Thursday, November 16, 2023
EHS Professional is an online publication of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
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 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.
Learn more here.
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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
Certified Safety & Health Manager
Certified Safety Management Practitioner
Associate Safety and Health Manager
Certified School Safety Manager
Student Associate Safety and Health Manager
IHMM Certificant Recognition
IHMM has completed inserting new credential badges in every certificant’s MYIHMM account. Everyone may access those badges for use in their email signatures, LinkedIn accounts, and other social media and communications media. 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, then load it to whatever medium you choose.
Throughout our certificant’s MYIHMM accounts are also now placed 10 Year, 20 Year, and 30 Year badges signifying their longevity as an IHMM certified professional.
IHMM has also added Distinguished Diplomates and Fellows of the Institute badges to the appropriate people in the MYIHMM database. These two badges will be accompanied by new lapel pins to be sent to each of those distinguished by holding these designations.
IHMM Credentials Accredited By
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 UPDATES
Guard Against Economic Shocks in Construction
Construction groups sue over Davis-Bacon change
Miami commissioners delay heat standard vote
Revamp collaboration: A guide to better workflows
5 common electrical safety errors (and some solutions)
Reproductive hazards: Reduce the risks
Lawmakers seek to repeal final rule on NLRB’s definition of ‘joint employer’
BLS: Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses rose in 2022
Guy wires and power lines can be a deadly mix, OSHA warns
New hazard alert on workplace violence
Prioritizing and Addressing Winter Hazards
Breathing in a Polluted World: Protecting the Respiratory System
OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards for FY 2023
Detecting and investigating workplace substance abuse to keep employees safe
Commit to C.A.R.E. Helps Workplaces and Communities Stay Safe from Infectious Diseases
EPA proposal would ‘strengthen’ chemical risk evaluations
Back to Basics: Protection from Lead Exposure
CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Launches First Federal Campaign for Hospitals to Tackle Healthcare Workers Burnout
School board members raise concerns over Onslow County’s school safety issues: A call for more accountability and community involvement
NY hospital safety ranking among worst nationally
Statewide school safety report shows areas for improvement remain
City council discusses school safety, literacy, superintendent search in joint meeting with Duval school board
California’s Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Standard: Cal/OSHA Standards Board Publishes New Modifications
How can the construction industry progress towards net-zero amid challenges?
Building Control and fire safety: Addressing key industry challenges
Crane company fined after two workers fall from height
Qantas illegally targeted safety worker who warned of Covid risk
Workers injuries at SpaceX soar in Elon Musk’s rush to Mars
Governor Hochul takes action to protect limousine passengers across New York
Dirty little secrets: Safety insights from the transportation industry
Boston expands construction safety requirements
US DOL finds El Paso machine shop, manufacturer willfully exposed employees to dozens of workplace safety, health hazards
US Department of Labor finds Wisconsin worker’s fatal 2023 injuries occurred on machine 3M Company identified as hazardous in 2022
Five times to be mindful during your day
INSIDE IHMM
OSHA/NIOSH Small Business Handbook Features Self-Inspection Checklists
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a variety of resources to help small businesses keep their employees safe on the job. One of the most popular is the Small Business Safety and Health Handbook, available in English and Spanish. OSHA worked with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to comprehensively update this publication in 2021.
The handbook features a set of self-inspection checklists to help employers identify and address workplace hazards. The checklists cover a range of workplace safety and health topics for general industry workplaces, such as electrical safety, fire protection, hazard communication, materials handling, and personal protective equipment. OSHA recently added new checklists for ergonomics, heat illness prevention, infection control plans, workplace violence, and young workers. Each one includes a list of relevant OSHA standards and other resources from OSHA and NIOSH.
The handbook summarizes the benefits of an effective safety and health program. It also reviews key safety and health resources for small business, including the OSHA On-Site Consultation Program and the NIOSH Small Business Resource Guide. For more information, visit OSHA’s Small Business page.
“The revised Small Business Handbook is a valuable tool to help employers identify where to take action to make their workplaces safer and more healthful for their employees,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Jim Frederick. “Safety has to be a continuous process that involves preventing injuries and illnesses, and saving lives.”
