Connect. Collaborate. Get Hired!

Losing a job is tough—but you don’t have to navigate the next steps alone. IHMM’s COLLABORATION platform is more than just a place to network; it’s a community where environmental health, hazardous materials, and workplace safety professionals come together to connect, collaborate, and find new opportunities.

Today, IHMM launched its “Open to Work” online COLLABORATION community exclusively for IHMM certificants looking to connect, share resumes, and discover job opportunities together in a supportive environment.

• Go to IHMM’s Collaboration platform > https://community.ihmm.org/home
• Scroll down to the OPEN FOR WORK Community
• Post your resume, preferred work location[s], and experience there

Thousands will see your availability for work so we will do everything we can to facilitate your job search.

Whether you are a government worker who has recently been displaced from your job, looking for your next role, just exploring your options, or an employer seeking top talent, IHMM’s “Open to Work” COLLABORATION community can help you build meaningful connections. It’s a place where you can exchange knowledge, support one another, and advance careers together.

Be part of something bigger. Join today!

Access to Collaboration is through the same username and password as your access to your MYIHMM account. If you forgot it, please contact any one of the following for assistance…

Jimmy Nguyen [email protected]
Jelian Larbi [email protected]
Kortney Tunstall [email protected]
Kaylene Cagle [email protected]
Rosetta Wilson [email protected]
Gene Guilford [email protected]
Dominique Abney [email protected]
Patricia Buley [email protected]

IHMM, ASSP, AIHA, NSC, ISEA, and Others in Coalition for OSHA Funding

IHMM is part of a 25-organization coalition seeking to inform congressional appropriators about the importance of OSHA funding. This is the time of year when Congressional appropriations committees begin deliberating on the FY2025 budget cycle and writing appropriations bills. Given recent actions in Washington, we got together to craft a communication to help them understand the need to adequately fund OSHA.

This letter has been circulating among IHMM’s Board and Government Affairs Committee since last Thursday, with a deadline of Tuesday the 25th for final comments and authorization to sign.

Click Here for the OSHA Coalition Letter

IHMM and the Intersociety Forum [ISF]

Driving Business Growth and Profitability

IHMM is a member of the Intersociety Forum, made up of organizations dedicated to the EHS professions and to communicating with policy makers about the critically important role that the EHS professionals play in our world.

Modern occupational environmental, health, and safety (EHS) practices are key to driving economic growth. This document, developed by the Intersociety Forum (ISF), a coalition of organizations dedicated to safeguarding worker safety and health, highlights the many ways safety practices create a strategic advantage that powers enduring business success while fostering innovation and protecting workers.

Despite advancements, workplace injury and fatality rates remain stagnant. By adopting proactive, risk-based safety strategies, businesses can unlock greater productivity, reduce costs, and strengthen their global competitiveness. We urge today’s business leaders and policymakers to prioritize occupational EHS as a foundation of economic competitiveness. Adopting this approach will position the U.S. as a global leader in safety, innovation, and workforce well-being, enabling workers and businesses to thrive. Driving Business Growth and Profitability.

Here is the “Driving Business Growth and Profitability Through Modern Occupational Environmental, Health and Safety Practices” document.

Laboratory Safety Institute Becomes IHMM Foundation/HMS Training Partner

IHMM Joins Community Impact Coalition in Washington

603,393 For January, 2025

IHMM sent over 600,000 messages in January 2025 to thousands of private and public sector entities to raise the visibility of IHMM, IHMM credentials and those who hold them.

3,292,006 is the number of messages sent from IHMM in all of 2024.

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.

603,393

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.

$95,000 a Year Average Base Salary

(per recent IHMM salary survey results)

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.

• 2024 IHMM Workplace Safety Credentials Salary Survey

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

Our Vision

Our Mission

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.

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 Proposes Changes in Government Recognition of Credentials

1. IHMM is circulating a letter to Congressional appropriators encouraging OSHA funding for FY2025.
2. IHMM is circulating a letter with the Intersociety Forum [ISF] to communicate to the new Administration the value of the EHS communities of practice.
3. 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.
4. IHMM has filed comments on the OMB Inquiry concerning the EPA and DOL proposed regulatory measures concerning Methylene Chloride on December 13, 2024.
5. 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.
6. 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.

• Here is the response we received back from the VA.

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

House Concurrent Resolution 14 (H.Con.Res. 14) for the 119th Congress

Later today the U.S. House of Representatives will begin debate on House Concurrent Resolution 14 (H.Con.Res. 14) for the 119th Congress. This legislation is the overall budget framework, a guide for the Congress in other actions it will take later this year in appropriations legislation, program funding, and tax legislation. This is a summary of that House Budget Resolution.

