IHMM Today February 23, 2021

IHMM Remotely Proctored Exams Available Now

IHMM is pleased to announce that the American National Standards Institute [ANSI] has approved Kryterion Remotely Proctored Exams for IHMM’s CHMM, CHMP, and CDGP exams. IHMM has been using the Kryterion Remotely Proctored Exams for the CSHM and CSMP exams since April of this year.

About 60% of Kryterion in-person testing centers have reopened. If you prefer the comfort and convenience of taking your exam from your home or office instead of at a Kryterion center, IHMM is ready to enroll you in a remotely proctored examination.

Please contact either Kortney Tunstall at [email protected] for the CHMM, CHMP, or CDGP exams or Kaylene Cagle at [email protected] for the CSHM or CSMP exams.

Phone: 301-984-8969 | [email protected]

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

IHMM Today is an online publication of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)

Other than content specifically provided by IHMM, articles contained in IHMM Today are compiled from independent sources and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of IHMM.

Follow IHMM on Twitter

IHMM UPDATES


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.


Steven Guillory Jr., CSHM, earns world safety award

Steven Guillory Jr. looked everywhere for a graduate-level online occupational safety program he felt would help his career. He found that program at East Carolina University, obtaining his master’s degree in 2006.

Little did he know at the time his degree would set him on a path toward being named the World Safety Organization’s Safety Person of the Year for 2020.

Steven Guillory Jr., safety program manager for the city of Houston, believes his ECU degree set him on a path toward a successful career, and ultimately, recognition as the World Safety Organization Safety Person of the Year. (Contributed photo)

“I had no clue I was nominated for this award, so the news came as a complete shock,” said Guillory, who works as the safety program manager for the city of Houston, Texas. “The understatement of the year, 2020 has posed countless challenges both personally and professionally. Thanks to God and my family, friends, colleagues and organizations like the World Safety Organization, I was given the opportunity, support and resources necessary to improve and exceed my expectations as a safety professional.”

The award recognizes a person who has given above-average support and dedication to the protection of people, property, resources and the environment. In Houston, Guillory oversees the implementation and operation of safety programs, including chemical hazard compliance, for the city’s 22,000 employees.

Founded in 1975, the World Safety Organization encourages the exchange of information and experiences as a means to promote safety and offers a variety of accredited professional safety certifications.

Wanting to further his career in 2003, Guillory found ECU’s occupational safety program fit his needs.

“Colleges and universities that offered degrees in occupational safety were rare. Finding one with an online option in 2003 was nearly impossible,” he said. “I believe there were two other options at the time, but having an opportunity to speak with Dr. (Michael) Behm and Dr. (David) Batts about not only the program but also my goals were priceless. The other universities on my list did not allow for such communication and therefore were placed at the bottom of my list. Choosing East Carolina University was one of the best decisions of my life, even though in hindsight they chose me.”

After obtaining his master’s degree from ECU, Guillory became a safety representative with the Houston Airport System and was promoted in 2011 to safety supervisor for Houston Public Works before becoming safety division manager in 2015, and eventually, safety program manager.


Webinar – Thursday, February 25th, 1:00 p.m. ET (45 minutes)

CPWR-NIOSH-OSHA COVID-19 Webinar 

Protecting Construction Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace

Welcome:

G. Scott Earnest, PhD, PE, CSP, Associate Director for Construction, Office of Construction Safety and Health, NIOSH

Panel:

Scott Ketcham, Director, OSHA DOC

Timothy Irving, Deputy Director, OSHA DOC

Christina Dragon, Health Scientist, OSHA DTSEM

Q&A Moderator: 

Chris Trahan Cain, CIH, Executive Director, CPWR

New guidance from OSHA aims to help employers and workers identify risks of being exposed to and/or contracting COVID-19 at work and to help them determine appropriate control measures to implement. Learn more about this guidance straight from OSHA’s Directorate of Construction and Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency in this 45-minute webinar, including presentations followed by Q&A. We encourage you to submit your questions in advance at the registration link below.

