united front is essential to protect the ASAE’s 50,000 association executives and their organizations that represent trade associations, professional societies, and industry partners from harmful legislation that constitutes the tax-exempt sector.
• Education and Advocacy: We must have an ongoing and strategic campaign to further educate lawmakers about the benefits of the sector and advocate for policies that support its mission.
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management [IHMM] has voted to contribute $25,000 to this national coalition and to be a part of the ASAE Executive Steering Committee on behalf of all of IHMM’s certificates. Our voices in Washington are critically important, more than ever in 2025 as Congress begins debating new federal budget and tax measures. IHMM’s Executive Director Eugene A. Guilford, Jr., CAE already serves on the ASAE Advocacy Council and now on the ASAE Executive Steering Committee on Tax Reform.
Eugene A. Guilford, Jr., CAE worked for House Republican Leadership in 1981 and worked on passing President Reagan’s first tax cut legislation, and worked on his second 1986 tax bill as well. For other associations, he worked on tax legislation in 1993, 1997, 2001, 2010, 2012, and 2017.
Digital Badges Come to IHMM
IHMM has selected BadgeCert to provide our certificants with new digital badges. In the coming weeks, every IHMM certificant will receive their digital badges for use in email signatures and other media to promote their validated credentials. Recipients of shared badges (e.g. employers, industry organizations) can rest assured that these are indeed verified and current. Using BadgeCert also ensures a greater measure of security that IHMM’s certificants are actually certified for their community of practice.
BadgeCert’s commitment to helping IHMM meet and exceed its goals includes providing certificants with expert-led strategy support services, a marketing “launch kit” with many ideas and suggestions, and 1:1 marketing support. These professional services are all included at no additional cost. They are a key differentiator that will help IHMM create a highly successful and meaningful program that leverages our feature-rich technology.
Every IHMM certificant will be able to download a wallet-sized version of their credential certificate, as well as an 8.5″ x 11″ full certificate in addition to the digital badges made available for electronic use.
3,292,006
3,292,006 is the number of messages sent from IHMM in 2024 to tens of thousands of private and public sector entities to raise the visibility of IHMM, IHMM credentials, and IHMM credential holders.
Never before in IHMM’s history has this volume and magnitude of communications come from IHMM to the rest of the world.
One day at a time, IHMM’s mission includes building understanding in 50 states and 85 countries around the world of the critically important role IHMM’s credentials and our credential holders play as IHMM sets standards of excellence for professional credentials to advance the global environmental, health, and safety communities of practice.
3,292,006
EHS Jobs for CSHMs and CSMPs
There are 53,561 EHS jobs for CSHMs and CSMPs available on Indeed today.
There are 6,001 EHS jobs for CSHMs and CSMPs available on CareerBuilder today.
There are 30,578 EHS jobs for CSHMs and CSMPs available on LinkedIn today.
One of the many values of having your CSHM and CSMP!
HMS Jobs Board
We invite our participating companies to post their available employment opportunities here. There is no charge for this service. HMS staff reviews each proposed posting for clarity and completeness before posting to the public view and may remove a posting without notice.
Go to > https://hazmatsociety.org/post-a-job/
- Environmental Source Test Engineer – Reworld – Remote
Director EHSQ – HELM Fertilizer Terminal, Inc. – Memphis, TN
IHMM 2024 Salary Survey Results
IHMM is pleased to release the 2024 survey of salaries underlying the workplace safety credentials salaries by job title. You may download the survey which is linked below.
IHMM Completes Its 40th Year
On December 3, 1984, the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management was created with the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager® [CHMM®] credential. John H. Frick, Harold M. Gordon, John J. McCambridge, and Richard A. Young created what would become an Institute that offers 11 professional credentials across Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods and EHS Work Place Safety communities of practice in all 50 of the United States and 85 other countries.
IHMM thanks its hundreds of volunteer leaders, thousands of certificates, and companies who support IHMM through strengthening its ability to extend its reach and allow us all to live up to why we exist our vision, and our mission…
Why We Exist
We believe there is only one Earth; our passion is to protect it.
Our Vision
IHMM credentials and competency standards are embraced worldwide
Our Mission
IHMM sets standards of excellence for professional credentials to advance the global environmental, health, and safety communities of practice.
The Dr. John H Frick Memorial IHMM Scholarship Program – Accepting Applications in September 2025
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management is pleased to have created $32,000 in academic scholarships, divided equally between $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate education in approved schools and who are also Student CHMMs, and $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate education in approved schools and who are also Student ASHMs.
IHMM seeks to foster the growth and academic success of students whose courses of education, and participation in one of our Student certifications, will lead to those students becoming fully-certified IHMM credential holders later in their professional lives.
