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 Pandemic Preparedness Specialist™ [CPPS™]
America and the World were not prepared for COVID-19, and according to the federal government, we are not ready for the next pandemic. IHMM has created the Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist™ [CPPS™] microcredential as our contribution to being prepared for the next pandemic. A Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist™ (CPPS™) microcredential holder is first a CHMM or CSHM credentialed professional who has demonstrated, through education, experience, and examination, the ability to identify and assess the risks associated with pathogens and their effect on public health, commerce, industry, and/or government operations.
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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
Certified Safety & Health Manager
Certified Safety Management Practitioner
Associate Safety and Health Manager
Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist
Certified School Safety Manager
Student Associate Safety and Health Manager
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
Need Help?
Need Help? On the IHMM website just click on the “NEED HELP?” button
and let us know what you need and the right person will get right back with you.
IHMM RECENT NEWS for EHS Professionals
WORKPLACE
- California’s SB 553 and National Implications for Workplace Violence Prevention
- Safety in the Workplace: Managing the Expectations of Millennials and Gen Z
- OSHA Fines Ohio Flooring Manufacturer $255K After Severe Worker Injury
- DOL Settles with Mississippi Manufacturer Following Worker Fatality
- Full-Body Safety: Integrating Eye Protection in PPE
LABOR
- Near-miss reporting for roadside responders: Safety group offers best practices
- MSHA awards more than $10.5M in state grants
- Rulemaking to revise Minnesota’s lead regulations underway
- Department of Labor obtains consent judgment ordering 2 healthcare staffing companies to pay a total of more than $2.4M in back wages, liquidated damages to 341 employees
- US Department of Labor awards $3M to empower Cambodian organizations of persons with disabilities address labor exploitation, barriers to decent work
- US Department of Labor announces proposed rule to phase out certificates allowing payment of less than minimum wage to workers with disabilities
- Panic begins where knowledge ends
- Recent Crane Collapses, OSHA Citations and Safety Best Practices
TRANSPORTATION
SCHOOLS
- Bay District Schools Para, Bus Driver Arrested for Child Abuse
- Suspect Arrested in Connection to University of Kentucky Sexual Assault
- Dos Palos Teacher Bitten by Bat in Classroom Dies of Rabies
- Security Screening for the Rest of Us: Small Schools Need Good Tools
- Call for 2025 Campus Safety Conference Speakers
- Pennsylvania, Virginia Awards Millions in School Safety Funding
- 2025 Director of the Year Nominations Due December 11
- Mass.: 3 Students Hit by Bus at Mount Wachusett Community College
- University of Wyoming Trustees Reject Plan to Extend Concealed Carry on Campus
- New Haven: Teen Killed, School Bus Hit by Gunfire in Shooting Near Hillhouse High School
INDUSTRIAL
- New Products Round-Up: Friday, Nov. 29, 2024
- Exonerating drivers with dash cam proof
- Construction’s manufacturing boom: Mapping the biggest facilities underway in the US
- 2025’s top construction conferences
- Labor Department releases guide to combat harassment in construction
- e-Storage subsidiary to build $712M plant in Kentucky
- Enter Construction Dive’s annual Holiday Lights contest
- 6 contech startups raise a combined $196M
- Judge dismisses $1.3B in lawsuits against Texas LNG builders
- Trump vows new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China
- Apartment completions jump 61% YOY
OTHER
Inside IHMM
United States Congress Recognizes IHMM
IHMM is pleased to announce that thanks to Maryland 8th District Congressman Jamie Raskin, the Congress of the United States has recognized IHMM on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.
We thank Congressman Raskin for leading this effort, and for recognizing the outstanding certified professionals of IHMM.
400,000 Per Month
400,000 is the number of messages sent from IHMM each month to thousands of private and public sector entities to raise the visibility of IHMM, IHMM credentials, and IHMM credential holders.
Whether for Kimberlie Long Holt in California who just earned her ASHM credential, Sophia Garcia who both just passed her CHMM exam, or Tiffany Butler, ST/CHMM who is our recent Certificant Spotlight, or Ashley Howard of Embry Riddle who just passed her Student ASHM exam and the thousands in between in 50 states and 85 countries, we believe in promoting IHMM’s certificants and their achievements.
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.
400,000 Per Month
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
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 Enters 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.
Thank You to All Who Attended!
