IHMM In-Person or Remotely Proctored Exams
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, 2020.
About 65% 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.
IHMM Credential Recognition
Below you will see the credential badges that are now in each CHMM, CHMP, CDGT, CDGP, Student CHMM, CSHM, CSMP, and 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/.
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.
Follow IHMM
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.
HMS Annual Meeting – September 30, 2021 – 2.00 pm Eastern
Annual HMS Membership Meeting is scheduled on Thursday September 30th at 2:00 p.m. EDT. The link to the Free Conference hosted virtual meeting is below and in the attached draft agenda:
Dial-in number: (425) 436-6280
Access code: 778407
Online meeting ID: jnguyen14
Online meeting link: https://join.freeconferencecall.com/jnguyen14
After a call to order, each BoD member will introduce themselves and make a statement regarding their work with HMS. Then, we will conduct the HMS business as presented in the attached draft agenda. I’ve also attached the copy of the original bylaws and a blackline copy of the changes as recommended by the HMS BoD and edited by Kermit Rader, Esq., the HMS BoD member. Kermit and the balance of the HMS BoD will be available on this call to answer any questions regarding these changes. Updates of the E&T programs and a solicitation for this year’s scholarship will follow.
As the draft agenda suggests, Board liaisons to HMS committees and/or committee chair present an update on each committee’s latest activities and plans. In addition, Ron Wilkins, HMS’s Finance Committee chair and BoD member, will present the financial status of our group.
Lastly, I will discuss HMS’s plans for the near future and solicit any questions you may have.
A voice vote is anticipated for the recommended bylaws changes. However, if the group is too large or a voice result is unclear, a roll call vote administered by our moderator, Jimmy Nguyen of the Institute. Should the group be too large to complete such a vote in a reasonable time (> ~70 members), a chat message with a link to a survey monkey request will be sent to each member in attendance in anticipation of your vote. Information supplied during this process will be used to verify your attendance and member status.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and your participation in the Hazardous Material Society’s second Annual Membership Meeting.
Bob West, Chairman of the Hazardous Materials Society (HMS)
CALL TO ACTION – Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act
IHMM and PCC will host a “virtual fly-in” on October 6 at 1:00 p.m. ET to urge Members of Congress to support H.R. 2171/S. 905, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, and the soon-to-be-introduced REBUILD Skills Act. Visit our website to register.
The goal of the fly-in is to encourage Members of Congress to cosponsor each of these bills and to persuade them to request that congressional leaders allow the bills to move expeditiously, either on a standalone basis or as part of a larger legislative package. We are pleased to announce that Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), the author of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, is confirmed to speak to participating PCC members at the beginning of the virtual fly-in. After the Congresswoman’s remarks and an internal PCC member strategy and prep session, PCC members will participate in virtual meetings with their Members of Congress (arranged either by the PCC or by the PCC members, depending on preference/availability).
You can support this effort with your voice and message. Go here> https://ihmm.org/45-in-5-task-force/ and fill out your contact information where provided and help to pass H.R. 2171/S. 905.
Finding the Program You Want at HMS/Education and Training
Every IHMM certificant needs to earn 200 certification maintenance points [CMPs] over 5 years in order to successfully recertify their credential. Certificants receive 100 points for the job they perform. Earning the other 100 points can be done in many ways, as outlined in the IHMM Recertification Claims Manual here > https://ihmm.org/recertification-claims/
Earning CMPs by taking education and training programs is simple and easy. Certificants may earn CMPs in many places, though one way we have made it easy to find is on the HMS website.
First, go to https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/
Second, see the row of quick-search buttons, shown below with “CMPs” circled in red.
Press the CMPs button and you will see the courses with CMPs in the display.
It’s really very easy.