Click here to register and submit a question for our panelists in advance.


OSHA unveils its ‘Top 10’ for FY 2020

11 A.M. Central on Friday, February 26

Join OSHA and Safety+Health magazine for an exclusive webinar: Patrick Kapust, deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs, will announce the preliminary list of the agency’s most frequently cited standards for the fiscal year 2020.

Have a question related to OSHA’s Top 10? Email it to [email protected] and Kapust may answer it during a separate Q&A session — available first to attendees of the virtual NSC Safety Congress & Expo. (Visit the Safety+Health booth to watch.)

REGISTER NOW


EnviroWorkshop’s Site Characterization training event, in Jacksonville, on Wednesday, February 24th – FREE Webinar

The goal of the EnviroWorkshops is to keep environmental professionals informed of the latest technologies in our industry because they’re constantly changing. Over 400 EnviroWorkshops have been hosted in 20 countries, on 6 continents, and over 20,000 environmental professionals have registered to attend.

Thanks to the workshop sponsors there is no cost to attend! Lunch is provided & you will receive a certificate for 4.0 PDHs ($250 value). Below are more details:

JACKSONVILLE SITE CHARACTERIZATION WORKSHOP
11:15 – Registration, boxed-style lunch served, and networking with exhibitors
11:45 – Welcome from a Workshop Representative
12:00 – Opening Speaker
12:15 – Crossroads: Actionable Data using MBTs – Ted Wittemann
1:05 – A Single Solution for a Variety of Contaminants – Ingrid Patman
1:55 – BREAK
2:30 – Using Biosolve Products for Remediation – Mike Reed
3:20 – Strategic Utilization of HRSC Subsurface Imaging Technologies and 3D Modeling – Janet Castle
4:10 – Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) for Environmental Site Characterization and Remediation – David Bardsley
5:00 – After-hours networking

This program has been awarded 7 IHMM CMPs to those who attend the full program.

REGISTER HERE



EnviroWorkshop’s Site Characterization training event, in Tampa, on Thursday, February 25th – FREE Webinar

The goal of the EnviroWorkshops is to keep environmental professionals informed of the latest technologies in our industry because they’re constantly changing. Over 400 EnviroWorkshops have been hosted in 20 countries, on 6 continents, and over 20,000 environmental professionals have registered to attend.

Thanks to the workshop sponsors there is no cost to attend! Lunch is provided & you will receive a certificate for 4.0 PDHs ($250 value). Below are more details:

TAMPA SITE CHARACTERIZATION WORKSHOP
11:15 – Registration, boxed-style lunch served, and networking with exhibitors
11:45 – Welcome from a Workshop Representative
12:00 – Opening Speaker
12:15 – Crossroads: Actionable Data using MBTs – Ted Wittemann
1:05 – A Single Solution for a Variety of Contaminants – Ingrid Patman
1:55 – BREAK
2:30 – Using Biosolve Products for Remediation – Mike Reed
3:20 – Strategic Utilization of HRSC Subsurface Imaging Technologies and 3D Modeling – Janet Castle
4:10 – Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) for Environmental Site Characterization and Remediation – David Bardsley
5:00 – After-hours networking

This program has been awarded 7 IHMM CMPs to those who attend the full program.

REGISTER HERE


IHMM & AHMP Launch 45 in 5 – National Credential Recognition – 21 States Targeted

On January 25th, we began outlining the strategy to go after the 21 states in yellow, above.

This is just the beginning. Here is the present composition of the 45 In 5 Task Force and the states we are focusing on. More people may volunteer anytime!  https://ihmm.org/45-in-5-task-force/

  • The State of Nebraska under 178 NAC Chapter 24 of the Department of Health and Human Services regulations recognizes the CHMM as eligible for remediation services. Thank you, Mary Duda.