On December 3, 2024, IHMM hosted our 40th Anniversary Reception & Celebration in Rockville, MD, where we shared our history and recognized those who have contributed to the Institute’s advancement. The program included opening remarks from the Institute’s Leadership, including esteemed guests Craig Saperstein, Partner at Pillsbury Law; Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, Senior Vice President for Public Policy at ASAE; an awards ceremony; and more.
Distinguished Honorees
40-Year Members
- Paul L. Errico, CHMM
- Ronald D. Schaible, CHMM
- John P. Coniglio, CHMM
- Fred Ellerbusch, CHMM
- John F. Podojil, CHMM
- Michael H. Ziskin, CHMM
- B. Bryant Slimp, Jr., CHMM
Awards in Service to the Institute
- Brendan Deyo, CHMM, CHMM Examination Committee Chair
- Adrianne Borgias, CHMM, IHMM Textbook Committee Executive Editor
- Cliff Bartley, CDGP, CDGP Scheme Committee Chair
- Kevin Herron, CHMP, CHMP Scheme Committee Chair
- Atanu Das, CHMM, CHMM Recertification Committee Chair
40th Anniversary Event Recap
Review highlights and pictures from the event.
The Dr. John H Frick Memorial IHMM Scholarship Program – CLOSED FOR 2024
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://ihmm.org/scholarship/
Creating a Collaborative Culture
1,504 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 2024/25
IHMM attended and supported several conferences and trade shows throughout 2024. In 2024, IHMM 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]
IHMM – 33 Mentors Available for You
IHMM Fellows Committee Chair Atanu Das, CHMM, is leading the effort within the IHMM Collaboration networking platform to engage 33 IHMM Fellows as Mentors and anyone seeking assistance as Mentees.
Given Fellows’ extraordinary experience, this is a unique opportunity for IHMM Fellows to help guide more recent certificants in their professional development activities. This article from ASAE magazine outlines how a mentoring program can become more successful – engagement!
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
Washington’s Landscape Changes in January 2025 – Part Two
- Republican Donald J. Trump was elected President on November 5th.
- Republicans in races for the U.S. House have taken the majority with 218 seats with Democrats controlling 212, with 5 seats still to be decided. Speaker Mike Johnson [R-LA 4th CD] will return as Speaker of the House. Republicans will command the Chairs of Committees and set the agenda for the next House of Representatives, beginning January 3, 2024. Democrats elected Hakeem Jeffries [D-NY, 8th CD] as their Minority Leader.
- Republicans in races for the U.S. Senate have won control of the Senate by picking up a net of 4 seats, controlling the Senate with 52 members to the Democrats 47, with the Senate race in Pennsylvania yet to be called. Republicans have elected Senator John Thune [R-SD] as Majority Leader of the Senate to replace Mitch McConnell, with Democrats having elected Senator Chuck Schumer [D-NY] as their Minority Leader.
Major Issues
- Tax Code. Many promises were made concerning the tax code in the election campaigns, with some focus on the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and its expiring provisions in 2025. Among the Trump Administration’s priorities are to extend the 2025 expiring provisions, as well as add exemptions from federal income taxes; tip wages, overtime pay, and social security. Further, Trump floated the idea of replacing the entire revenue stream generated by the tax code with tariffs on imported goods. The U.S. imported $3,8 trillion of goods in 2023, and to replace the tax code revenue with tariffs would require a tariff rate of around 70%. Whether possible, feasible or not, watch for these ideas to be floated in legislation in 2025.
- Budget. The federal budget is approximately $6 trillion. Trump has asked Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, two campaign supporters, to identify $2 trillion in cuts to the federal budget as the country faces a $35 trillion national debt. 50% of the $6 trillion is Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. 20% of the $6 trillion is interest on the national debt. 13.3% of the $6 trillion is national defense. Those three categories comprise 83.3% of the entire federal budget.
- Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. Trump will nominate former Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin of New York to become his EPA Administrator. Expect Zeldin to pursue rolling back regulations, increasing energy dominance, and giving more incentives for fossil fuel industries. Expect Trump to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords, and scale back EPA’s efforts in the areas of climate and reducing EPA’s budget.
- Regulatory Reform. Trump supporters Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are also looking for Executive Branch agencies to eliminate or scale down, reducing the size of the federal workforce. On January 20, 2025, expect incoming White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to issue instructions to all federal agencies to freeze all new regulatory proposals until the Trump appointees are in place. Next will come Executive actions repealing executive orders issued by President Biden, followed by legislative proposals to the Republican majorities in Congress to reduce federal agencies and employee counts by legislative action where necessary.
In discussing the tax and budget issues alone in this article, we believe the next 12 months will be unlike any 12-month period in America since the enactment of the 16th amendment to the Constitution in 1913.