NPDES: EPA Issues the 2021 PGP
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing the 2021 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Pesticide General Permit (PGP) for discharges of pesticides to waters of the United States in areas where EPA is the NPDES permitting authority. The 2021 PGP regulates point source discharges of biological pesticides and chemical pesticides that leave a residue into waters of the United States. The 2016 PGP expires October 31, 2021 and will be replaced by the 2021 PGP. The 2021 PGP contains the same requirements and provisions as the current permit, with no substantive changes. The permit is published on Regulations.gov (https://www.regulations.gov) in Docket No. EPA-HQ-OW-2020-0005. The 2021 PGP replaces the requirements to use EPA’s eNOI system with EPA’s NPDES electronic-reporting Tool (NeT) when preparing and submitting notice of intents (NOI), notice of terminations (NOT), and annual reports. EPA is holding training sessions for Operators in using EPA’s NeT for the PGP. These trainings are for Decision-makers who are required to submit an NOI under EPA’s 2021 PGP. See Table 1-1 of the PGP. The scheduled trainings are to be held on: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 from 2:30pm- 4:00pm EST.Register for this training here. In the event you are not able to attend either of the training, the recordings will be posted online.For any questions related to this announcement, please contact [email protected]. Do not respond directly to [email protected], as this inbox is not monitored. |
NPDES: WEBINAR: Putting the Brakes on Water Pollution: A Story of Industry and Government Collaboration
October 6, 20212:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Eastern TimeRegister HereIn January 2015, EPA, states, and the motor vehicle industry signed an agreement to reduce the use of copper and other materials in motor vehicle brake pads. The agreement calls for reducing copper in brake pads nationwide to no more than 0.5 percent by weight by 2025. In addition to copper, this voluntary initiative reduces mercury, lead, cadmium, asbestiform fibers, and chromium-six salts in motor vehicle brake pads. The initiative will reduce runoff of these pollutants from roads into the nation’s streams, rivers, and lakes. The webinar will explore how this voluntary initiative and these partnerships developed, the roles of the signatories, and the progress made so far. Speakers will highlight lessons learned and considerations for organizations considering future voluntary source control partnerships. For more information about the copper-free brake initiative, visit Copper-Free Brakes (https://www.epa.gov/npdes/copper-free-brake-initiative). If you need reasonable accommodations or closed captioning for this webinar, please email [email protected] by September 22, 2021. This webinar will be recorded and posted at a later date; a notification with the URL will be sent to all registrants once it is available. Speakers
For any questions related to this announcement, please contact [email protected]. Do not respond directly to this message, as this inbox is not monitored. |
IHMM Certified Hazardous Materials Specialist [CHMS] Committee
The IHMM Certified Hazardous Materials Specialist Committee [CHMS] is in the latter stages of creating a new hazardous materials credential targeted specifically at the more than 250,000 military service personnel who muster out of the armed services each year with no degree and less than three years experience in a MOS, as well as recent college graduates with degrees in targeted disciplines but with no experience as they begin their hazmat careers. The latter serves as the next step after IHMM’s present Student CHMM program.
Call for Volunteers – Student CHMM Committee
From Spring 2020 through Early Summer 2021 IHMM ran a pilot program for the newly created Student CHMM credential. See > https://ihmm.org/student-chmm/ The pilot program involved two colleges that brought forth 90 Student CHMM applications. Having successfully conducted this pilot program, IHMM now seeks to have a small group of volunteers oversee and help to guide the program.
You can learn more about the program here > https://ihmm.org/ihmm-student-chmm-committee/ including the charter of the committee as approved by the IHMM Board of Directors.
If you would like to help increase interest in IHMM credentials among college students, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful and valuable contribution to IHMM and to college students before they graduate from college and start their professional hazmat careers.
Go here > https://ihmm.org/ihmm-student-chmm-committee/ and volunteer today! Preference is given to CHMMs.
Call for Volunteers – IHMM Professional Textbook Committee
IHMM is calling for volunteers to participate in updating the IHMM Managing Hazardous Materials – A Definitive Text, textbook. Preference is given to those who last participated in this endeavor, though IHMM seeks CHMM and CHMP hazardous materials professionals generally to populate this committee and contribute to this effort.
Information about and volunteering for this committee is here > https://ihmm.org/ihmm-professional-textbook-committee/ Note that this scholarly work will be peer-reviewed. In addition, this committee will be permanent and provide continuous improvement of the material by not only produced a single new textbook but also producing an annual update of material.
Here is how a professional certification body operates:
The IHMM Managing Hazardous Materials text is an integral part of the system that begins with producing or updating a blueprint for an IHMM credential, such as the CHMM or CHMP. Arising from the blueprint next comes creating examinations and item banks of questions that feed the exams. The IHMM text then mirrors the blueprint and examinations in order to best prepare applicants to take the exam. Then, arising from the blueprint and textbook comes the creation of preparatory courses further enabling applicants to prepare for and ultimately to pass the exam. The prep courses are offered through IHMM’s foundation at the Hazardous Materials Society.