Go to > https://hazmatsociety.org/scholarship/
Creating a Collaborative Culture
1,533 different conversations are going on in the IHMM/HMS Collaboration platform this week.
Do you have a problem you need to solve and want the opinions of your colleagues? We created the COLLABORATION platform to enable our certificants to network, learn, and grow from one another.
This is where we collaborate with the best people in their fields, always willing to help one another lessen the stress of our jobs, and where we strive as a team to make a difference of which we are proud.
You can collaborate here.
Access to COLLABORATION is through the same username/password you use to access your MYIHMM account. Are you having a problem? Contact Jimmy Nguyen at [email protected]
IHMM Recertification Videos
Recert Video #1
Recert Video #2
IHMM is pleased to release two YouTube instructional videos about navigating the IHMM recertification process. These step-by-step videos easily enable IHMM certificants to start and complete a recertification application.
While the full recertification cycle is 5 years, IHMM encourages all certificants to start a recertification application and add certification maintenance points as they are earned to make the final submission quick and easy to accomplish.
Full recertification information is found here >> https://ihmm.org/credentials/#recertification
Questions about your recertification may be made to either Jimmy Nguyen [email protected] of Jelian Larbi [email protected]
IHMM Code of Ethics
The IHMM Code of Ethics is essential as it serves as a navigational compass that guides us all in making decisions that align with shared values and ethical principles. It provides a framework for behavior that helps to maintain integrity, trust, and respect in professional and personal interactions. For professional certificants, adhering to the IHMM Code of Ethics is a certification requirement, ensuring that your actions meet industry standards and public expectations. In the business world, a Code of Ethics enhances our reputation, fosters a positive work environment, and promotes accountability and continuous improvement in ethical conduct. Moreover, a Code of Ethics helps us navigate morally complex situations, ensuring that our actions are legally and safely grounded in our core values, such as honesty, accountability, and compassion. Ultimately, our Code of Ethics is about committing to a set of principles that not only guide one’s actions but also define one’s character and professional identity.
Everyone sees the IHMM Code of Ethics and signs an adherence statement upon making an application for one of our credentials. Every existing certificant sees the Code of Ethics again upon recertification and takes a short quiz on the IHMM Code of Ethics.
See the IHMM Code of Ethics video here:
IHMM CONFERENCES For 2025
IHMM will attend and support several conferences and trade shows throughout 2025. Last year, we participated in the Bay Area ASSP conference, AIHA Conference & Trade Show, Modern Day Marine Conference, ASSP Annual Conference, AHMP Conference, Environmental Navigator Conference, National Safety Council Conference, and FET.
Are there conferences you believe IHMM should attend that are not named here? If so, let us know by sending an email to [email protected]
Welcome to the Future of Professional Growth with IHMM’s Mentoring Program!
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Dive into a world of opportunity and advancement with IHMM’s dynamic mentoring program! Our experienced mentors are here to share their expertise, offer personalized guidance, and help you navigate both credential exams and everyday work challenges.
✨ Unlock Your Potential: Learn from industry leaders and accelerate your professional journey.
✨ Tailored Support: Receive personalized advice and strategies to overcome your unique challenges.
✨ Build Connections: Join a vibrant community of professionals eager to support and inspire each other.
Whether you’re a newcomer in the field or seeking to hone your skills, IHMM’s mentoring program is your gateway to growth and success. Stay tuned for inspiring stories, valuable tips, and exclusive insights from our mentors!
Embark on a journey of discovery and achievement with us. Welcome aboard!
IHMM’s Collaboration platform contains a “Mentor Match” module [see below at right] that allows mentors to signup designating the hours, number of mentees, subject areas, and length of time they wish to mentor – as well as enabling mentees signup requesting assistance in specified areas. The mentor match module does the rest by matching mentors and mentees.
IHMM Organizing Broader Government Affairs Activities – Call for Volunteers
In strategic planning on August 17, 2023, IHMM created a strategic imperative to create a broader government affairs operation on behalf of, and with the assistance of, all of IHMM’s certificants.
- Federal Government – Regulatory
We need a group of people watching Federal regulatory developments to advise when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in the agencies. - Federal Government – Congress
We need a group of people watching legislation to advise us when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in Congress.
- State Governments – Regulatory
We need a group of people watching state regulatory developments to advise when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in the agencies. - State Governments – Legislatures
We need a group of people watching legislation to advise us when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in state legislatures.
If you want to make a difference in the recognition of your credentials and build on the successful record we have achieved thus far – we need you to volunteer. Learn more by visiting our Government Affairs Committee page, and get involved with government affairs. You can volunteer for one, two, three or all four of the segments of the committee’s work. That’s up to you!