“Small businesses face many unique challenges and providing a safe and healthy work environment shouldn’t be one of them,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. “The updated Small Business Handbook is an easy-to-use tool to help keep your most valuable asset – your employees – safe and healthy on the job.”
LISC’s Community Violence Intervention Kickoff Event
As one of the new STOP Specialized TTA providers, LISC offers training and technical assistance on community violence intervention (CVI) strategies tailored to STOP grantee’s school and community safety efforts.
Join their virtual kick-off on 11/29 at 1:00 PM ET to learn more about CVI strategies and how you can access LISC’s TTA resources and connect with expert CVI practitioners.
Register Now
School Safety News, Training, and Resources
How Student Perceptions of Police Influence Crime Reporting Video
In this upcoming video, releasing on 11/29, researcher Makayla Burden from Michigan State University discusses the results of a study on how the relationship between youth and law enforcement officers relates to their willingness to report crime. Stay tuned for more information.
Key Considerations for Bullying Prevention Guide
This new guide, available on 12/6, presents key information that schools may wish to consider as they develop and maintain bullying prevention programs. Included in this resource: an overview of bullying, bullying prevention, context-specific considerations, information on youth engagement and empowerment, and resources related to the intersection of social media and bullying.
First Steps for Engaging Your School Safety Network
It can be challenging to identify and engage your network, but partnering and getting buy-in from a wide variety of people within your school community is key to successfully implementing safety initiatives. By completing this self-paced training, you will be able to identify your school safety network and plan effective engagement strategies. You will also learn relevant key terms related to influencing your network, and understand the steps needed to create a network map and influence grid to help successfully engage others.
Safety Solutions to Support the Whole Child
Only 13% of students have the greatest confidence their school is spending enough time and money to keep them safe.
As a school leader, you know your students can’t reach their full academic potential unless they feel safe and supported, yet your students are saying they feel a lack of confidence in being protected – physically, socially and emotionally.
Ensure your schools are supporting the whole child by implementing technology, training, education and programs that span the full spectrum of safety. Explore our guide today to learn how we can help you get started.
Download the Guide Here
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.
On August 29, 2023 IHMM’s Executive Director made a presentation of this strategic imperative to the AHMP annual conference. Here is what IHMM intends to organize over the next few months:
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. Please see > https://ihmm.org/join-the-government-affairs-committee/ 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!
The full presentation may be viewed here.
There are 1,115 different conversations going on in the IHMM/HMS Collaboration platform this week.
A collaborative culture is important for every business but is especially important for our hazardous materials, dangerous goods, environment, health, and safety communities of practice. Do you have a problem you need to solve and want the opinions of your colleagues? This is where we come together to help each other.
IHMM credentialed professionals are at the top 1% of their professions and their reach is global. We are at the forefront of environmental protection, health, and safety and this is where collaborating with the best people in their fields, always willing to help one another, lessens the stress of our jobs, and where we strive as a team to make a difference of which we are proud.
We opened COLLABORATION to enable thousands of certificants and supporters to collaborate together. You can collaborate here.
Access to COLLABORATION is through the same username/password you use to access your MYIHMM account. Having a problem? Contact Jimmy Nguyen at [email protected]
IHMM GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Beltway Buzz – Ogletree Deakins
Here We Go Again: Government Shutdown? In early October, the Buzz theorized that the last-ditch effort to avoid a government shutdown on October 1 hadn’t solved the appropriations problem, but only postponed the debate. Fast-forward six weeks, and here we are again: government funding is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on November 17—one week from today. Although it appears that the leadership of both parties in both chambers of the U.S. Congress agree that some form of a continuing resolution will be necessary, not much progress has been made toward that goal so far. A refresher on what will happen in the event of a federal government shutdown is here.
Members of Congress Move to Rescind NLRB Joint-Employer Rule; Business Groups Head to Court. This week, members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to rescind the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) joint-employer rule. The resolution actually has a chance of getting through the Senate, passing the House, and landing on President Biden’s desk. (Indeed, just this week, the Senate passed another CRA that would rescind a Federal Highway Administration rule relating to electric vehicle chargers.) While President Biden is likely to veto such a resolution, this effort on Capitol Hill represents just one front in the business community’s battle against the joint-employer rule. In fact, this week, a group of trade groups filed a legal challenge to the Board’s rule, arguing that the rule violates the National Labor Relations Act and is arbitrary and capricious.