Who Is Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Nominated to be the Next Labor Secretary?
Lori Chavez-DeRemer is a politician who has recently been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the Secretary of Labor in his second administration. Here are some key points about her:
- Current Role: She is currently a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Oregon’s 5th congressional district.
- Political Background: Chavez-DeRemer served as the mayor of Happy Valley, Oregon, from 2011 to 2019. She is the first Republican woman to represent Oregon in the House and one of the first two Hispanic women elected to Congress from Oregon.
- Pro-Labor Stance: She has a pro-labor record, and Chavez-DeRemer has shown support for labor rights, supporting legislation like the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which aims to make it easier for workers to unionize.
- Business Experience: She and her husband founded an anesthesia management company and opened several medical clinics in the Pacific Northwest.
- Personal Life: She is married to Dr. Shawn DeRemer, and they have twin daughters.
Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination has been met with mixed reactions, especially from labor unions who are cautiously optimistic about her pro-labor stance.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer has focused on several key issues during her time in Congress:
- Labor Rights: She has supported pro-labor legislation, including the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which aims to make it easier for workers to unionize.
- Public Safety: Chavez-DeRemer has backed bills to increase penalties for fentanyl trafficking and protect first responders who might be exposed to it.
- Cannabis Law Reform: She co-sponsored federal cannabis law reforms with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
- Homelessness and Drug Crisis: She has addressed the homelessness crisis in Oregon, advocating for solutions to get people off the streets and secure the border to stop the influx of drugs.
- Economic Policies: Chavez-DeRemer has emphasized the need for lower taxes and balanced budgets, criticizing what she sees as excessive government spending.
- Education: She supports parental choice in education and has advocated for a Parental Bill of Rights to ensure transparency in school curriculums.
- Crime and Safety: She has called for restoring funding to police and first responders to tackle rising crime rates.
These issues reflect her efforts to balance labor support with conservative economic and public safety policies.
IHMM Proposes Changes in Government Recognition of Credentials
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
Congressional Update. Like many Americans, our nation’s lawmakers are heading home this weekend for Thanksgiving. During these last two weeks—which represent the start of the brief post-election “lame duck” session—the U.S. Senate has confirmed several nominees to lifetime appointments on the federal bench. (Multiple Republicans—including Vice President-elect J.D. Vance—simply didn’t show up for these votes, which helped Democrats get their nominees through.) So when the U.S. Congress returns for the week beginning December 2, 2024, for a scheduled three-week run, the Buzz will be monitoring two major unfinished issues: a potential reconfirmation vote on the nomination of Lauren McFerran for a new term on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and a continuation of government funding, which is currently set to expire on December 20, 2024.
Federal Court Strikes Down Overtime Rule. Late last week, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas struck down the overtime regulation that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) finalized in April 2024. Just as in 2017, when the same court invalidated a similar overtime regulation finalized by the Obama administration, the court determined that the rule’s dramatic increase to the salary threshold improperly eviscerated Congress’s intent in creating the executive, administrative, and professional (EAP) exemption: “The Department simply does not have the authority to effectively displace the duties test with such a predominant salary-level test.” The court wrote that this analysis also applies to the rule’s increase to the highly compensated employee level. Finally, regarding the automatic increase to the salary level every three years, the court ruled that Congress never authorized the DOL “to use indexing as a means to place on autopilot its obligation to define and delimit the EAP Exemption” and it also “violates the notice-and-comment rulemaking requirements of the [Administrative Procedure Act.]” The court invalidated the rule in its entirety, including the increase to the salary threshold that became effective on July 1, 2024. Keith E. Kopplin and Zachary V. Zagger have the details.
Port Negotiations Stall. As the Buzz previously discussed, a pre-holiday season strike at ports along the East Coast and Gulf Coast was avoided when the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and an employer group agreed to a six-year wage increase while continuing to negotiate for a new contract. Now these negotiations have broken down over disagreements about automation and technology at the ports. The ILA claims that they “embrace technologies that improve safety and efficiency, but only when a human being remains at the helm,” while the employer group has stated that they “are not seeking technology that would eliminate jobs” but instead want to “improve worker safety, increase efficiency in a way that protects and grows jobs, keeps supply chains strong, and increases capacity that will financially benefit American businesses and workers alike.” The existing contract expires on January 15, 2025, at which time the union could go on strike.