IHMM Government Affairs
IHMM Proposes Changes in Government Recognition of Credentials
- IHMM has filed comments in the OSHA proposed Heat Rule, underscoring IHMM’s commitment to bringing our SMEs expertise to an important public policy issue as well as highlighting the value of our certifications and those who hold them.
- IHMM has filed comments on the OMB Inquiry concerning the EPA and DOL proposed regulatory measures concerning Methylene Chloride on December 13, 2024.
- IHMM Sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, concerning the uses of professionally credentialed persons performing work for the Park Service.
- IHMM Signs Letter Opposing Reductions in OSH Worker’s Pay – The IHMM Government Affairs Committee has agreed to sign a coalition letter opposing reductions in pay for IH and OSH employees. Here is the coalition letter we signed.
4. IHMM submitted comments on OSHA Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH): Notice of Meetings concerning OSHA-2024-0002-0007, and highlighted the creation of IHMM’s Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist [CPPS] credential.
5. State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection is proposing to update Chapter 851, Standards for Generators of Hazardous Waste. In the current regulation, work is required by a professional engineer. IHMM is proposing to include an environmental professional as defined by 40 CFR §312.10.
All IHMM Government Affairs Projects Are Here
Beltway Buzz – Ogletree Deakins
Welcome to the 119th Congress. Even before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on January 20, 2025, change has come to Washington, D.C., as the 119th Congress gaveled in late last week. Here is what the Buzz is watching as the new Congress kicks off:
- A Trifecta? Yes, but … Republicans control the White House, as well as the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, but that doesn’t mean that getting legislation to President-elect Trump’s desk is going to be easy. In the Senate, Republicans hold a 53–47 majority, with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance as the potential tiebreaking vote. This is seven votes short of a filibuster-proof majority, meaning that most partisan bills will have a hard time getting through the Senate. Moreover, in the House, Republicans hold a 219–215 majority. This razor-thin majority will get even thinner, as President-elect Trump has promised to nominate Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as ambassador to the United Nations and Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL) as national security adviser. Depending on the timing of confirmations and special elections, this could mean that Republicans won’t be able to lose a single vote on any bill.
- Get Ready for Reconciliation. Because Republicans are unlikely to sway at least seven Democrats to join them in voting for most bills, they will likely turn to the arcane budgetary process called reconciliation to advance their policy priorities. Ostensibly reserved for budgetary matters, the reconciliation process has the advantage of only needing a majority vote in the U.S. Senate. The drawback of the process is that because it is a budgetary tool, issues contained in such a bill must be fiscally related. Over recent years both Democrats (Affordable Care Act, American Rescue Plan Act, the Inflation Reduction Act) and Republicans (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) have used the process to secure legislative victories. So, while this process could be used by Republicans to score wins on certain policy positions (e.g., tax cuts), they will not be able to use reconciliation to pass every legislative priority.
- “Must-Pass” Legislation. As always, there are annual legislative exercises that must be addressed by Congress. Funding the federal government beyond the current March 14, 2025, deadline and lifting or suspending the debt limit will be major issues that Congress will have to address in the coming weeks and months. This could take time and attention away from other matters, such as the confirmation of political nominees.
- Nominations. Speaking of nominations, the Buzz will be watching the confirmation process for putative secretary of labor nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer. We will also be monitoring vacancies at the National Labor Relations Board and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (as well as potential vacancies in the general counsel’s office at each of these agencies). The early rounds of confirmation hearings are usually reserved for high-profile cabinet-level positions such as secretary of state, secretary of the treasury, and attorney general.
- Other Legislation. The Buzz will be watching for the reintroduction of the Dismantle DEI Act. The bill is unlikely to pass the Senate, but it could be the subject of congressional hearings.
Ports Strike Averted. This week, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the group representing shippers and employers at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports announced a tentative agreement on a new six-year collective bargaining agreement, avoiding a potential strike. Buzz readers may recall that the parties have been negotiating over the introduction of automation technology at the ports. According to a joint statement released by the parties, the “agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coast ports—making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong.” ILA members must still vote to ratify the contract.
Fed Contracting Agency Withdraws Salary History and Transparency Rule. On January 8, 2025, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FAR Council) withdrew its January 30, 2024, proposed rule that would have prohibited federal contractors from considering an applicant or employee’s salary history when making compensation decisions. The proposal also would have required federal contractors to disclose compensation information in advertisements for job openings in connection with a federal contract. The FAR Council stated that “[i]n light of the limited time remaining in the current Administration,” it had “decided to withdraw the proposed policy and rule and focus [its] attention on other priorities, including directives in recent National Defense Authorization Acts.”
