EHS Professional – December 16, 2021

CSHM – CSMP Recertification System Notice

We have great news for all CSHM and CSMP credential holders with IHMM.  The paper CoC recertification worksheets you have had to do are now history.  Two weeks IHMM staff started beta-testing the new system with a handful of CSHMs and CSMPs. This system is now ready for all CSHMs and CSMPs to use.

We are pleased to inform you that an entirely secure, web-based recertification system that allows you to input your Certification Maintenance Points [CMPs] and keep track of where you are throughout your 5-year recertification cycle is now ready for you to use – no more paper!

You are used to a 30 point or 20 point system over 5 years, and the new system still allows you to enter those points and it will automatically convert them to the IHMM 200-point system. You lose nothing in the transition.

• Go to your MYIHMM account here, and see the top toolbar on the website, click on My IHMM > https://ihmm.org

• If you don’t know your username and password – contact Jimmy Nguyen here > [email protected] or James Drosdak > [email protected] or Kaylene Cagle > [email protected] or Mikki Shea > [email protected]  one of them can assist you with your username and password to your account
• Start your recertification application today, no need to wait. We will walk you through the MENU in your account to get to RECERTIFICATION, then start your application. Jimmy, Jim, Kaylene, and Mikki can assist you with how to use the Recertification system. You can contact any one of them using the emails above.

Once you are in your recertification application we will show you how to enter your points based on the blueprint of your credential. This is all the same as what you used to do on paper – except with the electronic version you can keep track of your progress anytime you wish.

This is a great system that, once you see it and use it a bit, will be easy for you to update as you go.

We will soon conduct the survey validation that will lead to the new blueprints.  The new blueprints for the CSHM and CSMP will be released after the holidays. IHMM thanks Steve Guillory, Tom Slavin, and the CSHM Scheme Committee https://ihmm.org/cshm-scheme-committee/  and Kirk Rains, Trina Cameron and the CSMP Scheme Committee https://ihmm.org/csmp-scheme-committee/  for the outstanding job they have all done creating new blueprints that will lead to a new exam, and then we seek ANSI accreditation for these programs.

All this work, done by many at IHMM, ensures that the CSHM and CSMP credentials you hold will be the very strongest in the industry and our communities of practice.

Kentucky Devastated By Tornadoes

I was traveling from Washington, DC back to Connecticut early Saturday morning and as soon as we boarded the plane we were informed of a 3-hour delay due to weather. Then we all learned of the utter devastation suffered by the people of Kentucky, dozens killed and scores still missing and injured – with entire towns wiped out by tornadoes.

I got home 3 hours late, but at least I had a home to return to and my family was safe.

I made a donation to the American Red Cross to help with the recovery efforts in Kentucky. If you’re in a position to help, here is how the Governor of Kentucky encourages people to help in any way they can.

Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
Gov. Andy Beshear has established a fund to assist tornado victims and begin rebuilding. Donate at secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief or by sending a check to Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero St., 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601.

American Red Cross
Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999.

Aspire Appalachia
Send donations to [email protected] or PO Box 1255, Jackson, KY 41339.

CARE
The nonprofit based in Atlanta is partnering with Louisville’s Change Today, Change Tomorrow to distribute food, water and cash vouchers to affected families. Donate to the tornado relief fund here.

Global Empowerment Mission
The disaster relief nonprofit based in Miami is sending trucks of supplies to western Kentucky, in partnership with Racing Louisville and Louisville City Football Club. Donate funds at globalempowermentmission.org/mission/kentucky-tornadoes/.

Global Giving
The D.C.-based nonprofit has established a Midwest US Tornado Relief Fund at globalgiving.org/projects/midwest-tornado-relief-fund/.

Kentucky Counseling Center
The organization is collecting donations that counselors and social workers in Graves County will distribute to affected families. Donate at kentuckycounselingcenter.com/mayfield-fund/.

IHMM Honors Andrea Schuessler and Denny Carlson

After a long and productive Board meeting held on Friday the 10th, we had a chance for some social time together honoring two Board members whose terms are coming to a close; Andrea Schuessler and Denny Carlson. Unfortunately, Denny could not be with us in person, but Andrea could.

At right, our Board Chair Richie Spangler, CHMM, CDGP, of Sandia National Laboratories presents retiring Board member Andrea Schuessler, CHMM of AstraZeneca, a special award of thanks for her service as a Board member, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Thanks to those who came and helped us celebrate a great board meeting and Andrea and Denny who helped make our organization the outstanding servant of the environment, our communities of practice, and our certificants alike. Thank you Andrea and Denny for your years of outstanding contributions to IHMM, your leadership and friendship.

Register Now for the Mask Innovation Challenge!