In 2019 Mark Bruce from AHMP and Gene Guilford from IHMM worked on a project to get the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to recognize the CHMM and CDGT credentials. With Mark’s work on the ground in  Pennsylvania, we succeeded.

Since the launch, we have added Delaware, Florida, Texas, California, Washington, Georgia, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Missouri, Iowa, North Carolina, Colorado, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and New Mexico as the next states for us to work on with 42 volunteers.

Now Mark at AHMP and Gene at IHMM has launched 45 in 5, getting the other 45 states to recognize our credentials in 5 years. If we can find a volunteer like Mark in 45 other states we can work with those volunteers on crafting the right message to the right agencies in state governments across the country. If we find enough volunteers we can get this done in less than 5 years.

The Task Force meets again on March 2nd and here are some near-term objectives…
  • New Jersey LSRP program and CHMM credit toward prerequisites
  • California state agencies require a CHMM as a prerequisite
  • Colorado DOT requires a CHMM for some projects
  • Florida state legislature
  • 40 CFR § 312.10 – Definitions, initiating a federal rulemaking
  • Washington State Dept of Ecology
  • Iowa Groundwater Professional


Building Climate Change Resilience Virtual Training

EPA’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities initiative is providing free virtual training sessions on its Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT) for the Northeast climate region of the country. This training assists drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities in planning for and adapting to climate change threats with a focus on resilience building and infrastructure financing. The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, National Association of Water Companies, and NEIWPCC are helping to coordinate and co-sponsoring these events.

Training Objectives

• Conduct a risk assessment using CREAT;
• Identify and share information on adaptation strategies to build utility long-term resilience; and
• Share information on available resources for financing resilience and adaptation.

Upcoming Sessions

• Session 1: March 2, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. E.T.
• Training Overview and CREAT Modules 1 (Climate Awareness) and 2 (Scenario Development)
• Session 2: March 4, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. E.T.
• CREAT Modules 3 (Consequences and Assets) and 4 (Adaptation Planning)
• Session 3: March 9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. E.T.
• CREAT Module 5 (Risk Assessment) and an overview of local financial resources utilities can apply for to fund adaptation measures
• Session 4: March 23, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. E.T.
• A brief overview of previous information, then open agenda for attendees to ask questions about using CREAT, how to apply it to their circumstances, and how to seek funding for adaptation strategies. (Optional)

**Earn Continuing education units (CEUs) from select states **

REGISTER HERE


HMS and Earning Certification Maintenance Points [CMPs]

IHMM created HMS, in large measure, so that IHMM certificants could have one, central place within which to find professional development courses in which to earn certification maintenance points. HMS courses cover all of IHMM’s 8 credentials, not only one.

We’ve made it easy to find CMPs.

  • Go to https://hazmatsociety.org/
  • Go to the Education and Training tab
  • Scroll down until you see these buttons…and click on the CMPs button

  • The system will produce a listing of the programs on the platform that have already been reviewed and given CMP ratings. You can find the programs suitable for you.

For example, one of the programs is from Columbia Southern University, offered online, has 36 CMPs attached, and is FREE. This is only one example. There are hundreds of programs on HMS.



HMS UPDATES


HMS Donations

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.


HMS Education and Training

Hazardous Materials Society now has 14,858 education and training programs on its website https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/ with more coming every week. Certificants will note that most of these programs carry a CMP value, making it easier to know in advance what to expect. The HMS Education and Training platform also provides a wide variety of courses for professional development across all of IHMM’s credentials – and more are being developed by the HMS Education and Training Committee.

This is the center of education and training for IHMM certificants and prospective certificants. Among these more than 15.000 programs are webinars delivered online and virtually all carry IHMM CMPs values with them for your annual / 5-year CMP planning. SEE: https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/


HMS Affinity Programs –  RCM&D Professional Liability Insurance

With more than 27,000 people – here is where HMS leverages our numbers for member’s benefit. There is strength and value in numbers and that translates into lower costs for you.