DOL’s Overtime Proposal Advances. November 7, 2023, was the deadline for stakeholders to submit comments in response to the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime regulations. Among those groups filing comments was the Retail Industry Leaders Association, which noted that the proposal “will likely increase operational and legal uncertainty for the regulated community, and particularly for retailers.” Final regulations are expected to issue in the spring or summer of 2024. Assuming the final regulations track the proposal, legal challenges will likely follow.
Senate Reconfirms Burrows to EEOC. On November 8, 2023, the U.S. Senate voted 51–47 to confirm Charlotte Burrows to a third five-year term on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Technically, Burrows’s term expired on July 1 of this year, but provisions of federal law allowed her to remain on the Commission while her renomination was pending. An EEOC press release stated the following about Burrows’s reconfirmation:
She seeks to enhance the Commission’s enforcement of all laws within its jurisdiction, with a keen focus on strengthening and deepening the agency’s systemic discrimination work. She will continue to support employer efforts to implement and foster lawful and appropriate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) practices that proactively identify and address barriers to equal employment opportunity, help employers cultivate a diverse pool of qualified workers, and foster inclusive workplaces.
Burrows’s confirmation will ensure that Democrats maintain a majority on the Commission through at least June 2026.
Bipartisan Immigration Bills Introduced. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) will introduce the Equal Access to Green Cards for Legal Employment (EAGLE) Act, a bill that they teamed up to sponsor in the previous Congress. The bill would eliminate the 7 percent per-country cap for employment-based visas and more than double the per-country cap on family-based visas. However, as the Buzz has previously discussed, the bill would also make dramatic changes to the H-1B visa program. Additionally, a bipartisan group of senators and representatives have introduced the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act (S. 3211), which would recapture 25,000 unused visas for nurses and 15,000 unused visas for doctors.
SCOTUS Takes Three Swings at Antitrust Law. Seventy years ago this week, the Supreme Court of the United States reaffirmed that the Sherman Antitrust Act did not apply to Major League Baseball. Although Toolson v. New York Yankees, Inc., was decided on November 9, 1953, the case really originated in 1915, when the Federal League of Base Ball Clubs was forced to fold, and the owner of the Baltimore Terrapins sued the American and National Leagues for monopolizing baseball. (Wrigley Field, built in 1914 for the Federal League’s Chicago Whales, stands as a monument, of sorts, to the Federal League.)
In that earlier case, Federal Baseball Club v. National League (1922), Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote for the Court that there was no antitrust violation because “[t]he business is giving exhibitions of baseball, which are purely state affairs.” Fast-forward thirty years and the issue arose again when pitcher George Toolson sued the Yankees, claiming the “reserve clause”—by which baseball teams retained the rights to players even upon the expiration of their contracts—was a restraint of trade. The Court upheld the antitrust exemption, ruling that Congress would have acted in the thirty-year interim if the Federal Baseball Club decision was a problem: “[I]f there are evils in this field which now warrant application to it of the antitrust laws, it should be by legislation,” the Court stated in its one-paragraph unsigned per curiam opinion.
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 each year a chart of enacted legislation that affects certification. 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.
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
Federal Government Announces New Tools, Actions, and Resources to Address Rise of Reported Antisemitic and Islamophobic Events at Schools
The federal government announced new actions and resources to address the rise of reported Antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents at schools and on college campuses since the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. These actions will help protect students, engage school leaders, and foster safe and supportive learning environments. Read More
The Causes and Consequences of School Violence: A Review
Although school violence is on the decline, it remains a significant concern for the general public, policymakers, and researchers. This report commissioned by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) takes a comprehensive look at the state of the research on school violence and includes additional discussions about research on serious violence and studies that were funded by NIJ’s Comprehensive School Safety Initiative. It is based on an empirical review of 55 meta-analyses and a supplemental review of the methods and findings of 362 recent research studies. The research found that the strongest predictor of school violence perpetration was delinquent/antisocial behavior. Other strong predictors were attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, child maltreatment, peer rejection, and moral disengagement. The reviews identified several other moderately strong predictors of school violence, including deviant peers, callous unemotional traits, narcissism, exposure to domestic violence, agreeableness (inverse association), prosocial behaviors (inverse association), positive school climate (inverse association), and victimization.