Call for Volunteers – IHMM CSSS-CSSM Committee
IHMM is calling for CSSS and CSSM volunteers to participate in the CSSS-CSSM Committee. IHMM inherited the CSSS and CSSM credentials when it acquired ISHM in April 2019. The CSSS and CSSM credentials have no job task analysis, no blueprints, no exams, or item banks. Now that IHMM has spent the past 18 months establishing the updated processes to recreate the CSHM and CSMP credentials, we can turn to the CSSS and CSSM designations.
IHMM welcomes CSSS and CSSM designation holders to volunteer and participate in the committee. Volunteering may be done here > https://ihmm.org/csss-cssm-committee/
IHMM-AHMP 45 in 5 Task Force
We are preparing an initiated rulemaking at EPA to amend 40 CFR § 312.10 – Definitions to include CHMMs, as well as a petition to the Small Business Administration recognizing CHMMs for the purposes of conducting Phase I and Phase II site assessments.
These regulatory proposals go to the IHMM Board for its September 24, 2021 meeting.
IHMM CSHM Scheme Committee
The IHMM CSHM Scheme Committee is expected to complete the task of creating a new blueprint for the credential by Q4 of 2021. When released, this will lead to IHMM creating a separate group to organize the creation of new supporting text materials as well as working to create a new exam preparatory course.
IHMM CSMP Scheme Committee
The IHMM CSMP Scheme Committee is expected to complete the task of creating a new blueprint for the credential by Q4 of 2021. When released, this will lead to IHMM creating a separate group to organize the creation of new supporting text materials as well as working to create a new exam preparatory course.
IHMM Professional Standards Committee
The IHMM Professional Standards Committee is in the process of creating a new IHMM Code of Ethics orientation program for use by new applicants as well as during the recertification process. This committee also has the task of reviewing and recommending a standard for managing conflicts of interest.
IHMM
IHMM is pleased to announce that three new credential videos are underway for the CSHM, CSMP, and ASHM credentials. These videos follow the two credential videos already produced for the CHMM and CHMP; see https://youtu.be/EGAChcNVeeY and https://youtu.be/tAV-RlKeHJ4
IHMM is also completing an update with Association Anywhere/MYIHMM to facilitate the transition of former ISHM credential holders [CSHM and CSMP] to participate in the IHMM recertification system. When formally announced, CSHM and CSMP credential holders will have one year to complete what will be a simple process of recertification.
IHMM has been soliciting responses to its RFP for a 360° cybersecurity audit of its operations and those of the contractors with whom IHMM works. IHMM has solid cybersecurity protection and is making sure that status remains ahead of the curve.
IHMM has just completed its application for ANSI/ANAB accreditation audit for the 2020-2021 year. The strength of credentials is based on the strength of their accreditation and IHMM’s ANSI/ANAB accreditation is the gold standard.
IHMM Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner [CHMP]
The IHMM is in its third month of promoting the CHMP credential to more than 6,000 college and university hazmat professionals. This program features June Brock-Carroll, CHMP and IHMM Board Member and Treasurer. https://ihmm.org/chmp/
Companies and Government Agencies That Recognize the IHMM CHMP
Here is a small sampling of the hundreds of companies and government agencies that recognize the IHMM CHMP
House GOP Unlikely to Rescue Infrastructure Bill
Democrats Scramble to Retool Reconciliation Package
House Passes CR Linked to Debt Limit
Regulation of Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals Under TSCA Section 6(h); Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate (3:1); Compliance Date Extension
PFAS Reporting Rules Webinar Recording and Q&A Document Available Now
Scientists created the world’s whitest paint. It could eliminate the need for air conditioning
The 5 Disciplines of High-Reliability Organizations
Safety News Roundup: September in Review
Workplace Safety and Productivity Go Hand in Hand
New Orleans unveils $20M emergency sanitation plan amid trash crisis
Not feeling the burn: The continued threat of lithium-ion batteries
California ports bottlenecks remain
Metalaxyl; Pesticide Tolerances
EPA Launches Nationwide Initiative to Reduce Lead Exposure in Underserved Communities
PFAS Georgia Rulings Open Door To Downstream Liabilities
Catching Up on the 2021 Clean Water Act Releases
Build Back Better: Notable Infrastructure and Other Public Finance Provisions Make Progress in Congress
Looking to Expand Your Existing Facility or Renew Your Permits? Here’s What May Be Different Under Washington’s New Climate Change Policies
WOTUS Whiplash
Georgia – Hazardous Materials
IATA Publishes List of Changes for 2022
Consignee Responsibility
Case Study – Shipping Carbon Dioxide Cartridges for a Consumer Product