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.



IHMM/HMS Coronavirus Resources

In February of 2020, the World Health Organization’s director-general has declared a public health emergency of international concern over the ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. On March 13, 2020 President Trump declared a national emergency for the United States. IHMM and HMS’ first concern is with the safety and health of all of us; our staff and families, colleagues, certificants and members. We will update this page regularly as credible, authoritative information is available.

INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, AND LABORATORIES.


State Vaccination Distribution Plans

New! Vaccine Data Dashboard. We now have a specific dashboard dedicated to state vaccination plans, updated daily. For each state, you’ll find:

  • Current distribution phase,
  • Brief overview of state plan,
  • Current and future eligible populations, and
  • Links to state documentation.

HMS Launches Jobs Board

We invite our participating companies to post their available employment opportunities here. There is no charge for this service. HMS staff reviews each proposed posting for clarity and completeness before posting to the public view and may remove a posting without notice.



Member Benefits of Hazardous Materials Society

81% 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.


Product Showcase
Self-Paced, Top-Rated Online Hazmat Training
CHEMTREC, the world’s leader in hazmat emergency response, can help keep your company safe and compliant with our online hazmat training courses. Available training includes Hazmat General, Safety and Security Awareness, 49 CFR, IATA, Lithium Battery Shipping and more. Sign up today!

A Collaborative Culture

There are 345 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. 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> https://community.ihmm.org/home


Hazmat Safety Consulting, LLC can help you navigate the complexities around applying for special permits and approvals. We have helped our clients acquire precedent-setting permits and help them manage their renewals. With our experience working at the UN, we can also help with Competent Authority and international approvals.

LEARN MORE

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 Jim Drosdak at [email protected] and he’ll be happy to help you.


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 2021

IHMM will attend and support a number of conferences and trade shows throughout 2021, virtually as well as in-person as COVID issues allow. Below are the first few conferences we have coming up early in 2021.


National Safety Council Congress & Expo, March 1-5, 2021

For more than 100 years, safety, health and environmental professionals have turned to this safety event for industry-leading technology, education, networking opportunities and the tried and true products and services needed to stay at the forefront and remain competitive within the industry. We are excited to offer the NSC Safety Congress & Expo virtually while also prioritizing the safety of stakeholders during this pandemic environment.

Until we can meet face-to-face, it’s a convenient and affordable way to deliver quality educational programs and safety solutions directly to you. It’s the perfect place to come together to share experiences, to learn new ways of doing business, and explore the innovations that will drive our industry to save lives, from the workplace to anyplace.

  • A community platform to network, share lessons learned and plans for the future
  • A live and on-demand education platform for safety teams around the world
  • A trade show just like an in person expo hall to see innovations and make connections to grow sales and profitability

The cumulative experiences and learning offered are the difference between making the journey to a safer workplace and arriving at the destination, helping safety professionals get to the finish line and achieve their goals. In the fast-changing workplace, we keep you ahead of the curve.

Mark your calendars, March 1-5, 2021!

REGISTRATION


Ohio Safety Congress & Expo 2021

March 10-11, 2021

This year we’re offering online learning sessions and a digital expo, allowing participants to learn remotely and chat virtually with presenters and exhibitors.

As always, attendance is FREE, and registration for the virtual event is OPEN NOW HERE


COSTHA 2021 Annual Forum

April 2021

Greenville, South Carolina

This event is expected to be run entirely virtually.



IHMM GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS


U.S. House of Representatives Set to Pass New COVID-19 Relief Legislation [Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget]

The House of Representatives is currently in the process of considering the next COVID relief bill. Nine of the 12 House committees have approved legislation. Below, we summarize the major elements of the $1.9 trillion plan.

