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.
Associate Safety and Health Manager™ [ASHM™]
IHMM’s Associate Safety and Health Manager (ASHM™) credential recognizes professionals who are recent Bachelor’s or Advanced degree graduates with a focus in health and safety-related fields. This credential puts the holder on the fast-track to the CSHM credential. With ASHM™ on your resume, you tell employers you’re serious about a career in EHS Management.
Home | IHMM Credentials | Certificants | About IHMM | Event Calendar | Archive | Advertise with IHMM
IHMM Credential Recognition
Below you will see the EHS credential badges that are now in each CSHM, CSMP, ASHM, CSSM, 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, then save as to your computer, and then load it to wherever you want to use it and please link that back to https://ihmm.org/.
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
Feeling burned out at work? Get moving, researchers say
Are CEOs making ‘human sustainability’ a priority?
Abuse or ‘tough love’? Study examines why some bad bosses get a pass
Trial of 4-day workweek shows positive results: report
Systems Safety: The Critical Role of Human Factors and Ergonomics
Dollar General Settles with OSHA to Enhance Workplace Safety
Workplace inclusion should incorporate employees’ sense of physical and mental safety
Positive Emotions Are Making a Comeback
Playing Field, Players and the Game: Understanding Safety Performance
Trauma-Awareness is a Workplace Necessity
Just 23% of Workers Say Their Company Could Handle Another Pandemic
SCHOOLS
Take the 2024 Campus Safety Panic Alarm and Mobile Duress System Survey!
UGA Invests $7.3 Million in Campus Security Upgrades
Utah State Football Coach Fired for Contacting Woman Who Accused Player of Domestic Violence
Yes, You Need a School Key Control Policy. Here’s How to Write One.
60 Houston Schools Damaged by Hurricane Beryl
NYU Settles Lawsuit Over Antisemitism Allegations
Oklahoma Governor Signs Alyssa’s Law
Fort Worth Schools Enact Weapons Detection for Graduations, Extracurricular Events
Preparing for Presidential Campaigns and Protests on Campus
Georgia School District Tries to Reduce Cell Phone Use on Campus
Michigan School Safety, Mental Health Budgets Slashed by 90%
TRANSPORTATION
OTHER
INDUSTRIAL
3D printer emissions can harm respiratory health: study
EPA publishes compliance guide on methylene chloride ban
New video shares lessons learned from fatal release of corrosive liquid
Keep workers safe from bird flu: OSHA publishes alert
Building a Safety-First Culture
New Report Uncovers Key Challenges in Manufacturing Amid Labor Shortage
Integrating Technology in Workplace Safety: The Role of AI and IoT
“Can’t Rather than Don’t” Makes Injuries Impossible
OSHA Cites Texas Steel Company for Ongoing Safety Hazards
Amazon Prime Day major cause of injuries for warehouse workers, Senate report says
Is your high-density storage compromising worker safety?
LABOR
Researcher puts spotlight on suicide rates among construction workers
MSHA offering more than $10.5 million in state grants
MSHA head: Mining industry ‘in much better shape’ as worker fatalities decline
From stadiums to jobsites: Virginia Tech lab plans to rate safety helmets
NYC issues construction advisory on ‘foam snow’
OSHA Finds Contractor Endangered Workers in Unguarded Trenches
Miners’ union calls provision in House bill ‘a direct attack’ on coal miners
New data bulletin examines construction fatalities
5 Tips to Maintain Water Trucks on the Construction Site
OSHA Fines Illinois Contractor for Repeated Fall Protection Violations
Assessing Respiratory Hazards and Risks During Disasters
Sound Construction Inc. Faces $394,083 in Fines for Fatal Trench Collapse
Washington Roofing Companies Face Over $1 Million in Fines for Repeated Safety Violations
OSHA Finds Alabama Concrete Contractor Violated Worker Safety Following Fatal Struck-By Incident
Inside IHMM
Associate Safety and Health Manager™ [ASHM™] Program Expanding
The Associate Safety and Health Manager Committee, chaired by Jan Rosenberg, CSHM, is pleased to announce important changes to the ASHM credential.