Manufacturers Have One Year from July, 2021 to Comply With New Saudi RoHS Regulation
GAO calls on Congress to break used fuel disposal impasse
Italy launches national debate on waste repository
Chemical safety best practices
Punching In: OSHA Rejects Industry Push for Vaccine Rule Input
Q&A: environmental regulation in USA
Whistleblower Protection Program: OSHA public meeting will focus on migrant workers
Prevent falls when working near rooftop hatches
Trends in … head protection
Fatal Four: The Construction Industry’s Most Dangerous Hazards
U.S. EPA weighs regulation of chemical recycling
N95 respirator approval, fit testing and efficiency: New fact sheets from NIOSH
NSC Webinars
September 28 – Webinar: Making the Case for High Performing Safety Programs
September 28 – Safety Training Boot Camp Create a Safer and Healthier Workplace
September 28 – Written Safety Plans: Laying a Foundation for Compliance and More
September 29 – A Shot in the Arm – How to Boost Your Workplace Vaccination Rates
September 30 – Impacts on Workplace Drug Testing: Marijuana, Opioids, & COVID — OH MY!
October 6 – Supplying High-Level Safety: Preventing Common Injuries in Warehouse and Distribution Centers
October 7 – The Evolution of Safety | Lessons Learned from Real Events in History
October 7 – COVID-19 Update: Keeping Your Employees and Company Safe!
American Society of Safety Professionals
IHMM is a member of ASSP and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
HMS Education and Training
Hazardous Materials Society now has 6,347 education and training programs on its website, 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.
IHMM applicants and certificants are free to search the landscape for training. IHMM wanted to make that task easier by aggregating training in one place if you choose to use it. Among these more than 11.000 programs are webinars delivered online and virtually all carry IHMM CMPs values with them for your annual / 5-year CMP planning.
Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] Scholarship Applications for 2021 LIVE
Dan Levine, Chair of the HMS Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that HMS Scholarship applications for 2021 are live and available on the HMS website.
Visit the HMS Scholarship page and click the big red button that says APPLY NOW GET THE APPLICATION FORM HERE!
Thank you to Dan and his committee for getting the HMS Scholarship open in 2021, and for more information and the application form, please visit the website link above.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Do you want to hold polluters accountable? Clean up contaminated sites? Address environmental crimes?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance [OECA] is holding a Virtual Career Fair on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 9.30 am Eastern. For more information on the OECA Virtual Career Fair, including an opportunity to register please visit https://lnkd.in/gbZQwz2v Space is limited, so sign up early!
Donate to HMS
One of the most important projects of the Hazardous Materials Society is our Scholarship Program.
HMS wants to make it as easy as possible for those who cannot always afford to participate in pursuing certification, or keeping up with professional development, or attending great conferences and receiving outstanding training. HMS does not solicit contributions from the general public. HMS does ask IHMM’s certificants and their companies and our education and training vendors to consider a contribution.
Here, through your generosity, you can make a difference in promoting the ability of those who can afford it least to become participants in our communities of practice.
It’s never too late to make a difference, so don’t let this opportunity to make a difference pass you by. Please consider a tax-deductible donation of $250, $500 or what you can to help build HMS’s effort to help others in our communities of practice.
Member Benefits of Hazardous Materials Society
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.
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.
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.
A Collaborative Culture
There are 503 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.
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 some of the conferences IHMM will support in 2021.
Are there conferences you believe IHMM should attend that do not appear here? If so, let us know! Send an email to Diane McLevy and tell us what conferences we should attend.
EnviroWorkShops 2021 Global Enviro Summit
POSTPONED to April 4-7, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina
Contaminated soil, groundwater, and the air is a global issue and over $1 trillion is spent every year to mitigate pollution. There is a lot still to learn from each other on how each segment of the environmental industry impacts the next. The 2021 Global EnviroSummit is postponed until April 4-7, 2022 due to COVID-19 Delta variant.