This legislation is largely similar to President Biden’s “American Rescue Plan.” It contains the third round of stimulus checks, an extension of enhanced unemployment benefits, additional tax credits for families and workers, funding for K-12 education, and support for state and local governments. Smaller, but-significant, expenditures include funds for COVID testing and vaccines, grants to small businesses, support for child care providers, assistance for colleges, and rental and homelessness assistance.

A few differences exist: the House plan shortens the unemployment extension by one month and adds grants to multiemployer pensions. It also earmarks some of the small business aid for restaurants, provides grants to airlines and airports, and contains more targeted expansions to Medicaid, but does not contain cybersecurity funding.

PolicyDeficit impact, 2021-2031
Ways & Means$923 billion
Provide $1,400-per-person stimulus checks$422 billion
Extend unemployment programs through August 29 with a $400/week supplement$246 billion
Expand Child Tax Credit, Child Care Tax Credit, and Earned Income Tax Credit mostly for one year$143 billion
Provide grants to multi-employer pension plans and change single-employer pension funding rules$58 billion
Temporarily expand ACA subsidies for two years and subsidize 2020 and 2021 coverage$45 billion
Extend paid sick leave and employee retention credit$14 billion
Subsidize COBRA coverage for laid-off workers*$8 billion
Repeal rule allowing multinational corporations to calculate their interest expenses including foreign subsidiaries-$22 billion
Other policies$9 billion
Oversight & Reform$350 billion
Provide money to state governments$195 billion
Provide money to local governments, territories, and tribes$155 billion
Create paid COVID leave for federal workers and other policies$0.4 billion
Education & Labor$290 billion
Provide funding for K-12 education$129 billion
Provide funding for colleges and universities$40 billion
Increase the federal minimum wage to $15/hour by 2025$54 billion
Provide support for child care, grants to child care providers, and Head Start$40 billion
Subsidize COBRA coverage for laid-off workers*$10 billion
Extend nutrition assistance in place of school lunch for the duration of the emergency and other food assistance$7 billion
Human services, labor programs, and other policies*$11 billion
Energy & Commerce$122 billion
Increase funding for testing and contract tracing$50 billion
Increase public health workforce and investments$19 billion
Fund vaccine distribution, confidence, and supply chains$16 billion
Increase Medicaid payments to states that newly expand Medicaid under the ACA$16 billion
Allow states to expand Medicaid coverage for prisoners close to release and for pregnant and postpartum women for 5 years$9 billion
Remove the cap limiting how much drug manufacturers must rebate to Medicaid for drugs that have increased quickly in price-$18 billion
Other policies*$31 billion
Transportation & Infrastructure$90 billion
Increase funding for the Disaster Relief Fund and cover funeral expenses related to COVID$47 billion
Provide grants to transit agencies$28 billion
Provide grants to airports and aviation manufacturers$11 billion
Provide grants to communities under economic stress$3 billion
Grants to Amtrak and other transportation-related spending$2 billion
Financial Services$71 billion
Provide emergency rental assistance and assist homeless$30 billion
Provide grants to airlines and contractors to freeze airline layoffs through September$12 billion
Use Defense Production Act to buy and distribute medical supplies$10 billion
Provide mortgage payment assistance$10 billion
Reauthorize and fund the State Small Business Credit Initiative$9 billion
Small Business$50 billion
Provide grants to restaurants and bars that lost revenue due to the pandemic$25 billion
Provide additional EIDL Advance grants of up to $10,000 per business$15 billion
Allow more PPP loans and expand eligibility to certain non-profit and digital media companies$7 billion
Other policies$3 billion
Veterans’ Affairs$17 billion
Provide funding for health care services, facilities, and copays for veterans$16 billion
Fund job training assistance programs for veterans and other VA administrative costs$1 billion
Agriculture$16 billion
Increase nutrition assistance$6 billion
Pay off loans and other programs for socially disadvantaged farmers$5 billion
Purchase and distribute food to needy individuals$4 billion
Testing and monitoring for COVID in rural communities and among animal populations$1 billion
Foreign Affairs (no legislation reported yet)$10 billion
Natural Resources (no legislation reported yet)$1 billion
Science, Space, & Technology (no legislation reported yet)$1 billion
Total*$1.927 trillion