OSHA Heat Docket Wraps Up. January 14, 2025, is the deadline for stakeholders to submit comments in response to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s proposed heat standard. The incoming Trump administration is unlikely to move forward with the proposal, at least as currently written.
Regulatory Updates
Environmental Protection Agency issues its Fall 2024 Regulatory Agenda – Read more here
Department of Transportation issues its Fall 2024 Regulatory Agenda – Read more here
Department of Labor issues its Fall 2024 Regulatory Agenda – Read more here
IHMM Submits Comments on the OSHA Proposed Heat Rule
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a proposed rule that would protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings from extreme heat. The proposed rule would require employers to develop an injury and illness prevention plan to control heat hazards in workplaces with excessive heat. The plan would require employers to evaluate heat risks and — when heat increases risks to workers — implement requirements for drinking water, rest breaks, and control of indoor heat. It would also require a plan to protect new or returning workers unaccustomed to working in high-heat conditions.
IHMM initiated collecting comments from its Government Affairs Committee, CSHMs, CSMPs, CHMMs, and CSMPs concerning this proposed regulation and filed the comments linked above on January 13, 2025.
As always, the initial portion of the IHMM comments discusses the strengths of its credentials and those who hold them, the required professional development that leads to recertification every five years, and the education and training provided to our credential holders through our Foundation.
IHMM Filed Comments – Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Methylene Chloride Standard
Deadline: December 13, 2024
The agency published an ICR related to its Methylene Chloride standard. This chemical is hazardous but widely used in industry, so OSHA closely monitors safety standards. The regulation of methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM), is primarily governed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). A Guide to Complying with the 2024 Methylene Chloride Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). Risk Management for Methylene Chloride.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). Fact Sheet: Regulation of Methylene Chloride under TSCA.
These regulations aim to protect public health and the environment by reducing exposure to this hazardous chemical.
IHMM Comments Filed 12-13-2024
Trump EPA Updates Public on Agency Assistance Following Catastrophic Wildfires
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been assisting the local government and residents in the wake of catastrophic fires in Los Angeles County. EPA has been assigned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency with the first stage of the overall recovery and cleanup: the project to remove lithium-ion batteries and to survey, remove, and dispose of hazardous materials from properties burned by wildfires. Californians looking for guidance on their return home are encouraged to follow the direction of local authorities.
On January 24, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order Emergency Measures to Provide Water Resources in California and Improve Disaster Response in Certain Areas. This directs EPA to complete its hazardous materials mission responding to the Los Angeles, California Wildfires as soon as practical. EPA’s work removing hazardous materials is Phase 1 of the federal cleanup response. According to the EPA incident commander, there will be upward of 1,000 people working on Phase 1 cleanup by this weekend. This work, conducted at no cost to residents, is a mandatory process to ensure the safety of residents and the workers who will — after the hazardous material is gone — conduct the Phase 2 debris removal in the burn footprints, and to prevent these materials from being released into the environment. Phase 2 is debris removal and will be coordinated by FEMA. Once Phase 1 has been completed at a property, Phase 2 will begin automatically.
Read more by Clicking Here.
Donald Trump to Nominate Keith Sonderling for Deputy Labor Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump is set to nominate former Department of Labor official Keith Sonderling for deputy labor secretary, according to multiple reports.
Sonderling served as a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from September 2020 to August 2024 and was vice chair of the commission from September 2020 to January 2021. In addition, he was acting administrator of the DOL Wage and Hour Division from January to April 2019.
Sonderling will likely appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee sometime in the near future.
Read more by Clicking Here.
Federal Regulatory Freeze Pending Review
On his first day in office President Trump by Executive Order ordered a freeze on federal regulations pending review.
“By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order all executive departments and agencies to take the following steps:
(1) Do not propose or issue any rule in any manner, including by sending a rule to the Office of the Federal Register (the “OFR”), until a department or agency head appointed or designated by the President after noon on January 20, 2025, reviews and approves the rule. The department or agency head may delegate this power of review and approval to any other person so appointed or designated by the President, consistent with applicable law. The Director or Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (the “OMB Director”) may exempt any rule that he deems necessary to address emergency situations or other urgent circumstances, including rules subject to statutory or judicial deadlines that require prompt action.”
OSHA Promotes Scott Ketcham to Deputy Assistant Secretary
Scott Ketcham has been promoted to deputy assistant secretary at OSHA. According to the agency’s organizational chart, Ketcham will oversee OSHA’s 10 regions and its directorates of Enforcement Programs and Construction. He joins Jim Frederick as a deputy assistant secretary.