With over 75 speakers from around the globe, the EnviroSummit is likely the first environmental conference that will have presentations from all 6 continents about 4 different themes – Remediation, Air Quality, Vapor Intrusion, and Wastewater.
Federation of Environmental Technologists Environment 2021 Conference
December 7-9, 2021
The Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
This will be an in-person event – more information here.
Beltway Buzz – Ogletree & Deakins
Congressional Update, Part I: Budget Brinksmanship. This time next week, we could be in the middle of a government shutdown. Always the masters of brinksmanship, our congressional legislators still do not have a deal to extend federal government funding beyond September 30, 2021. The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed a continuing resolution to extend government funding into December 2021, and increase the debt limit through December 2022. For months, Republicans have been arguing that because Democrats are pursuing a $3.5 trillion-spending package unilaterally, they must also extend the debt limit unilaterally. Who will blink first? Will Democrats strip the debt language from the legislation and agree to a “clean” continuing resolution, or will Republicans agree to the debt limit extension in order to keep the government running? In any event, the Office of Management and Budget has issued its “Agency Contingency Plans” in the event of a lapse in funding.
The last federal government shutdown occurred between December 22, 2018, and January 25, 2019, and it was one for the record books. Literally. The 35-day closure was the longest in the history of the United States.
Congressional Update, Part II: Immigration Provisions Nixed. Last week, the Buzz discussed Democrats’ efforts to include within their $3.5 trillion reconciliation package language that would provide pathways to citizenship for various groups of undocumented immigrants. This week, the U.S. Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that such language could not be included in a reconciliation bill because it is ancillary to federal budgetary matters: “Changing the law to clear the way to [lawful permanent residence] status is tremendous and enduring policy change that dwarfs its budgetary impact,” MacDonough wrote.
The Heat Is On! The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) this week announced multiple initiatives to address excessive heat in the workplace.
- Enforcement. OSHA recently implemented “an enforcement initiative to prevent and protect employees from serious heat-related illnesses and deaths while working in hazardous hot indoor or outdoor environments.” The initiative specifically calls for increased enforcement on “heat priority days” (i.e., “when the heat index exceeds 80°F”), and instructs OSHA area offices to:
- “[p]rioritize inspections of heat-related complaints, referrals, and employer-reported illnesses”;
- instruct worksite investigators “to be vigilant of circumstances where employees may be performing moderate or more strenuous work in hot conditions during heat priority days”; and
- “[e]xpand the scope of other programmed or unprogrammed inspections to address heat-related hazards” that may be present.
- NEP. OSHA is developing a national emphasis program (NEP), “which will target high-risk industries and focus agency resources and staff time on heat inspections.”
- Rulemaking. OSHA announced that in October 2021 it would issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) “to gather diverse perspectives and technical expertise on topics including heat stress thresholds, heat acclimatization planning, exposure monitoring, and strategies to protect workers.” As readers of the Buzz already know, this really isn’t news, as OSHA forecasted the introduction of a heat standard in the 2021 Spring Regulatory Agenda (although the item was styled as a request for information, rather than an ANPRM).
Federal Contractor Vax Guidance? Today, September 24, 2021, is the date by which the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force is scheduled to release implementing guidance pursuant to President Joe Biden’s executive order aimed at requiring employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. While we wait for this guidance, the task force has updated its recommendations in a way that could have a significant impact on the scope of coverage of the vaccination requirement. More specifically, pursuant to new frequently asked questions, “[a]gencies are strongly encouraged to incorporate vaccination requirements into contracts that are not covered by Executive Order 14042,” such as “contracts under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.” The simplified acquisition threshold is currently $250,000.
Administration Eases COVID-19 International Travel Restrictions. This week, the Biden administration announced that it would lift restrictions on international travel into the United States and instead require such travelers to demonstrate proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Andrew G. Drozdowski and Sarah P. Chiang have the details.
Joint-Employer Rule Effective Date Extended. The effective date of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) rescission of the Trump-era joint-employer rule has been pushed back from September 28, 2021, to October 5, 2021. According to the DOL, the slight delay is necessary to comply with the reporting requirements of the Congressional Review Act.