House Committee Advances Anti-DEI Act. This week, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability advanced the Dismantle DEI Act of 2024 (S.4516), which would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related programs throughout the federal government. The bill also would prohibit federal contractors from using federal money to maintain DEI officers and programs, and it would prohibit federal contract performance in locations that are “subject to, or required to comply with, a prohibited diversity, equity or inclusion practice.” Back in June of this year, the Buzz noted that the bill “could receive attention if the Republicans gain control of Congress following the November 2024 elections.” The Buzz stands by this statement and maintains that the bill represents a sign of things to come in 2025. Employers can expect significant scrutiny of their DEI programs, whether from the White House via the federal contracting procurement process, agencies such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) pursuing “reverse discrimination” allegations, or legislation—such as this bill—and investigations in Congress.
OSHA Developments. Two of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulatory proposals took significant steps forward recently:
- Infectious Diseases. OSHA’s proposed rule “to protect employees from exposure to pathogens that can cause significant infectious disease” has advanced to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review. This means that a proposal might be issued before the end of the Biden administration, though the incoming Trump administration will obviously determine the proposal’s fate.
- Personal Protective Equipment in Construction. Also at OIRA is OSHA’s final rule relating to personal protective equipment (PPE) in construction. This stage of OIRA review is the last step in the rulemaking process prior to finalization. The final rule is expected to focus on ensuring that PPE fits properly on smaller workers, particularly women. At this point, it is not clear whether any final rule will be promulgated before the end of the current administration or how the new administration may react.
Regulatory Updates
Environmental Protection Agency issues its Spring 2024 Regulatory Agenda – Read more here
Department of Transportation issues its Spring 2024 Regulatory Agenda – Read more here
Department of Labor issues its Spring 2024 Regulatory Agenda – Read more here
IHMM Drafts Comments – OSHA – Proposed Rule to Protect Indoor and Outdoor Workers from Extreme Heat
Deadline: January 14, 2025
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. Among other things, 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 has initiated collecting comments from its Government Affairs Committee concerning this proposed regulation and intends to submit comments before December 13, 2024. Any IHMM certificant who wishes to submit comments to IHMM is encouraged to do so by sending an email to Gene Guilford at [email protected]
EPA Releases National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution
On November 21, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of the National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution: Part Three of a Series on Building a Circular Economy for All. According to EPA, together with EPA’s “National Recycling Strategy” and the “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics,” the “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution” presents opportunities for voluntary and regulatory actions by businesses, academia, industry, non-governmental organizations (NGO), federal, Tribal, state, local, and territorial governments, and consumers. EPA states that “[t]ogether, these U.S. entities could eliminate the release of plastic waste from land and sea-based sources into the environment by 2040.”
DOT Publishes Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Electronic Signatures, Forms, and Storage for Drug and Alcohol Testing Records
Deadline: December 16, 2024
On October 15, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register proposing to amend its regulations for conducting workplace drug and alcohol testing for the federally regulated transportation industry to allow, but not require, electronic signatures on documents required to be created and utilized under the regulations, the use of electronic versions of forms, and the electronic storage of forms and data.
The regulatory changes would apply to DOT-regulated employers and their contractors (“service agents”) who administer their DOT-regulated drug and alcohol testing programs. Currently, employers and their service agents must use, sign, and store paper documents exclusively, unless the employer is utilizing a laboratory’s electronic Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form system that has been approved by the Department of Health and Human Services. DOT is required by statute to amend its regulations to authorize, to the extent practicable, the use of electronic signatures or digital signatures executed on electronic forms instead of traditional handwritten signatures executed on paper forms.
Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels
Deadline: January 13, 2025
As part of EPA’s high-priority efforts to reduce childhood lead exposure, and in accordance with a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 2021 opinion, EPA is finalizing its proposal to lower the dust-lead hazard standards to any reportable level as analyzed by a laboratory recognized by EPA’s National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP). EPA’s lead-based paint (LBP) regulations do not compel property owners or occupants to evaluate their property for LBP hazards or to take control actions, but if a LBP activity such as an abatement is performed, then EPA’s regulations set requirements for doing so. EPA is also finalizing changes to lower the post-abatement dust-lead clearance levels to 5 micrograms per square foot (µg/ft2 ), 40 µg/ft2 , and 100 µg/ft2 for floors, window sills and troughs respectively, the current levels in New York City. Due to feedback from public comments, EPA is also finalizing changes to the nomenclature to adopt the terms dust-lead reportable levels (DLRL) and dust-lead action levels (DLAL). Given the decoupling of the action levels from the reportable levels, EPA is finalizing revisions to the definition of abatement so that the recommendation for action based on dust-lead applies when dust-lead loadings are at or above the action levels, rather than the hazard standards, as has been the case historically. The dust-lead hazard standards will be described as DLRL moving forward ( i.e., after publication of this final rule) and the dust-lead clearance levels will be described as DLAL. Additionally, the EPA is finalizing several other amendments, including revising the definition of target housing to conform with the statute.