Source: CRFB calculations from Congressional Budget Office and House Budget Committee documents

This table shows the deficit impact of various provisions, which may differ slightly from the total amount of aid offered. For instance, $50 billion is allocated to the Disaster Relief Fund, but CBO estimates that only $47 billion will ultimately be spent, based on past precedent. As another example, there are $15 billion in loans and grants given to airlines, but the previous version of this bill has led CBO to conclude that $3 billion will ultimately be repaid or given to the government as stock as a condition of accepting the support.

*The total removes $14 billion from COBRA subsidies and funding for LIHEAP that are shared between two committees and would be double-counted if summing each committee’s total.

Beltway Buzz – Ogletree & Deakins

Biden Nominates NLRB GC. On February 17, 2021, President Biden nominated Jennifer Abruzzo to be the general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Abruzzo spent decades as an attorney at the NLRB and served as the Board’s acting general counsel between the terms of General Counsel Richard Griffin and General Counsel Peter Robb. Currently, Abruzzo serves as special counsel for strategic initiatives for the Communications Workers of America. Abruzzo also served during the recent presidential transition as a volunteer on then-President-elect Biden’s labor policy agency review team, which undoubtedly played a role in President Biden’s unprecedented decision to remove Robb as NLRB general counsel.

NLRB Seeks Input on Uniform Policies. In other Board news, late last week the NLRB announced that it was soliciting feedback on its standard regarding employer uniform policies and whether they interfere with employees’ wearing of union insignia. Briefs are due on or before March 15, 2021.

Biden’s Immigration Plan Hits Congress. On February 18, 2021, congressional Democrats introduced the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 in the House and U.S. Senate. Among other provisions, the bill clears backlogs for employment- and family-based visas, provides an eight-year path to citizenship, eliminates employment-based per-country visa caps, permits work authorization for H-4 visa holders, and creates a pilot program for regional economic development visas. However, the bill also allows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to prioritize wages when allocating H-1B visa holders (and other nonimmigrant worker categories). Republicans aren’t terribly enthused with the bill, making its chance of passage—as written—pretty low. Certain provisions of the bill might be more successful if moved on their own as separate legislative initiatives.

EEOC Rulemaking News. Several weeks ago, the Buzz discussed the White House’s “regulatory freeze” memorandum that ordered agencies to halt Trump administration regulations that were in the pipeline. Well, pursuant to that memorandum, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced this week that it was withdrawing its proposed regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act relating to employer-sponsored wellness programs. However, the Commission’s regulation on transparency in the conciliation process, which was finalized on January 14, 2021, was not impacted, and it went into effect on February 16, 2021.

Pregnancy Accommodation. This week, a bipartisan group of congressional legislators reintroduced the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 1065). The bill would clarify protections for pregnant workers under federal antidiscrimination laws and require employers to provide reasonable accommodations—such as help with heavy lifting and more frequent restroom or water breaks—to those employees. The bill passed the House in 2020 by a vote of 329-73 (including 103 Republicans) and is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Fiduciary Rule in Effect. In a bit of surprise move, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) this week allowed the Trump-era rule, “Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02, Improving Investment Advice for Workers and Retirees,” to go into effect on February 16, 2021. The rule allows financial advisors to collect fees when providing retirement savings investment advice. Often referred to as the “fiduciary rule,” the rule reinterprets the 2016 fiduciary regulation that was vacated by a federal court in 2018. EBSA announced that in the coming days it would “publish related guidance for retirement investors, employee benefit plans and investment advice providers.”


CHEMTREC’s Online Hazmat Training Meets U.S. DOT Training Requirements!