Ketcham has worked for OSHA for two decades in various regional and area offices, most recently as director of the Directorate of Enforcement Programs. He has also served as director of the Directorate of Construction. In 2024, he presented the agency’s annual Top 10 list of most frequently cited standards at the annual NSC Safety Congress and Expo in Orlando, FL.
Erin Gilmore succeeds Ketcham as director of the Directorate of Enforcement Programs, taking on the role in an acting capacity. Most recently, she had served as the directorate’s deputy director.
Read the original article by Clicking Here.
Republicans On the House Budget Committee Release Revenue Measures to Pass a New Tax Bill
The House Republicans on the Budget Committee just released a list of more than 200 options they may use to pay for the next big tax bill, which would extend the 2017 tax cuts, which are scheduled to expire in 2025. This is a major priority for the incoming Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress.
Extending the expiring provisions of the 2017 tax revisions will have a revenue impact on the federal government of $4.5 trillion over 10 years. To “offset” this loss of revenue, Congress tries to find other revenue streams to plug the holes.
Whenever the tax code is opened for revisions it is akin to blood in the water attracting sharks. If you don’t have a seat at the table, then you are assured to be on the menu. IHMM’s Executive Director is a part of this process with the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition and IHMM is discussing increasing that involvement in meetings this next week.
President Trump Names Acting Labor and Transportation Secretaries
President Donald Trump has named Vince Micone as acting labor secretary and Judith Kaleta as acting transportation secretary. Micone has been serving as deputy assistant secretary for operations in the Department of Labor Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management. He previously worked in the Departments of Commerce, Homeland Security, Justice, and the Treasury. Kaleta was deputy general counsel at the Department of Transportation. She previously worked at the Office of the General Counsel.
Sean Duffy, Trump’s nominee for transportation secretary, had a nomination hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Jan. 15. The former member of Congress is expected to receive the committee’s approval on Jan. 22.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s nominee for labor secretary and a former U.S. representative, has yet to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
Read the original article by Clicking Here.
Professional Certification Coalition
Congress has started working and among our priorities is the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act that we started in the last Congress. This legislation would allow IRS 529 plans to use proceeds for certain certification-related expenses. We expect that bill to be introduced the first week of February, and we have also received strong signals that the legislation will be in the coming reconciliation package. Very hopeful signs.
IHMM is a member of the PCC. The PCC monitors state and federal legislative and regulatory activity affecting professional certification on an ongoing basis.
IHMM will participate in the March 5, 2025, Member Meeting and Capitol Hill Advocacy Day.
2025 State Legislatures are also getting underway and our first 2025 Watch List is below:
New 2025 State Legislation Watch List
Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition – Senate Action On IHMM-Supported Legislation
The Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition advocates for beneficial workforce development policy to strengthen the economy now and in the future.
For those of you who were unable to join us for the General Election Recap Webinar that took place on November 13th, please find the webinar recording below to watch at your convenience:
S. 722 / H.R. 1477 / Coalition Roster
The Coalition supports the bipartisan, bicameral Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477), which would expand qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include postsecondary training and credentialing, such as licenses and nongovernmental certifications; it would provide valuable tax-advantaged resources to more workers pursuing career growth, mid-career changes or alternative career pathways.
Congress has been busy the first few weeks of 2025 as it begins the confirmation process for President-elect Trump’s Executive Branch nominees and commences its oversight agenda. We know that work will intensify in relation to the Republican majority’s top policy priority for 2025—the passage of a comprehensive legislative package to reform the tax code. Congressional Republicans aim to deliver this package to the President’s desk in the first half of 2025 and are planning on using a special congressional procedure known as budget reconciliation – which permits passage of revenue-related legislation by a simple vote majority in the Senate – to achieve it. The race is on among nearly every interest group in Washington to advocate for the inclusion or exclusion of legislative provisions in the tax package.
The Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition is very much a part of this race! We have been meeting with key lawmakers and staff to ensure that the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act is included in the tax package. ASAE and TWC staff have been working with bill sponsors in the House and Senate to identify new co-leads prior to the bill’s reintroduction, and an announcement pertaining to these co-leads will be made over the next few weeks.
Important Stories for IHMM Certificants
Spotlight: Enforcement Discretion on New International Standards
Happy New Year! As we move into 2025, we understand that many offerors and carriers of hazardous materials in international transport will soon be adhering to new requirements—including the 2025–2026 International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO Technical Instructions) and Amendment 42-24 of the International Maritime Organization, International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code).
Currently, the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) authorize use of the 2023–2024 ICAO Technical Instructions and Amendment 41-22 of the IMDG Code. PHMSA is evaluating whether to adopt the updated ICAO Technical Instructions and new Amendment to the IMDG Code in a future rulemaking.