Abstract from U.S. Department of Justice.
Read the full details and download the PDF by clicking here.
OSHA Seeks to Add Union Reps to Inspections
Agency also announces alliance with NLRB to promote unionization.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a rule that would allow employees to request that a non-governmental third party—which could be a representative from a labor union—to join an OSHA safety inspection of a non-union employer’s facility.
In a separate development, OSHA and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) also announced that they have entered into a formal agreement to work together closely, coordinating their activities in a manner that promotes unionization of the workforce.
Commenting on the OSHA proposal to allow employees and agency inspectors to choose third parties, such as union representatives, to accompany the inspectors when they walk around employer facilities, Marc Freedman, vice president, employment policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said, “Without question, if OSHA moves forward with this regulation, the agency will be making clear its agenda is no longer focused on improving workplace safety but on promoting organized labor.”
Read more by clicking here.
Safety First, Always: Ensuring Holistic Well-Being in Contemporary Workspaces
Workplace safety fosters a secure, innovative environment where equipped employees can thrive both physically and mentally.
Workplace safety isn’t just about avoiding physical accidents; it’s about creating an environment where employees feel physically and mentally secure. It’s about building a space fostering growth, innovation and well-being, with everyone equipped with the right tools and knowledge to excel safely.
The Evolving Nature of Workplace Dangers:
Historically, workplace safety largely revolved around the tangible. It meant protective gear for workers, safety barriers around machinery and clear evacuation paths. But as the dawn of technology transformed our workplaces, the nature of hazards evolved in tandem.
Today, with the integration of advanced machinery and digital platforms, employees face physical risks and many digital threats. Cybersecurity breaches, data leaks and digital espionage have become the norm, along with traditional risks. The cloud-based tools we utilize have enhanced our efficiency and connectivity and introduced new vulnerabilities that we must address.
Read more by clicking here.
READOUT: Acting Secretary of Labor Su, Secretary of Education Cardona, White House Officials Celebrate Youth Apprentices at Graduation Ceremony
Event kicks off the 9th annual National Apprenticeship Week in 2023
At Department of Labor’s headquarters in Washington today, Acting Secretary Julie Su, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Domestic Policy Advisor to the President Neera Tanden, Department of Commerce Senior Counselor Zoe Baird, and other public and private sector leaders gathered to kick off National Apprenticeship Week 2023 with a graduation ceremony for students who recently completed apprenticeship programs.
Acting Secretary Su and Secretary Cardona congratulated more than 25 recent graduates who received certificates and crossed the stage to applause from their families, apprenticeship program sponsors and employers. The graduates represented apprentices in a cross-section of high-growth industries that included education, construction, IT and cybersecurity, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Tanden and Baird also offered congratulatory remarks to the graduates.
Read more by clicking here.
Login changes coming for users of DOT’s drug-testing database
The Department of Transportation is changing how users access the Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System.
Starting Jan. 1, employers required to submit annual drug/alcohol testing information will need to set up a free Login.gov account. Login.gov uses authentication methods, such as text or voice messages, to safeguard account access.
If an employer already has an account, they can simply sign into the MIS website. Employers who don’t have an account will receive an email or letter from DOT with a 32-digit code to enter on the MIS website.
“Then employers will be directed to the Login.gov webpage to create an account and verify their email address.” DOT says. “After Login.gov has verified your email address, employers will be asked to create a Login.gov password and to choose at least one authentication method (such as a one-time code that is sent to your phone).”
Read the original article by clicking here.
US Department of Labor Kicks Off 9th Annual National Apprenticeship Week
Events emphasize Registered Apprenticeship as ‘Superhighway to Good Jobs’
The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the start of National Apprenticeship Week, an annual event that includes plans in 2023 for more than 1,300 events and proclamations nationwide, united by the theme, “Registered Apprenticeship: Superhighway to Good Jobs.”
Through Nov. 19, this year’s 9th annual event will bring employers, industry associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, education providers and government leaders together to showcase the importance of Registered Apprenticeship in improving job quality and expanding U.S. workers’ access to good-paying jobs in many industries.
Read more by clicking here.