CHEMTREC, the world’s leader in hazmat emergency response, can help keep your company safe and compliant with its self-paced online hazmat training courses. Available training includes 49 CFR, Hazmat General, Safety and Security Awareness, IATA, and Lithium Battery Shipping. Sign up today!

IHMM EVENTS CALENDAR

IHMM NOW HAS A COMPANION ORGANIZATION FOR WHICH EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS ARE PRESENTED AND DELIVERED. THE CALENDAR IN THIS SPACE FROM THE IHMM WEBSITE IS BEING REPLACED BY THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SOCIETY WEBSITE AND THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING SECTION FOUND HERE: https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/

DateEventEvent ProducerLocation
DailyCE 1102- Industrial Hygiene for Safety Professionals (online) Columbia Southern University

Online

DailyCE 1105: Maritime Hazardous Materials Inventory Columbia Southern University

Online

DailyCE 1106: Coronavirus Facts: Understanding the CoronavirusColumbia Southern University

Online

DailyCE 1107: Coronavirus Prevention & Control: Strategies for EmployeesColumbia Southern University

Online

Daily CE 1108: Coronavirus Prevention: Strategies for ManagersColumbia Southern University

Online

Daily CE 1109: Coronavirus Prevention & Control: Train the TrainerColumbia Southern University

Online

DailyHazmat General, Safety and Security Awareness Online Training Course CHEMTREC

Online

Daily49 CFR Ground Shipper Lion

Online

DailyIATA Dangerous Goods Training for Operations Personnel DGI

Online

DailyShipping Fully Regulated and Excepted Lithium Batteries and Cells Online TrainingChemtrec

Online

DailyHealthy Buildings Amid COVID-19Golder Associates

Online

DailyAir Transport of Radioactive Materials (IATA/DOT) Online TrainingEnergy Solutions

Online

DailyDOT/NRC Radioactive Waste Packaging, Transportation and Disposal Online TrainingEnergy Solutions

Online

DailyGET THE DIRT ON EXCESS SOIL Navigating Ontario’s Finalized RegulationsGolder Associates

Online

DailyDOT NON-Bulk Training Compliance Associates

Online

DailyOnline IATA Dangerous Goods Training Compliance Associates

Online

DailyWebinar IATA Dangerous Goods Training Compliance Associates

Online

DailyWebinar DOT Bulk Tank Truck Training Compliance Associates

Online

DailyOnsite DOT Bulk Tank Truck Training Compliance Associates

Online

DailyOnline DOT Bulk Railcar TrainingCompliance Associates

Online

DailyHazmat General, Safety and Security Awareness Online Training Course CHEMTREC

Online

DailyOSHA 30 Construction (Online) ClickSafety

Online

DailyHAZWOPER 2020 Refresher (Online) ClickSafety

Online

DailyHAZWOPER 40-Hour All Industries (Online) ClickSafety

Online

DailyHAZWOPER 24-Hour All Industries (Online) ClickSafety

Online

DailyHazmat General, Safety and Security Awareness Online Training Course Chemtrec

Online

DailyIATA Dangerous Goods Online Training for Operations Chemtrec

Online

Daily8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Course Hazmat School

Online

DailyDOT Hazmat Employee with Packaging Course Hazmat School

Online

DailyRCRA Hazardous Waste Generator Online Training Course Hazmat School

Online

DailyOSHA Asbestos Awareness TrainingHazmat School

Online

Daily49 CFR TrainingChemtrec

Online

DailyASP®-CSP® Online ReviewBowen

Online

DailyIATA Dangerous Goods Online Training for Operations PersonnelChemtrec

Online

DailyCHMM Online Review Bowen

Online

DailyCOVID 19: Sampling Approaches for Healthy Buildings – Virtual Live Panel Golder Associates