Phase 2 of the “Mask Innovation Challenge: Building Tomorrow’s Mask” has launched. The Mask Innovation Challenge represents a bold step in reimagining innovative masks. It is sponsored by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The Mask Innovation Challenge is an initiative that supports the development of innovative masks for use by the general public. It aims to accelerate the advance development of next generation masks with tested performance that addresses barriers to user acceptance. Phase 2 of the Mask Innovation Challenge focuses on the rapid development of prototypes that will be evaluated by laboratories at NIST and NIOSH. It should be noted that the Mask Innovation Challenge is not connected with the activities of the NIOSH respirator approval program.

Team registration is open through December 31, 11:59 PM (ET). All teams must register for Phase 2 of the Mask Challenge by this deadline regardless of participation status in Phase 1. Once registered, participants must send their submissions by February 14, 2022, 11:59 PM (ET).

At the conclusion of Phase 2, the 1st and 2nd place teams will receive $150,000 each, and the 3rd and 4th place teams will receive $50,000 each. For complete details, see the Phase 2 announcement posted on Challenge.gov. Please send all questions concerning the Mask Innovation Challenge through the “Contact” tab in the announcement link or to [email protected].

Respiratory Protection Toolbox Talk

This fact sheet informs construction workers of the respiratory protection needed to protect themselves in the workplace. It describes how to select, use, and maintain NIOSH-approved respirators to promote proper respiratory protection practices and limit the number of construction workers exposed to unsafe airborne contaminants.

Respiratory Protection Toolbox Talk.pdf

Are You All In On Safety?

Worker participation is a core element of a workplace safety and health program. Effective safety and health programs tap into workers’ collective experience, knowledge, and insight in order to find solutions to workplace safety and health challenges.

Engage workers in your safety and health program by taking the All In On Safety Challenge!

1. Identify a safety activity that helps build a more diverse and accepting workplace.
2. Recognize workers who participate with a certificate and appreciation card.
3. Download your virtual challenge coin and share your participation in your workplace or on social media using #AllinonSafety and #SafeAndSoundAtWork.

Read Safe and Sound at Work Newsletter

OSHA’s Regulatory Agenda

As part of our efforts to keep you informed of OSHA’s activities, we wanted to let you know that the Department of Labor, including OSHA, has issued its Fall 2021 Regulatory Agenda.  Federal agencies post their regulatory agendas on the Reginfo.gov website twice a year to provide a snapshot of their rulemaking priorities.

A listing of Department of Labor (including OSHA) rulemaking in the pre-rule, proposed rule, and final rule stages is available here.  Rules that are classified as long-term actions are listed here.   The Department of Labor’s statement of regulatory priorities is provided here.

OSHA’s FY 2022 Outreach Initiatives

As part of our efforts to keep you informed of OSHA’s activities, we have attached a document that summarizes OSHA’s outreach initiatives for FY 2022.  It includes a summary of key national initiatives, a listing of priority industries/topics, and a calendar of key dates. Please note: As we receive new/updated information about events, we will share it with you. See 2022 OSHA Initiatives Here

IHMM To Launch $32,000 Scholarship Program in 2022

The IHMM Board of Directors is pleased to announce that in 2022 the Institute will launch a $32,000 annual scholarship program to support students pursuing Environment, Health, and Safety as well as Hazardous Materials and Dangerous Goods disciplines in undergraduate as well as graduate studies.

Spearheading the new program is Jan Rosenberg, CSHM, currently serving on the IHMM Board as well as Chair of the ASHM Committee. Jan’s committee will also be working on creating a new Student ASHM credential, also launching in 2022. Jan is forming the IHMM Scholarship Committee now and is expected to be joined initially by Pinkie Wood, CSHM, Sarath Seneviratne, CHMM, Emily Lucas, CSHM, and Robin Spencer, CHMM. See: https://ihmm.org/ihmm-scholarship-committee/

FEDERAL CREDENTIAL RECOGNITION – CALL TO ACTION – Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act

CALL TO ACTION – Representative Spanberger of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District has drafted legislation entitled, H.R. 2171, “Freedom To Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act.” This legislation expands the provisions of existing law with respect to the allowable uses of Section 529 education tuition accounts to include most expenses paid by the holders of private professional certifications. We need you to contact your House and Senate members to ask them to co-sponsor this legislation.

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE

You can support this effort with your voice and message. Go here>  https://ihmm.org/45-in-5-task-force/  and fill out your contact information where provided and help to pass H.R. 2171/S. 905.

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

• Perform façade work safely
• Conducting self-inspections: Two methods
• Random Acts of Safety

Latest Solutions

• Improving Jobs to Meet Needs of Seasoned Workers
• More Companies Reporting Environmental Efforts in 2020
• OSHA’s standard on walking-working surfaces

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

HMS Jobs Board

• Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT

• Hazardous Materials Specialist, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

• Hazardous Materials Manager, University of Miami, Miami, FL

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.

Learn more 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.

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.