The IHMM Associate Safety and Health Manager™ [ASHM™] credential demonstrates a personal commitment to professional excellence in advancing the global environmental, health, and safety communities of practice. Earning recognition as an ASHM demonstrates a high level of knowledge, expertise, and excellence in workplace safety management.
There are new, unique features of the ASHM, as follows:
- Your ASHM is only a transitional credential active for 4 years from the date of issuance, during which time you will need to take the CSHM examination. If you do not take the CSHM within the 4 years, then after 4 years your ASHM is decertified. You may take the CSHM examination in as little as 2 years from your date of ASHM certification.
- IHMM has a series of education programs that go beyond your academic training so that you can be the best-prepared employee and the best prepared to take the CSHM examination. See > https://hazmatsociety.org/training/category/ashm/
- IHMM has a Mentor Match program to connect you with senior certificants to provide you with the guidance you may need in your professional development. Mentor Match is found on our networking platform, Collaboration. You access Collaboration using the same username and password you use to access your MYIHMM account, See > https://community.ihmm.org/home
If you have any questions concerning your ASHM credential, please get in touch with Kaylene Cagle at [email protected]
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 certificants 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.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED
Reception & Celebration • December 3, 2024 • 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
9200 Corporate Blvd, Rockville, MD 20850
IHMM requests the honor of your company on December 3, 2024, for our 40th Anniversary Reception & Celebration, to be held in Rockville, MD.
Join us for an observance of our shared history and recognition of those who have contributed to the Institute’s advancement over the years. Food and drinks will be provided.
The program will consist of opening remarks from the Institute’s leadership and esteemed guests, an awards ceremony, and more.
Please save the date on your calendar and RSVP no later than October 18, 2024, so we can have an accurate headcount for this event.
RSVP Here
Excellence in EHS Management Award – Last Chance to Nominate!
The Excellence in EHS Management Award recognizes an individual who has excelled in their role as an EHS manager. The Institute for Hazardous Materials Management [IHMM] will present the award at the annual National Safety Council Expo.
The honoree will receive a commemorative plaque and be recognized in a press release and IHMM member communications. Travel expenses to the award ceremony will be subsidized. If traveling from overseas IHMM will pay travel expenses from the nearest port of entry.
Nominations will be accepted from March through July of each year and the presentation to the winner will be in conjunction with the National Safety Council Congress and Expo [Sept 13-19, 2024 in Orlando]
For more information and the Excellence in EHS Management Award Nomination Form Go Here
The Dr. John H Frick Memorial IHMM Scholarship Program – Deadline 10/18/2024
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
There are 1,402 different conversations 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 CSHM™ 2022 Salary Survey
IHMM is pleased to release its 2022 salary survey for Certified Safety and Health Managers [CSHM] across a broad range of position titles in the CSHM community of practice.
IHMM – 26 Fellows Are Mentors
IHMM Fellows Committee Chair Atanu Das, CHMM, is leading the effort within the IHMM Collaboration networking platform to engage both 26 IHMM Fellows as Mentors and anyone who seeks some assistance as Mentees.
Given the extraordinary experience Fellows have, 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 allowing mentees to signup requesting assistance in specified areas. The mentor match module does the rest by matching mentors and mentees.
IHMM Organizing Broader Government Affairs Activities – Call for Volunteers
In strategic planning on August 17, 2023 IHMM created a strategic imperative to create a broader government affairs operation on behalf of, and with the assistance of, all of IHMM’s certificants.
- Federal Government – Regulatory
We need a group of people watching Federal regulatory developments to advise when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in the agencies. - Federal Government – Congress
We need a group of people watching legislation to advise us when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in Congress.
- State Governments – Regulatory
We need a group of people watching state regulatory developments to advise when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in the agencies. - State Governments – Legislatures
We need a group of people watching legislation to advise us when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in state legislatures.
If you want to make a difference in the recognition of your credentials and build on the successful record we have achieved thus far – we need you to volunteer. Learn more by visiting our Government Affairs Committee page, and get involved with government affairs. You can volunteer for one, two, three or all four of the segments of the committee’s work. That’s up to you!
IHMM Government Affairs
IHMM Proposes Changes in Government Recognition of Credentials
IHMM 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.