Best Practices to Consider for Industrial Hygiene
Let’s explore best practices in industrial hygiene, with a focus on OSHA’s role in regulating and promoting workplace safety.
Industrial hygiene plays a vital role in safeguarding the health and well-being of workers in various industries. It involves identifying and controlling potential hazards to minimize exposure to harmful substances and conditions. In the United States, OSHA sets regulations and guidelines to ensure that workplaces maintain high standards of industrial hygiene. Let’s explore best practices in industrial hygiene, with a focus on OSHA’s role in regulating and promoting workplace safety.
Industrial hygiene is the science and art of identifying, assessing and managing workplace hazards to safeguard the health and well-being of workers. It encompasses various disciplines—including occupational toxicology, epidemiology and engineering—to address potential risks.
Read more by clicking here.
Workplace Flexibility Associated with Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
These findings could be particularly consequential for low- and middle-wage workers who traditionally have less control over their schedules and job demands and are subject to greater health inequities.”
We have all heard of the many benefits of having flexibility in our work lives. But according to a recent study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Penn State University, increasing workplace flexibility may lower certain employees’ risk of cardiovascular disease.
In workplaces that implemented interventions designed to reduce conflict between employees’ work and their personal/family lives, researchers observed that employees at higher baseline cardiometabolic risk, particularly older employees, experienced a reduction in their risk for cardiovascular disease equivalent to between five and 10 years of age-related cardiometabolic changes.
Read more by clicking here.
OSHA and NLRB will work together to protect whistleblowers
OSHA and the National Labor Relations Board are collaborating to “strengthen the agencies’ partnership and outline procedures for information sharing, referrals, training and outreach” on federal whistleblower protections.
According to a Memorandum of Understanding announced Oct. 31, that cooperation involves coordinated investigations, enforcement and state programs.
Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 covers whistleblower protections, but OSHA is also charged with investigating retaliation and enforcing the anti-retaliation provisions of more than 20 statutes.
Read more by clicking here.
Fire Extinguisher Facts that Every Safety Professional Should Know
The most consistent violations during inspections relate to fire extinguisher annual service and inspection. Here’s what safety professionals need to know.
In buildings of varying occupancy, classifications such as Business, Assembly, Minor Mercantile, Educational, Healthcare, Industrial and other designations are all required to have portable fire extinguishers installed. As a safety professional, one verifies that the fire extinguisher installed is tagged, mounted, inspected monthly and identified in a clear and obvious manner. The safety professional looks at the third-party contractor’s annual inspection tag and makes sure it is current.
But how do you know that the annual inspection of a fire extinguisher has been properly completed other than just looking at a date on a tag? The most consistent violations during inspections relate to fire extinguisher annual service and inspection. To make sure there is a clear understanding, let’s look at what the code says about fire extinguishers, specifically in the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 10.
Read more by clicking here.
US Department of Labor Announces Updates to Transition Assistance Programs For Job-seeking Service Members, Veterans, Military Spouses
The U.S. Department of Labor today announced updates by its Veterans’ Employment and Training Service to the agency’s Transition Assistance Program intended to benefit military jobseekers.
The updates include the agency’s signing of memorandums of understanding with six new partners to join the agency’s Employment Navigator and Partnership Program for a three-year term. The program complements the department’s traditional TAP workshops with personalized employment assistance outside of the classroom for transitioning service members and their spouses. It also connects participants with partner organizations to help them before and after separation with additional employment services.
The newest ENPP partners are the Women Veterans Alliance in Lincoln and VetsinTech in San Francisco, California; the National Center for Housing Management in Jacksonville Beach and SkillMil Inc. in Jupiter, Florida; MilitaryHire in Akron, Ohio; and International Scientific Advisors Inc. in Beaverton, Oregon.
Read more by clicking here.
Reduce lower back pain: 3 tips from surgeons group
In light of data showing that about 1 in 4 working adults have low back pain, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is offering tips to strengthen and protect the back.
“Good musculoskeletal health is not just about treating problems when they arise; it’s about taking proactive steps to prevent them in the first place,” Alan S. Hilibrand, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery, said in an AAOS press release. “By maintaining proper ergonomics at our workstations and building the strength of our core stabilizing muscles, we can significantly reduce the risk of developing debilitating chronic or debilitating back pain and related conditions.”