In coordination with our modal partners, PHMSA has issued the following Enforcement Discretion notice, to clarify that we will not take enforcement action against offerors or carriers who:
• Use the 2025–2026 ICAO Technical Instructions when all or part of the transportation is by air
• Use Amendment 42-24 when all or part of the transportation is by vessel
• Offer or accept hazardous materials identified and described on a shipping paper and/or packages marked and/or labeled in accordance with these standards—provided that appropriate emergency response information consistent with 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart G, accompanies the shipment.
Items described and packaged for transportation under the respective international standards as UN3559 and UN0514, “Fire Suppressant Dispersing Devices,” however, must first be approved by the Associate Administrator in accordance with 49 CFR § 173.56.
Information on the notice can be found here: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/news/notice-enforcement-policy-regarding-international-standards-1
Effective December 9, 2024, this notice will remain in effect until withdrawn or otherwise modified.
Safe+Sound Week 2025 – August 11-17, 2025
Safe + Sound Week will be August 11-17, 2025. This year’s focus area is emergency preparedness and response. Stay tuned for more information!
Response-Ready Workplace Challenge
Workplace emergencies can happen at any time. It’s important for workers to be aware of emergency procedures and know what to do in case of an emergency. Are your workers familiar with your emergency action plan (EAP)?
Prepare for Safe + Sound Week 2025! Take the Response-Ready Workplace Challenge.
- Review your EAP.
- Hold a toolbox talk or safety meeting to review your EAP.
- Download your challenge coin.
Share that you took the challenge on social media using #SafeAndSoundAtWork and #ResponseReady.
FY2025 STOP School Violence Program Funding
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has announced the FY2025 STOP School Violence Program funding opportunity. This program aims to enhance school security by implementing evidence-based measures to prevent violence. These measures include training for students, school personnel, and law enforcement and implementing technology and infrastructure to improve school safety.
Here are key details about the opportunity:
- Purpose: To develop or improve violence prevention programs and school safety initiatives that address the unique needs of schools and communities.
- Eligibility: Local and tribal governments, state agencies, public and private schools, and non-profit organizations are typically eligible to apply.
- Funding Uses:
- Training to prevent student violence against others and themselves.
- Development of threat assessment and intervention teams.
- Technologies or systems to address school violence.
For comprehensive information on the FY2025 STOP School Violence Program funding opportunity, please refer to the official solicitation document provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA):
This document offers detailed guidance on eligibility criteria, application procedures, funding categories, and program requirements. It is essential to review this solicitation thoroughly to ensure a complete and accurate application.
Additionally, the BJA’s official website provides a list of current funding opportunities, including the FY2025 STOP School Violence Program:
Hosted by CISA
The LA Fires: Considerations for the Public
As first responders make progress containing the fires burning in the Greater Los Angeles area, authorities are allowing some evacuated residents to return to their homes. AIHA’s chief science officer, Michele Twilley, DrPH, CIH, recently spoke with Enrique Medina, MS, CIH, CSP, FAIHA, about the hazards potentially faced by returning residents and people living downwind of the fire in the coming days and weeks. Medina is the editor of AIHA’s Technical Guide for Wildfire Impact Assessments for the OEHS Professional and the president and CEO of Alliance Consulting International in San Diego, California.
This post is the first of two that present transcripts of Twilley’s conversation with Medina. It has been edited for length and clarity. Last week’s post, an interview by Twilley with Michelle Rosales, MPH, CIH, covered preparing for evacuation and concerns for returning residents. A subsequent post with Twilley and Medina will focus on challenges facing OEHS professionals responsible for workplaces and communities affected by the fires.
Read more here.
IHMM Credential Recognition
The highest priority of IHMM’s Government Affairs Committee is the recognition of IHMM’s credentials by government. We have made substantial progress in the two years we have undertaken this endeavor, as outlined in detail here > https://ihmm.org/credential-recognition/
In this project we have 45-in-5, increasing the number of states that recognize IHMM credentials.
- We have already succeeded in 13 states – New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Indiana, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Arkansas, Oklahoma. Ohio, North Dakota, and Georgia. [Red states in the map above]. These are states where IHMM credentials are cited or 40 CFR 312.10 is cited by reference.
- We have partially succeeded in another 16 states – Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, Delaware, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine. [Orange/Black Stripe states in the map above] These are states where the requirements of an “environmental professional” or QEP are cited that coincide with an IHMM credential so that relatively little work would need to be done to clarify the desired outcome.