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.
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.
Beltway Buzz – Ogletree Deakins
Trump Takes a Chance; Seeks Bromance With Vance. This week, former President Trump selected Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) as his running mate. A former Marine, attorney, author, and venture capitalist, Vance has only been in the U.S. Senate since January 2023—his first time serving in public office. As such, Vance’s track record on the issues is relatively short. Regarding workplace policy issues, this is what we know about Senator Vance.
- Traditional Labor Issues.
- Picket Line Presence. In 2023, Vance walked the picket line with striking autoworkers in Toledo, Ohio.
- Sectoral Bargaining. According to this article, the reason that Vance has not supported the Protecting the Right to Organize Act is because it “would effectively codify the U.S.’ current system of collective bargaining—in which contracts are negotiated between workers and their individual employers—whereas he’d like to see the U.S. move toward the sectoral model used in Europe, where contracts are negotiated to cover entire industries.” This type of one-size-fits-all collective bargaining would be a dramatic departure from current labor law, which has been in place for nearly ninety years.
- TEAM Act. Vance, along with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), is cosponsor of the Teamwork for Employees and Managers Act of 2024 (S. 3600). The bill allows for the formation of “employee involvement organizations” to discuss with employers “issues of quality of work, productivity, efficiency, compensation, benefits (including related to education and training), recruitment and retention, grievances, child care, safety and health, and accommodation of the religious beliefs and practices of employees” without violating the “company union” prohibition in Section 8(a)(2) of the National Labor Relations Act. The bill has been introduced in various forms over the years and is strongly opposed by labor unions.
- Voting Record. Vance voted in favor of the Congressional Review Act resolution to rescind the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) joint employer regulation, and he voted against the confirmation of Gwynne A. Wilcox to the NLRB.
- Antitrust/Noncompetes. Vance and some other Republicans have been dubbed “Khanservatives” due to their support for the work of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan. Vance was quoted as saying that Khan is “doing a pretty good job.” While Vance’s praise of Khan and the FTC is likely a response to the Commission’s current antitrust policies, other “Khanservatives” have supported the FTC’s ban on noncompete agreements.
- Workplace Safety. Vance is an original cosponsor of the Railway Safety Act of 2023 (S. 576), which would institute new railroad safety protocols (such as notice requirements and two-person crew requirements) following the 2023 freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
- Immigration. Vance’s views on immigration are similar to former President Trump’s, particularly with regard to the southern border. Vance has cosponsored legislation and voted on amendments that would make E-Verify mandatory. Vance also introduced the Timely Departure Act (S 2656), which would require nonimmigrant visa holders to deposit between $5,000 and $15,000 into a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) holding account that would be returned upon their departure according to the terms of their visas.
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI). Vance is not a fan of DEI initiatives, both in the private and public sectors. He is the original cosponsor of the Dismantle DEI Act of 2024, which the Buzz recently discussed. Among other provisions, the bill would prohibit federal agencies from contracting with companies that operate DEI programs.
NLRB GC Reiterates Position on Injunctions Following SCOTUS Ruling. NLRB General Counsel (GC) Jennifer Abruzzo issued a memorandum this week addressing the Supreme Court of the United States’ recent decision holding that courts must apply the traditional four-factor test when evaluating the Board’s 10(j) injunction requests. Abruzzo doesn’t mince words in the memo, noting that the Board will remain aggressive in pursuing injunctive relief: “[T]he Supreme Court’s decision does not change my approach to seeking Section 10(j) injunctive relief in appropriate cases.” Abruzzo concludes by noting that while the Supreme Court’s decision “provides a uniform standard to be applied in all Section 10(j) injunctions nationwide, adoption of this standard will not have a significant impact on the Agency’s Section 10(j) program as the Agency has ample experience litigating Section 10(j) injunctions under that standard.”