Buzz Slips on Tips. The Buzz jumped the gun last week discussing the imminent arrival of the DOL’s “dual jobs” tips regulation. Here is what happened. The Biden administration bifurcated its rulemaking effort to address the 2020 final tip rule, and the regulation that is on the move actually deals with civil money penalties, not dual jobs. The civil money penalties rule, which was published in the Federal Register on September 24, 2021, allows the DOL to assess penalties against employers that retain employees’ tips, even if not done “repeatedly or willfully.” The dual jobs proposal remains under review. The new rule on civil money penalties goes into effect on November 23, 2021.
Grassley Gears Up. While going for a jog today at 4 AM, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) announced that he will seek an eighth term in the U.S. Senate in 2022. The Hawkeye State lawmaker turned 88 years old last Friday, September 17, and recently completed his annual tour—sometimes referred to as the “full Grassley”—of Iowa’s 99 counties (some view the tour as a genuine way to keep in touch with constituents, while others view it as a publicity stunt).
- Grassley has been in elected office since 1959, when he was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives—a position he held until 1975. He then served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1975 to 1981, at which time he began his first term as U.S. Senator.
- Beginning with President Jimmy Carter, Grassley has served during eight different presidential administrations.
- If Grassley wins and completes his term, he will overtake Strom Thurmond (D, R, SC) as the third longest serving senator in history at 48 years. Only Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) (nearly 50 years) and Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) (51 years) will have served longer. If Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) runs and wins in 2022, and serves his full term, he will overtake the top spot at 54 years.
Professional Certification Coalition [PCC] October Fly-In
PCC will host a “virtual fly-in” on October 6 at 1:00 p.m. ET to urge Members of Congress to support our two high-priority federal bills: H.R. 2171/S. 905, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, and the soon-to-be-introduced REBUILD Skills Act. Visit our website to register.
The goal of the fly-in is to encourage Members of Congress to cosponsor each of these bills and to persuade them to request that congressional leaders allow the bills to move expeditiously, either on a standalone basis or as part of a larger legislative package. We are pleased to announce that Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), the author of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, is confirmed to speak to participating PCC members at the beginning of the virtual fly-in. After the Congresswoman’s remarks and an internal PCC member strategy and prep session, PCC members will participate in virtual meetings with their Members of Congress (arranged either by the PCC or by the PCC members, depending on preference/availability).
Below is additional background on our priority legislation:
- The bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act would permit individuals to use funds in 529 savings plans to cover costs associated with obtaining and maintaining certification (including testing-related expenses), and/or for expenses for training required to obtain such credentials.
- The Resources and Education to Build(REBUILD) Skills Act would permit certification organizations and training programs to provide scholarships (up to $3,000) for certification-related and training expenses to individuals displaced from employment during the pandemic or who recently came off active duty from military service (along with spouses of recently discharged service members). The organizations offering such scholarships would be able to apply for a payroll tax credit to compensate them for those scholarships. The U.S. Department of Labor would maintain a list of approved (i.e., credible) certification and training organizations that could participate, which could serve as a great resource for individuals seeking to identify legitimate certification and training opportunities and would promote the certification community writ large.
OSHA – Request for Information on the Mechanical Power Presses Standard
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is requesting information and comment on issues related to the mechanical power presses standard. OSHA is seeking information regarding whether it should update the mechanical power presses standard and, if so, how closely the standard should follow the current ANSI standard for mechanical power presses. It is also seeking information on the types of presses that should be covered, the use and certification of equipment, and other topics such as presence-sensing device initiation (PSDI) systems, and requirements for press modifications, training, and injury reporting. Please reference the Federal Register here.
Individuals may submit comments electronically at http://www.regulations.gov (Docket No. OSHA-2007-0003, which also includes documents referenced by OSHA in the RFI). Please refer to the Federal Register notice for additional details. The deadline for submitting comments is October 26, 2021.
Vendor Alert: 884 – How much of this business did you get?
IHMM has seen a 100% jump in applications and examinations over 2019, and for the first 8 months of 2021, we stand at 884. 244 new certificants and 640 more awaiting examinations. How much of this business did your company see?
If you’re missing out contact Diane McLevy at [email protected] and see how you can benefit from a relationship with IHMM and HMS.
IHMM-HMS EVENTS CALENDAR
IHMM has a companion organization for which education and training programs are presented and delivered. The Hazardous Materials Society is IHMM’s Professional Association and HMS’ education and training website can be found here.
IHMM AFFILIATIONS
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www.ihmm.org | [email protected]
Phone: 301-984-8969 | Fax: 301-984-1516