Legislation > https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hconres14rh/pdf/BILLS-119hconres14rh.pdf

House Concurrent Resolution 14 (H.Con.Res. 14) for the 119th Congress establishes the congressional budget for the U.S. Government for fiscal year (FY) 2025 and outlines budgetary levels for FY2026 through FY2034. Introduced by Representative Jodey Arrington on February 18, 2025, the resolution serves as a fiscal blueprint, guiding federal revenue and expenditure decisions.

Updates on Federal Agency Layoffs

In a dramatic bid to trim federal spending and streamline government operations, the Trump administration has set in motion sweeping layoffs that are now affecting thousands of workers across several key agencies. Among those hit hardest are the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of the Interior (DOI).

Officials within these agencies say the layoffs are part of a broader cost-cutting strategy intended to “modernize” federal operations. In internal memos obtained by multiple news outlets, senior managers at the EPA admitted that a reduction in workforce—targeting what they labeled “redundant positions”—is expected to save hundreds of millions of dollars annually. However, environmental advocates warn that reducing staff could compromise the agency’s ability to monitor pollution, enforce regulations, and respond swiftly to environmental crises.

Similarly, the DOT has announced significant cuts that could delay infrastructure projects nationwide. “We’re being forced to do more with less,” said an anonymous DOT manager. “Our ability to maintain and upgrade critical transportation systems is being undermined by these budget-driven layoffs.” Local officials, who depend on federal support to keep roads and bridges in safe condition, have expressed mounting concern over potential safety risks and increased repair backlogs.

At the Department of Energy, layoffs are part of a realignment meant to refocus efforts on “priority research” and emerging technologies. Yet, critics argue that slashing the workforce at DOE may jeopardize ongoing energy research and the nation’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions. Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior—charged with managing public lands, national parks, and natural resources—has seen reductions that local communities fear will weaken oversight and conservation efforts. Rural counties, in particular, worry that diminished federal support could lead to mismanagement of public lands and reduced environmental protection.

In addition to public protests and union outcries, several state governments have indicated that they may pursue legal challenges, arguing that such widespread layoffs could undermine the federal mandate to deliver critical services. Analysts warn that if these cuts significantly erode the operational capacity of the EPA, DOT, DOE, and DOI, the resulting impact could be felt in areas ranging from public health and safety to environmental protection and energy security.

As federal employees brace for the coming months, the controversy over these layoffs continues to intensify—a vivid example of how high-level budget battles and political priorities are directly shaping the lives of thousands of public servants across the country.

Trump taps former UPS, Amazon exec David Keeling to lead OSHA

IHMM Submits Comments on the OSHA Proposed Heat Rule

IHMM Filed Comments – Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Methylene Chloride Standard

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.

Federal Register

IHMM Comments Filed 12-13-2024

House Dems want answers on info scrubbed from OSHA’s website, reported document destruction

Professional Certification Coalition

Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition – Senate Action On IHMM-Supported Legislation

Tomorrow’s Workforce – Community Impact Coalition and IHMM

Summary of NFPA 70E Article 110.5 (I): Job Safety Planning and Job Briefing

NFPA 70E mandates that before beginning work on or near energized electrical equipment, a comprehensive safety planning and briefing process must be followed. Key elements include:

• Pre-Task Assessment:
  A thorough evaluation is required to identify job-specific electrical hazards (e.g., arc flash, shock) and determine the appropriate risk control measures.

• Development of Safe Work Procedures:
  Based on the hazard analysis, specific safe work practices are established, including the selection and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and any necessary safeguards.

• Job Safety Briefing:
  All personnel involved must participate in a briefing that clearly communicates:

  • The scope of work and identified hazards
  • The safe work procedures and required PPE
  • Roles, responsibilities, and emergency procedures

• Employee Engagement and Verification:
  The briefing ensures every team member understands the planned safety measures and has an opportunity to ask questions before work commences.

By enforcing these steps, NFPA 70E Article 110.5 (I) ensures that all electrical work is performed with a clear understanding of potential hazards and the appropriate measures to mitigate risks.

Injury Tracking Application (ITA) Information

Resources for Electronic Submission of Injury and Illness Data

This page provides requirements and guidance about electronically submitting your establishments’ injury and illness data from the OSHA Form 300A: Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, OSHA Form 300: Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, and OSHA Form 301: Injury and Illness Incident Report. OSHA provides a secure website, the Injury Tracking Application (ITA), where you can manually enter your data to the ITA via the web form, upload a CSV file to the ITA, or transmit data electronically via an API (application programming interface).