- We have 21 states where no reference to an IHMM credential is made in either statute or regulation, nor is there anything defined in the area of an environmental professional. These states will require legislation or regulatory work. [Yellow states in the map above].
in January 2022 Gene Guilford released the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation that states a private certification that meets or exceeds the requirements of the regulation is an Environmental Professional under the regulation. Here is the crosswalk between the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation and the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager [CHMM] blueprint. The CHMM meets or exceeds the requirements of an Environmental Professional.
Here’s what we ask each volunteer to do:
- Watch legislative and regulatory developments in your state that provide an opportunity for us to create amendments or other interventions
- Be willing to speak with regulators and legislators in your area about the recognition efforts we craft together
News from IHMM Affiliates
Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals
IHMM is affiliated with AHMP and is pleased to bring this important information to all of our certificants.
AHMP News
AHMP is thrilled to announce Robert Bilott as the Keynote Speaker for the 2025 EHS HAZMAT Summit! Robert Bilott is the tenacious environmental lawyer who became “DuPont’s worst nightmare,” according to The New York Times. The story in his book, Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer’s Twenty-Year Battle Against Dupont, inspired the major motion picture, Dark Waters, featuring Academy Award winner Mark Ruffalo as Rob Bilott.
- Save the date for the 2025 EHS HazMat Summit which will be held in Louisville, KY, on September 8-11, 2025
- Call for Abstracts AHMP is now accepting abstracts for the 2025 EHS HAZMAT Summit to be held in September in Louisville, Kentucky. Submitting an abstract is a great way to share your knowledge and experience with colleagues, allowing you to showcase technical solutions, regulatory expertise, project successes, or case studies to help educate the conference attendees. Another benefit is that you can also earn valuable certification maintenance points for attending and presenting. To learn more and submit your abstract(s) visit https://www.ahmpnet.org/call-for-abstracts
- Award Nominations The AHMP Awards program recognizes and honors individuals, chapters, and organizations for outstanding contributions in education, training, research, organizational development, operations, and performance that further AHMP’s Strategic Plan. There are four Professional Member awards, three Chapter awards, and two AHMP “Friend” awards. Nominations are being accepted now through April 30th. Visit https://www.ahmpnet.org/awards-program to learn more and submit a nomination.
AHMP Webinars
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 News
- OSHA withdraws infectious disease rule amid Trump administration’s regulatory review
- EPA updates Spanish Translation Guide for Pesticide Labeling
- Many retail workers fear for their safety, survey finds
- Sean Duffy’s nomination for transportation secretary awaits full Senate vote
- CDC study explores mercury exposure in electronics waste recycling
- OSHA’s NYC Region renews emphasis program on hazardous noise
NSC Webinars
IHMM is a member of ASSP and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
ASSP News
- Feb 4-5 – Integrating Z10 to Manage Occupational Health & Safety
- Feb 6 – Project Manage Implementation of Occupational OSH Management System (25FEB06)
- Feb 13-Mar 13 – Advanced Safety Management Methods
- Feb 13 – Mar 13 – Influential Leadership Skills
- Feb 27 – Mar 27 – Risk Assessment and Management for Safety Professionals
- Feb 27 – Mar 27 – Corporate Safety Management(25FEB27)
- Feb 27 – Mar 27 – Prevention through Design
- Feb 27 – Mar 27 – Safety Management I
For a complete list of ASSP Webinars, click here.
Hazardous Materials Society
IHMM and HMS
The graphic to the left illustrates the relationship between IHMM and HMS. IHMM formed HMS to serve IHMM’s certificants. IHMM offers a variety of professional credentials and HMS creates education and training programs to serve the applicants and certificants of those credentials.
Oklahoma State University Becomes an HMS Training Partner
IHMM is pleased to announce that Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology [CEAT], has become an HMS Training Partner. OSU brings its Environmental Management Certificate Program to us, which runs April 7-11, 2025.
| Date | Course | Location |
|---|---|---|
| April 7-11, 2025 | OSU CEAT – Environmental Management Certificate | OSU-Tulsa, OK |
University of Cincinnati, OSHA Training Institute, IHMM, and HMS’ Training Partner Offers Courses for 2025
| Date | Course | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | OSHA #511 – Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry | Online |
Aarcher Institute, IHMM, and HMS’ Training Partner Offers Courses for 2025!