So, whether working from home or in an office, or a combination of both, “it’s important to invest in your musculoskeletal health and protect your back,” AAOS says.
Read more by clicking here.
Safety is More Than a Slogan
Safety is more than a catchy phrase; it’s a pledge to protect workers.
I’m a fan of clever, or corny, business road signs. Usually.
But there’s a dentist office near home that irks me. One of their rotating messages reads: “Safety first. Who are we kidding? Coffee first. Safety 3rd or 4th.”
The dentist’s office is located at a busy intersection, and I’ve almost gotten into an accident several times because of drivers running red lights and cars pulling out of parking lots too close to oncoming traffic or making too wide of turns. I must practice defensive driving on those roads, and it’s nothing to make light of.
While I know the dentist office’s sign is meant to be funny, it speaks to a problem for safety professionals. I often hear safety professionals talk about—well, criticize—slogans that make light of safety or make it a personal choice.
Read more by clicking here.
The Dr. John H. Frick Memorial IHMM Scholarship Program – CLOSED FOR 2023 – WILL RE-OPEN IN 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/
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.
Recert Video #1
Recert Video #2
IHMM Recertification Videos
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.
- Every CSHM and CSMP should start a recertification application now.
- Even if your recertification is years away, starting an application now and adding your accumulated points enables you to see where you are all the time and it makes it very easy when you have to file your application
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.
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
Guy wires and power lines can be a deadly mix, OSHA warns
Journal spotlights NIOSH’s work on occupational hearing loss prevention
OSHA asks for input on GHS for UN meetings
Lawmakers seek to repeal final rule on NLRB’s definition of ‘joint employer’
New hazard alert on workplace violence
FMCSA final rule scales back scope of regulatory relief during emergencies
NSC Webinars
Nov 30 – How ESG is Transforming the Future of the EHS Professional
Dec 7 – Bloodborne Pathogens Terminology: Exposing the Regulation One Term at a Time
Dec 14 – Synergizing Safety and Risk: An Integrated Risk Management Success Journey
IHMM is a member of ASSP and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
ASSP News
ASSP Webinars
Nov 17 – How Best to Protect Temporary Workers
Jan 25 – January 2024 Leadership Conference Webinar
Feb 12 – Managing Risk, Not Safety
Feb 12 – 14 – Advanced Safety Management Methods
ASSP Standards News
The U.S. TAG to ANSI for ISO TC283 approved ISO 45002 and ISO 45006 as ANSI registered technical reports.
- ISO/ASSP TR 45002-2023: Occupational health and safety management systems – General guidelines for the implementation of ISO 45001:2018
- ISO/ASSP TR 45006-2023: Occupational health and safety management – Guidelines for organizations on preventing and managing infectious diseases
At this point, the adoption process is complete. We will conclude limited public review and then move forward with publication of ISO 45002 and ISO 45006 as an ANSI Registered Technical Report[s].
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.
Lion Tech, HMS Training Partner, Adds Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification [DOT] Webinars
This week Lion Tech has added its Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification [DOT] webinars to the HMS Daily Training schedule. This two-day workshop provides comprehensive training to offer hazardous materials for transportation in compliance with the US DOT/PHMSA Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). The two-day workshop is approved for 12 CM Points toward IHMM re-certification.
Webinars at Lion.com blend the convenience of online learning with the engagement and nowness of live classroom training. This two-day course provides comprehensive training to offer hazardous materials for transportation in compliance with the US DOT/PHMSA Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). The webinar is approved for 12 CM Points toward IHMM re-certification.
Professionals who complete this course develop in-depth knowledge needed to assess a hazardous materials transportation situation and:
• Determine what regulations apply to the material.
• Select authorized and compatible packaging.
• Choose and place required labels/markings for transportation.
• Properly fill out shipping papers with required info (in the right order).
• Determine if placards are required for a bulk or non-bulk shipment.
• Carry out reporting, recordkeeping, and training responsibilities, and more.
Check out the Course agenda at Lion.com/IHMM.
2023 Schedule – Limited Sessions Remain
[Webinar] Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT) — 2 days / 12 hours
- December 4–5
- December 18–19
See more at Lion.com/IHMM, including 1-day DOT hazmat training and 1- and 2-day RCRA course delivered via live webinar. Check out all of Lion’s IHMM-approved courses to maintain your certifications and stay on top the latest hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and environmental regulations.