DATES:
This final rule is effective January 13, 2025. The incorporation by reference of certain material listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 13, 2025.
Federal Register here
Professional Certification Coalition
While federal legislative action has been nearly non-existent throughout the fall given that Congress has been in recess for the election campaign, planning is well underway for legislative activity in 2025, regardless of which political party controls the lever of power. In particular, congressional Republicans have been hard at work preparing for action on legislation to revise the tax code in 2025, in part due to the expiration of tax cuts implemented in 2017 (former President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). Earlier this month, the PCC – complementing a similar communication from PCC Steering Committee member ASAE – composed and transmitted a letter supporting our Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act to the House Ways & Means Committee “Republican Tax Teams” who are taking the lead in determining what legislation will comprise the tax-reform legislation package. Please find this letter attached. To be sure, key Members and staff are already well aware of the PCC’s support for this legislation via our frequent outreach to them, but this puts the PCC officially “on the record” that we are pushing for inclusion of the bill in the tax package for next year. At the same time, we are actively strategizing regarding the best ways to promote our legislation, including determining who could serve as co-leads on a newly introduced version of the bill in 2025, since our lead House Democrat, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), and lead Senate Republican, Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), are both retiring from office at the end of the year to prepare campaigns for governor in their respective states.
IHMM is a member of the PCC. The PCC monitors state and federal legislative and regulatory activity affecting professional certification on an ongoing basis.
Expect new legislation to be tracked in 2025 when new Legislatures convene:
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:
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.
The Coalition is preparing for the new Congress, which is sworn in on January 3, 2025, and the new President.
S. 722 / H.R. 1477 / Coalition Roster
Important Stories for IHMM Certificants
OSHA extends comment period for proposed heat rule
OSHA has extended until Jan. 14 the comment period on a proposed rule aimed at protecting indoor and outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses.
According to a notice published Nov. 29, the extension provides stakeholders with additional time to collect information and data necessary to submit responses and comments. The initial deadline was Dec. 30.
“Reducing the dangers of workplace heat exposure and illness is critical to saving lives and preventing workers from suffering needless illnesses,” OSHA administrator Doug Parker said in a press release. “This 15-day extension to the already lengthy comment period will take the deadline past the holiday season and help ensure that stakeholders can share valuable insights we need to craft a rule that protects workers from extreme heat indoors and outdoors effectively.”
Additionally, OSHA has scheduled a virtual public hearing on the proposed rule for 9:30 a.m. Eastern on June 16, 2025. However, it’s unclear whether the incoming Trump administration will keep or cancel the informal hearing.
School Resource Officer Video Series
School Resource Officers (SROs) play a key role in student safety, serving as advocates, educators, and protectors. This video series provides SROs with practical strategies to connect with students, understand their perspectives, and break down communication barriers to foster a positive presence in schools. Produced in partnership with Katherine Schweit, JD, at Schweit Consulting and Rocket Media Group, the series includes six short videos, each accompanied by an informational poster to reinforce key takeaways. Explore the videos and posters to strengthen your approach to building trust and ensuring a safe, supportive school environment.
Watch Now
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Empowering Education Leaders: A Toolkit for Safe, Ethical, and Equitable AI Integration
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology’s new Empowering Education Leaders Toolkit helps school leaders safely and equitably integrate AI into education. It provides steps for addressing issues like deepfakes, AI-generated school threats, and cyberbullying. The toolkit also offers guidance on protecting student privacy and data, and ethical AI use, and presents an overview of federal laws and considerations. These are essential to anchoring and ensuring the use of AI in a safe, secure, and non-discriminatory manner. Explore the toolkit to learn about key considerations for AI in schools.
Learn More Here
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Creating a Culture of Support: Enhancing Staff Resilience in Emergency Situations
Available Now as an On-Demand Webinar
Emergency drills can be stressful for school staff, but integrating mental health support and breaking down safety silos can enhance resilience.
In this on-demand webinar, presenters from the Colorado School of Public Health share strategies for improving emergency drill systems through tailored training, staff feedback, and local resource identification. Participants will learn to customize training for their districts, facilitate effective feedback sessions, and implement changes based on staff input.