| Date | Course | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 4-7, 2025 | THE ORIGINAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE BOOTCAMP™ | Online and In-Person |
| Feb 19-20, 2025 | Auditing For Environmental Compliance | Online and In-Person |
| Feb 25-28, 2025 | THE ORIGINAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE BOOTCAMP™ – Virtual PT | Online and In-Person |
| Mar 11-14, 2025 | THE ORIGINAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE BOOTCAMP™ | In-Person |
| March 18-20, 2025 | CLEAN AIR COMPLIANCE MANAGER™ | Online and In-Person |
| March 25-26, 2025 | INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER COMPLIANCE MANAGER | Online and In-Person |
| April 1-4, 2025 | THE ORIGINAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE BOOTCAMP™ | Online and In-Person |
| April 8-9, 2025 | WASTEWATER COMPLIANCE MANAGER™ | Online and In-Person |
| April 15-16, 2025 | SPCC COMPLIANCE MANAGER | Online and In-Person |
| April 17-18, 2025 | Online and In-Person | |
| April 22-25, 2025 | Online and In-Person | |
| May 13-16, 2025 | THE ORIGINAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE BOOTCAMP™ | In-Person – Denver |
| May 20-21, 2025 | In-Person | |
| June 3-6, 2025 | Annapolis | |
| June 10-11, 2025 | Annapolis | |
| June 24-26, 2025 | Annapolis | |
| June 24-27, 2025 | Hilton Head, SC | |
| July 15-18, 2025 | Annapolis – Online | |
| July 29-31, 2025 | Annapolis | |
| August 12-13, 2025 | Annapolis – Online | |
| August 12-15, 2025 | Honolulu, HI | |
| August 26-27, 2025 | Nashville | |
| September 9-11, 2025 | Annapolis | |
| September 16-19, 2025 | Annapolis | |
| September 30-Oct 1 | Annapolis | |
| Oct 28-29, 2025 | Online | |
| Oct 30-31, 2025 | Annapolis – Online | |
| Nov 4-7, 2025 | Annapolis – Online | |
| Dec 2-3, 2025 | AUDITING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE™ | Annapolis – Online |
AIHA, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
American Industrial Hygiene Association [AIHA] an HMS training partner, has added its first of many courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs in support of IHMM certificants holding the CHMM, CHMP, CSHM, and CSMP credentials. Thank you, AIHA.
Bowen EHS, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants for 2025
Bowen EHS, an HMS training partner, has had 4 courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs as reviewed and approved by the HMS Education and Training Committee. Thank you Bowen EHS and thanks HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
Thank you Bowen EHS for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs!
| Date | Course | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Emergency Management Self-Paced PDC | Online |
| Daily | The CHMM Practice Tool | Online |
| Daily | The Companion Toolkit | Online |
Easily Find Courses to Help You Pass IHMM Credential Exams
A core mission of EHS is education and training. Part of that mission includes assembling the best and most effective courses to assist IHMM applicants in passing their IHMM credential exams.
CSHM™ Prep Courses
CSMP™ Prep Courses
HMS Makes Finding Courses to Earn CMPs Easy
Every year more than 1,600 IHMM certificants have to recertify their credentials, evidenced their continuing commitment to improvement and learning to elevate their professional credential.
Earning Certification Maintenance Points [CMPs] is illustrated under Recertification of Your Credential, that includes the Recertification Claims Manual – Appendix A, that details all of the ways a certificant may earn CMPs > https://ihmm.org/recertification-claims/
Having mastered that manual, how does an IHMM certificant find courses to earn CMPs?
HMS has made that simple and easy.
- Go to https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/
- Scroll down until you see a row of buttons…click on the CMPs button
The system will then generate all of the courses on the HMS E&T platform with IHMM CMPs already attached.
The next developments by the HMS E&T committee will refine available courses’ CMPs by individual credential!
Donate to HMS
One of the most important projects of the Hazardous Materials Society is our Scholarship Program.
HMS wants to make it as easy as possible for those who cannot always afford to participate in pursuing certification, or keeping up with professional development, or attending great conferences and receiving outstanding training. HMS does not solicit contributions from the general public. HMS does ask IHMM’s certificants and their companies and our education and training vendors to consider a contribution.
Here, through your generosity, you can make a difference in promoting the ability of those who can afford it least to become participants in our communities of practice.
It’s never too late to make a difference, so don’t let this opportunity to make a difference pass you by. Please consider a tax-deductible donation of $250, $500 or what you can to help build HMS’s effort to help others in our communities of practice.
Member Benefits of Hazardous Materials Society
99% 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.
As an IHMM certificant, you pay no dues to take advantage of IHMM’s Foundation at HMS. We do appreciate IHMM’s certificants encouraging their companies to contribute.
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.
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.
Benefits of a CSU Learning Partnership:
- 10% Tuition Discount
- Exclusive Scholarships
- Waived Application and Evaluation Fees
- Access the Career Services Department
For further assistance or additional information, contact Ernie Smith, [email protected]u, or call 251-923-4055
IHMM-HMS Event 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