Senator Seeks Answers From NLRB Chair on Board’s Election Deficiencies. Over recent weeks, the Buzz has discussed the significance of the potential confirmation of NLRB Chair Lauren McFerran to another term on the Board (i.e., her confirmation would give Democrats a Board majority through August of 2026, regardless of who wins the White House). With a potential confirmation vote on McFerran looming, this week Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee sent McFerran a letter seeking answers relating to two NLRB Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports “detailing deficiencies in the NLRB’s mail ballot election system.” Cassidy writes:
The NLRB is statutorily charged with enforcing the National Labor Relations Act without favor to unions, employers, or workers. This Board, however, is uninterested in neutrality; instead, it has spent three years issuing decisions and conducting elections in a way that ensure big labor unions get a leg up in the process. This trend of politicized mismanagement and lopsided enforcement is unacceptable, and requires your prompt and thoughtful attention to ensure that all parties before the Board—workers, unions, and employers alike—receive the benefit of unbiased and fair enforcement.
The letter concludes by soliciting responses from McFerran to various questions relating to steps the NLRB has taken “to ensure all of the NLRB’s election processes, including the mail ballot election process, are administered so that all voters receive and are able to timely return their ballot.”
Regulatory Updates
| Date: | Subject: | Document Type: | Part: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/28/2024 | Pipeline Safety: Periodic Updates of Regulatory References to Technical Standards and Miscellaneous Amendments; Technical Correction | Rule | 192 |
- 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
Professional Certification Coalition
IHMM is a member of the PCC. The PCC monitors state and federal legislative and regulatory activity affecting professional certification on an ongoing basis. The PCC has compiled several “Watchlists” identifying and analyzing provisions in pending legislation at both the state and federal level that, under applicable rules, may still be enacted in the current legislative session. Depending on the carry-over rules in the relevant legislature, the charts listing current legislation may include bills introduced in a prior year. In addition, the PCC compiles a chart of enacted legislation that affects certification each year. The charts include hyperlinks to every bill or executive order. Note that the Watchlist and the Enacted Legislation document do not include profession-specific legislation and do not include regulatory initiatives. The charts will be updated as needed based on new developments.
State legislation currently being tracked:
Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition – Senate Action On IHMM-Supported Legislation
In related legislative news, the Senate Appropriations Committee included ASAE-drafted language in its Veterans Administration funding bill to study the prevalence and impact of high-quality postsecondary credentials among military veterans.
Here is the language:
Postsecondary Credentials Among Veterans.—The Committee directs the Comptroller General to report on the prevalence of high-quality postsecondary credentials among veterans. The report shall include the number of veterans who hold a high-quality postsecondary credential, the number of those veterans who obtained such a credential during their military service, the number of those veterans who obtained such a credential after their military service, an earning comparison between veterans with and without such credentials who are working in similar industries and occupations, the rate of business ownership among veterans with and without such credentials, the average cost and time needed for veterans to obtain such credentials, and recommendations for how to increase veterans’ access to such credentials. The Comptroller General shall consider credentials that are: (i) included on a State list described in section 122(d) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 28 (29 U.S.C. 3152(d)); (ii) in compliance with the quality assurance requirements for a credentialing program under 10 U.S.C. 2015(c) (i.e., the COOL directory); (iii) approved by the State approving agency according to the Department of Veterans Affairs WEAMS database; (iv) accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, the National Commission on Certifying Agencies, the American National Standards Institute, or other reputable accrediting bodies; and (v) meet other standards for quality determined by the Departments. The Comptroller General shall provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both houses of Congress no later than 1 year after the enactment of this act.
We are extremely grateful to Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) for sponsoring ASAE’s language request.
Credentials are gaining cred in Congress – thanks in large part to this coalition and your engagement.
S. 722 / H.R. 1477 / Coalition Roster
Important Stories for IHMM Certificants
Safe + Sound Week 2024
Safe + Sound Week will be held from August 12-18, 2024.
Registration is now open and resources on how to participate are available. Visit the Safe + Sound event archive to view participation from previous years.
Here is what Safe + Sound is all about [YouTube]
Participating in Safe + Sound Week Is Easy and Fun!
- Fill out the short registration form (takes 2 minutes or less!)
- Add your business to the Safe + Sound Week map.
- Get free resources and customizable materials.
- Hold an event.
- Take a survey.
- Get a certificate!
SIGN UP NOW!