OSHA Requirements

• OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements
• OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping Rule Regulatory Text and Resources by Provision
• Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Final Rule (2023)
• 29 CFR 1941 Regulation

Instructions for CSV Upload

• CSV Form 300A File: Instructions, Template, Sample
• CSV Form 300/301 File: Instructions, Template, Sample
• API Technical Specifications: 300A, 300/301

Significant Environmental Stories Have Dominated This Week

1. Ambitious Climate Policies and Emission Regulations
   Several governments have introduced new policies aimed at slashing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy. These measures include stricter industrial standards and incentives for clean technology investments, representing a significant step forward in national and international climate strategies.

2. High-Stakes International Climate Summit
   Global leaders are convening at a major climate summit where discussions are centered on carbon pricing, deforestation, and climate finance. The summit is critical for forging multilateral agreements that will help nations meet their net-zero targets and strengthen resilience against climate impacts.

3. Record Extreme Weather Events
   Recent weeks have witnessed unprecedented weather patterns—from severe flooding in parts of Europe and North America to prolonged droughts in other regions. These events have not only resulted in immediate humanitarian and economic challenges but also serve as a stark reminder of the accelerating pace of climate change.

4. Widespread Environmental Protests
   Communities and environmental activists are mobilizing against new fossil fuel projects and industrial developments deemed harmful to local ecosystems. These protests underscore a growing public demand for accountability and a shift towards more sustainable, environmentally responsible practices.

5. Alarming New Research on Biodiversity Loss
   Scientists have released new studies detailing significant declines in species populations across critical habitats. The research highlights the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts and policies to protect vulnerable ecosystems and maintain biodiversity, which is essential for the health of the planet.

Workplace Safety Stories This Week

February ICC Compliance Bulletin

As we step into a brand-new year, we’re excited to bring you the February edition of our ICC Compliance Bulletin. This issue is filled with key updates and insights to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of dangerous goods regulations and set a strong foundation for compliance in 2025.

🔍 This Month’s Spotlights:

• “What’s New in the IMDG Code Amendment 42-24?” explains the latest updates to International Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations, effective January 1, 2025.
• 6 New Year’s Resolutions for Safety Professionals” challenges safety experts to start 2025 with fresh goals for workplace safety. From learning key lessons from 2024 to staying ahead of regulatory updates and fine-tuning training, this article offers practical steps to enhance safety culture and compliance.
• “PHMSA Increases Penalties for 2025” alerts shippers to higher fines for dangerous goods violations. With penalties rising again, staying compliant through proper training is more crucial than ever.
• “Winter Driving Tips” highlights essential precautions for staying safe on snowy roads. From clearing ice off your vehicle to packing emergency supplies, these tips help both commercial and personal drivers navigate winter’s unpredictability.

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.

1. Review your EAP.
2. Hold a toolbox talk or safety meeting to review your EAP.
3. Download your challenge coin.

Share that you took the challenge on social media using #SafeAndSoundAtWork and #ResponseReady.

Reducing Firearm-Related Violence Through Anonymous Reporting

In this video launching 2/19, Dr. Elyse Thulin explores how anonymous reporting systems (ARS) help prevent firearm-related violence in and around schools. Discover how firearm-related tips through ARS strengthen safety and empower communities to report concerns confidentially. Visit our website to learn more.

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STOP Grantee Community of Practice

We’re thrilled to announce that the NCSS STOP Grantee Community of Practice (CoP) platform officially launched on February 13th. Hosted on Canvas, this exclusive online space is designed specifically for STOP grantees to connect, collaborate, and share valuable resources to enhance school safety efforts. Grantees, whether you’re looking to exchange best practices, access helpful tools, or engage with peers, the CoP offers a flexible and interactive space to support your work—whenever you need it. Stay tuned for more details tomorrow—we can’t wait for you to explore the CoP and start connecting with fellow grantees!

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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:

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• 3/19 – Enhancing School Safety Using Behavioral Threat Assessment

Hosted by the Department of Homeland Security

Breaking Bad News

Sometimes, things go wrong. It may be your role as an occupational and environmental health and safety professional to inform your clients, executives, or management of a problem, such as that employees have been exposed to dangerous levels of a toxic substance. Or you may have to warn them that a problem will occur if they don’t act, such as by ensuring a hazardous material is stored properly or used with appropriate controls.

Alan Leibowitz, CIH, CSP, FAIHA, emphasizes that everyone, no matter their role in their organization, must occasionally report problems to organizational leaders. This is particularly true for OEHS professionals. “The nature of our profession is that we don’t often focus on the things that are going well,” Leibowitz said. “We focus on identifying potential concerns.”

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