Online

DailyOnsite Lithium Battery TrainingCompliance Associates

Online

DailyOnsite ADR TrainingCompliance Associates

Online

DailyWebinar ADR TrainingCompliance Associates

Online

DailyWebinar TDG TrainingCompliance Associates

Online

DailyOSHA Confined Space Operations TrainingHazmat School

Online

DailyEmergency Management, Laser Safety FundamentalsBowen EHS

Online

Daily49CFR/IATA/IMDG INITIAL WEBINARDGI

Online

DailyCSHM Exam Prep CourseVubiz

Online

Dec 2, 2020 -Mar 3, 2021FET EHMM 11-Week Virtual CourseFET

Online

Feb 1 – Mar 23, 2021CHMM Prep CourseBowen

Online

Feb 14, 2021Dangerous Goods Shipping Private WebinarDGI

Online

Feb 18, 2021Webinar: Calculating Chemical Exposure Levels in EmployeesBowen

Online

Feb 24, 2021EnviroWorkshops Jacksonville Site Characterization Training EventEnviroWorkShops

Online

Feb 25, 2021EnviroWorkshops Tampa Site Characterization Training EventEnviroWorkShops

Online

Mar 2, 2021EPA – Building Climate Change Resilience Virtual Trainings –

  • Training Overview and CREAT Modules 1 (Climate Awareness) and 2 (Scenario Development)
EPA

Online

Mar 4, 2021EPA – Building Climate Change Resilience Virtual Trainings –

  • CREAT Modules 3 (Consequences and Assets) and 4 (Adaptation Planning)
EPA

Online

Mar 9, 2021EPA – Building Climate Change Resilience Virtual Trainings –

  • CREAT Module 5 (Risk Assessment) and an overview of local financial resources utilities can apply for to fund adaptation measures
EPA

Online

Mar 15-19, 2021Environmental Management Certificate ProgramOSU

OSU-Tulsa

Mar 16, 2021DOT Hazardous Materials TransportationPTP

Online

Mar 18, 2021RCRA Hazardous Waste ManagementPTP

Online

Mar 19, 2021IATA Transportation of Dangerous Goods By AirPTP

Online

Mar 22-24, 202124 Hour Hazmat Technician TrainingPTP

Swedesboro, NJ

Mar 22-25, 202140 Hour OSHA HAZWOPERPTP

Swedesboro, NJ

Mar 23, 2021EPA – Building Climate Change Resilience Virtual Trainings –

  • A brief overview of previous information, then open agenda for attendees to ask questions about using CREAT, how to apply it to their circumstances, and how to seek funding for adaptation strategies. (Optional)
EPA

Online

Mar 24, 20218 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER RefresherPTP

Swedesboro, NJ

April 1, 2021Creating the Water Workforce of the FutureEPA

Online

April 20, 2021DOT Hazardous Materials TransportationPTP

Online

April 22, 2021IATA Transportation of Dangerous Goods by AirPTP

Online

April 23, 2021IMO-IMDG TrainingPTP

Online

April 23, 2021IMO-IMDG TrainingPTP

Online

April 26-28, 202124 Hour OSHA HAZWOPERPTP

Swedesboro, NJ

April 26-29, 202140 Hour OSHA HAZWOPERPTP

Swedesboro, NJ

April 28, 20218 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER RefresherPTP

Swedesboro, NJ

July 26-Sept 20, 2021CHMM Online ReviewBowen

Online

August 17-19, 2021PHMSA HMIT Grant DOT Hazmat Basic Awareness TrainingHMS

Rockville, MD

August 24-26, 2021PHMSA HMIT Grant DOT Hazmat Advanced Awareness TrainingHMS

Rockville, MD

Sept 14-16, 2021PHMSA HMIT Grant DOT Hazmat Advanced Awareness TrainingHMS

Rockville, MD

Sept 21-23, 2021PHMSA HMIT Grant DOT Hazmat Basic Awareness TrainingHMS

Rockville, MD

9210 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 470, Rockville, Maryland, 20850
www.ihmm.org | [email protected]
Phone: 301-984-8969 Fax:301-984-1516

2021-02-23T14:09:19+00:00

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top