NIOSH Mental Health Resources
NIOSH launched an Impact Wellbeing Guide: Taking Action to Improve Healthcare Worker Wellbeing. This Guide offers six concrete Action Steps that hospital leaders can take to accelerate or supplement professional well-being efforts in their hospitals. It was developed in partnership with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation and tested in six CommonSpirit hospitals across the U.S.
OSHA Emergency Response Standard
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a notice scheduling an informal public hearing on its proposed rule ‘‘Emergency Response Standard’’ mentioned in the email below. The public hearing will begin on November 12, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time (ET), and will be held virtually. Information on how to access the informal hearing will be posted shortly at https://www.osha.gov/emergency-response/rulemaking.
To testify or question witnesses at the hearing, interested persons must electronically submit their notice by September 27, 2024. Please see the Federal Register Notice (Docket Number OSHA-2007-0073) and https://www.osha.gov/emergency-response/rulemaking for additional details.
ASSP Standards Developments
IHMM is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals [ASSP], and works on an ASSP standards committee. We are pleased to bring you recent standards development issues here.
The Fall Protection Code: Free Guide Helps You Protect Workers at Height
The newly revised ANSI/ASSP Z359.1-2024, “The Fall Protection Code,” is a comprehensive guide to developing an effective fall protection program. This free resource aims to help you purchase the right fall protection equipment for your employees and understand which standards apply to specific work situations. Download now
Q&A: What Safety Professionals Need to Know About OSHA Compliance
Zach Pucillo discusses OSHA’s role in creating safer workplaces and how safety professionals can ensure compliance with OSHA regulations. Learn more
Revised Z359 Standard Provides Guidance on Managed Fall Protection Programs
ANSI/ASSP Z359.2-2023, “Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program,” sets the baseline for all fall protection programs. It covers policies, training, survey and identification of fall hazards, procedures, controlling fall hazards, rescue planning, program implementation, incident investigation and evaluating program effectiveness. Order Now
NLRB halts appeal of court decision that struck down revised joint employer rule
The National Labor Relations Board has withdrawn its appeal of a federal court decision that blocked the board’s joint employer rule.
“The board remains of the opinion that its 2023 rule meets the procedural and substantive requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (of 1946) and the National Labor Relations Act (of 1935),” a July 19 filing states. “Given the litigation posture of the rule, however, the board would like the opportunity to further consider the issues identified in the district court’s opinion in the first instance.
“In addition to the district court opinion, the board has several rulemaking petitions on its docket regarding the joint employer issue raising similar issues.”
The joint employer rule from 2020 will remain in effect. Under the rule, NLRB requires that joint employers “(1) ‘actually’ exercise control, (2) that such control be ‘direct and immediate,’ and (3) that such control not be ‘limited and routine.’”
Read more by clicking here.
OSHA Heat Standard Coming
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 affected by 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.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway is a new requirement that affected employers (there’s a list of exemptions, which are mostly office and telework employee related) must develop and deploy a written heat safety plan. Once the formal proposal is published, there will be a comment period and plenty of opportunity to provide feedback to OSHA before any rule is finalized.
Understanding Firearm-Related Injury and School Violence
In this 5-part podcast interview series released earlier this year, experts cover crucial topics like youth suicide prevention, anonymous reporting systems, and community engagement. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how school safety strategies intersect with firearm-related injuries.
Episode 1 – Contributing Factors for Firearm-Related Injuries
Episode 2 – Firearm Safety, School Violence, and Youth Suicide
Episode 3 – Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Episode 4 – Anonymous Reporting Systems
Episode 5 – Community Engagement
_______
8 Lessons Learned From a Real-Life Swatting Incident
Last fall we hosted a live webinar with staff from the city of Franklin, New Hampshire, and the Franklin School District. The discussion highlighted their response to a swatting incident in 2022.
With these crises becoming more common nationwide, preparation is crucial. Our latest blog post shares valuable insights from the Franklin team that may help school districts address potential security issues. Learn more here.
_______
- 8/7 – Preventing Mass Attacks in Our Communities Webinar
Hosted by the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center - 9/25-26 – 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security
____________
Explore Our School Threat Assessment Toolkit:
Now Available in Interactive Web Format!