Already confident about the basics of the HMR? Join us for a one-day “Recurrent Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT) Webinar” instead to help meet DOT’s three-year training mandate for “hazmat employees,”—or train online at your own pace.
More at Lion.com/IHMM
Lion Tech, HMS Training Partner, Adds Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification [DOT] Training
This week Lion Tech has added its Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification [DOT] Training to the HMS Daily Training schedule. This two-day workshop provides comprehensive training to offer hazardous materials for transportation in compliance with the US DOT/PHMSA Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). The two-day workshop is approved for 12.50 CM Points toward IHMM re-certification.
| Daily | Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT) Training | Lion Tech Online |
| Dec 4-5, 2023 | [Houston, TX] Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification Training (DOT) | Houston, TX |
| Dec 6-7, 2023 | [Philadelphia, PA] Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification Training (DOT) | Philadelphia, PA |
| Dec 13-14, 2023 | [Hartford, CT] Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification Training (DOT) | Hartford, CT |
| Dec 14-15, 2023 | [Dallas, TX] Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification Training (DOT) | Dallas, TX |
CHEMTREC, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
This week CHEMTREC has added its HAZWOPER 8-hour Refresher Training to the HMS Daily Training schedule. This HAZWOPER 8-hour Refresher Training is designed for individuals who need to refresh their existing 24-hour or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification. This course meets the requirements outlined in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 for 8 (eight) hours of annual refresher training for workers involved in the transport, storage, or handling of hazardous materials or hazardous waste.
See the CHEMTREC HAZWOPER 8-hour Refresher Training here!
CHEMTREC, an HMS training partner, has had 7 courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs as reviewed and approved by the HMS Education and Training Committee. Thank you CHEMTREC, and thank to HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
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 | EPCRA Tier II Reporting | Bowen EHS | Online |
| Daily | CHMM Online Review | Bowen EHS | Online |
| Daily | Emergency Management Self-Paced PDC | Bowen EHS | Online |
| Daily | Acute Toluene Exposure Webinar | Bowen EHS | 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
CDGP® Prep Course
CE-1112: CDGP® Exam Prep – Columbia Southern University – Available On Demand
CHMM® Prep Courses
Jan 15-17, 2024 – Essentials of Hazardous Materials Management [EHMM] – AHMP Cyber Chapter
Daily – CHMM® Online Review – Bowen
Daily – CHMM® Prep Course – Institute of Safety & Systems Management
Daily –Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (CHMM®) Exam Prep – SPAN Exam Prep, Division of ClickSafety
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!
IHMM and HMS Tie Exam Preparation Together for Applicants
Every IHMM certification that requires an examination has a section of its website entitled Examination Preparation.
Connected to the Examination Preparation panel is a companion panel that is Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam.
You see the Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam panel from the CSHM site at left.
When you click on the Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam panel it takes the applicant directly to the HMS site where all CSHM prep courses may be found and chosen.
If you want your prep courses on the HMS platform so it can be found by IHMM credential applicants, contact Gene Guilford at [email protected]
Applications for the 2023 HMS Scholarship Awards Now Open
The HMS scholarship award is given annually to undergraduate and graduate students whose academic program and research studies have the potential to address the most serious issues in handling hazardous materials, dangerous goods, environmental issues, health & safety challenges. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in accredited U.S. academic institutions.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD APPLICATIONS IS December 1, 2023. All submissions and associated materials must be submitted using the online form.
Scholarship Winners Will Be Announced at the HMS Annual Meeting.
For More Information, Visit > https://hazmatsociety.org/scholarship/
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.
RCM&D Professional Liability Insurance
HMS is proud to have partnered with RCM&D to be able to offer an outstanding comprehensive professional liability insurance program to IHMM certificants. Here, you will find information about this important program offering Environmental Consultants and Engineers Professional Liability coverage. This coverage is intended to add protection for loss stemming from actual or alleged negligent acts, errors and omissions in performing professional services.
For more information see > https://hazmatsociety.org/professional-liability-insurance/
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.
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.
Columbia Southern University
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.
Click on the CSU graphic at left and learn more about the professional development and degree program opportunities at CSU.
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 EVENTS 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