Watch Now Here
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OJJDP Launches New Curriculum
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) recently launched the Youth Hate Crimes and Identity-Based Bullying Prevention Curriculum, a key part of its initiative to address hate crimes and bullying. This 10-unit resource helps build protective factors in youth, change harmful behaviors, and educate professionals on using technology to reduce bias. It’s designed for youth-serving organizations, schools, and community groups to raise awareness and prevent identity-based bullying. Explore it today!
Learn More Here
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- Apply Now – U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Threat Evaluation and Reporting (NTER) Master Trainer Program (MTP)
- 1/8/25 – Supporting Children of Incarcerated Parents: Addressing School-Based Bias and Stigma
Hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center - 1/15/25 – Enhancing School Safety Using Behavioral Threat Assessment
Hosted by the Department of Homeland Security
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CISA Launches New Resource
Anonymous threats of violence, especially on social media, are common in K-12 schools. According to the FBI, schools faced over 6,000 such threats in 2022, causing fear, disrupting learning, and straining resources. To address this, CISA has released the Anonymized Threat Response Guidance: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools, which helps schools, law enforcement, and communities respond to and prevent anonymous threats. Explore the toolkit to learn actionable steps for improving school safety. Learn more here.
OSHA seeks nominees for MACOSH, schedules next meeting
OSHA is seeking nominations for membership on its Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health.
MACOSH advises the secretary of labor on matters relating to occupational safety and health programs, enforcement, new initiatives, and standards for maritime industries. Members of the 15-person committee are appointed by the secretary of labor and represent government, workers, employers and professional organizations.
According to a notice published Nov. 7, MACOSH members serve two-year terms. The terms of current committee members are all set to expire April 13.
A Season of Gratitude: Reflecting on AIHA’s 2024 Government Relations Accomplishments
As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to reflect on 2024 and express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible accomplishments we’ve achieved together. AIHA members have shown an impressive commitment to protecting workers and their communities by shaping public policies. This year alone, AIHA members have engaged in more than 2,400 instances of government relations volunteerism, with many helping author AIHA’s comments on proposed regulations. This remarkable milestone is nearly double what we achieved last year and is a testament to our members’ tireless dedication. These efforts are part of why AIHA continues to be recognized as a trusted source of OEHS expertise. So far this year, our recommendations have been referenced 498 times in federal and state regulations, legislation, and comments, with more expected to come before the year concludes.
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
Retiring? IHMM Invites You to Become an Emeritus
You may have decided, after a long and successful career, to retire from active daily duty. Congratulations. That doesn’t mean you have to completely disengage from your profession. IHMM is pleased to offer Emeritus status to all certificants who will no longer be actively engaged in their communities of practice but who still want to stay in touch. Please let us know when you’re approaching that decision and we will assist you in the credential transition.
Please contact Jimmy Nguyen at [email protected] and he’ll be happy to help you.
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
- Save the date for the 2025 EHS HazMat Summit which will be held in Louisville, KY, on September 8-11, 2025
AHMP Webinars
- Dec 10-12, 2024 – EHMM Course
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
- Haulage drivers need to follow safe dumping protocol: MSHA
- Study seeks faster ID of cancer-causing chemicals for firefighters
- Washington state law boosts employer reimbursements for return-to-work incentive programs
- OSHA seeks nominees for MACOSH, schedules next meeting
- Work-related injuries increase chances of emergency treatment for opioids: study
- Survey asks workers how they’re doing mentally and physically
NSC Webinars
IHMM is a member of ASSP and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
ASSP News
- 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.
Employment Opportunities from the
HMS Job Boards Site
We invite companies to post their industry-relevant employment opportunities on the HMS Jobs Board site. Submissions will be reviewed by staff for approval prior to publishing. Submit your job post today.
University of Cincinnati, OSHA Training Institute, IHMM, and HMS’ New Training Partner Offers Courses for 2024
| Daily | Online |
Aarcher Institute, IHMM, and HMS’ New Training Partner Offers Courses for 2024
| Dec 10-12, 2024 | CLEAN AIR COMPLIANCE MANAGER™ | 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
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, chaired by Diana Lundelius. Thank you Bowen EHS and thank to HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
Thank you Bowen EHS for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs! All three of the new Bowen EHS programs are available online and on demand.
| Daily | Emergency Management Self-Paced PDC | Online |
Thank you Bowen EHS for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs! All three of the new Bowen EHS programs are available online and on demand.
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