Tips and Tools for Improving Exposure Judgments
A mainstay of occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) is professionals’ need to rely on our education and experience when assessing health risks for workers exposed to environmental agents. In this process, we incorporate our professional judgment into an estimate of the workers’ exposure. From this estimate, we decide whether the exposure is clearly unacceptable or acceptable or if uncertainty remains. However, an OEHS professional’s judgment is only as good as their experience with the work activities and practices associated with the risk. This is why the profession needs an exposure assessment system and tools to help them make judgments with a higher degree of precision and accuracy.
Other Governmental News
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
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
EPA publishes compliance guide on methylene chloride ban
MSHA head: Mining industry ‘in much better shape’ as worker fatalities decline
From stadiums to jobsites: Virginia Tech lab plans to rate safety helmets
NYC issues construction advisory on ‘foam snow’
Oregon OSHA releases free course on confined space safety
Call for nominations: OSHA’s national advisory committee
NSC Webinars
Aug 1 – Moving Beyond Ratings: Launching and Managing Sustainable, Resilient Supply Chain Programs
Aug 8 – Overcoming Language Barriers for a Safer Workplace
Aug 15 – Hazard Communication Training: Does your training program meet OSHA’s requirements
Aug 22 – Frontline Focus: Enhancing Safety Engagement on the Job
IHMM is a member of ASSP and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
ASSP News
Aug 1 – Aug 29 – ONLINE COURSE: Enterprise Risk Management for Safety Professionals
Aug 4 – 6 – Advanced Safety Management Methods
Aug 4 – 6 – Corporate Safety Management
Aug 4 – 6 – Safety Management I
For a complete list of ASSP Webinars, click here.
ASSP Standards-Based Education
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) will host a third installment of its workplace safety education series called “Stand Up for Standards.” A live two-hour webinar on safety management systems will take place at 11 a.m. CT on March 29, helping safety and health professionals create a road map for identifying hazards and eliminating risks to improve organizational performance.
“Stand Up for Standards: ANSI/ASSP Safety Management Systems” will provide an overview and implementation practices for the ANSI/ASSP Z10.0-2019 standard.
Safety experts Amy Timmerman, M.S., CSP, CHES, Danyle Hepler, CSP, CESCO, CPEA, Joe Wolfsberger, M.S., CSP, CIH, and Greg Zigulis, CSP, CIH, CHSP, will share real-world experiences and practical guidance to help attendees reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities on work sites across various industries.
ASSP Standards News
ASSP finished the adoption process for ISO 45004 as an ANSI Registered Technical Report. It is now available on the ASSP website:
ASSP/ISO TR-45004-2024 has been published on the web for sale: store.assp.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Store/Product-Details/…
Title: “Occupational health and safety management – Guidelines on performance evaluation “Scope: “…This document gives guidance regarding how organizations can establish monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation processes, including the development of relevant indicators for the assessment of occupational health and safety (OH&S) performance. It enables organizations to determine if intended results are being achieved, including continual improvement of OH&S performance. This document is applicable to all organizations regardless of type, industry sector, level of risk, size or location. It can be used independently or as part of OH&S management systems, including those based on ISO 45001:2018, or other standards or guidelines….”
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.
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
| July 30-Aug 2, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Aug 13-16, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Aug 13-15, 2024 | NEPA NAVIGATOR™ | In Person |
| Aug 27-28, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Sept 11-13, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Sept 11-12, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Sept 17-19, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Sept 24-26, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| October 1-4, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| October 8-9, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| October 22-25, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| October 29-30, 2024 | Online | |
| Oct 31-Nov 1, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Nov 5-8, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Nov 13-15, 2024 | In Person | |
| Nov 19-22, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Dec 3-4, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Dec 10-12, 2024 | 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.
IHMM CONFERENCES For 2024
IHMM will attend and support a number of conferences and trade shows throughout 2024, virtually as well as in-person as resources allow. In 2023 IHMM participated in the Bay Area ASSP conference, Ohio Safety conference, COSTHA Annual Meeting, AIHA Conference & Trade Show, ASSP Annual Conference, CUHMMC, AHMP, National Safety 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-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