In EI’s blog series on sustainability in business, the latest article, “Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) Involvement is the Key to Sustainability Success,” discussed the significant contribution of SMEs to carbon emissions via their supply chain for large corporations. When compared to the larger FORTUNE 1000 clients they support, one would logically assume that reducing carbon emissions for SMEs would be much simpler and more straightforward given their limited geographic footprint, shorter supply chains, reduced work-related travel and smaller office/workspaces to heat/cool and light.

We all want to do our part in protecting the planet from unnecessary waste, but sometimes that good intent can lead us to putting things we shouldn’t in our recycling bins. According to Republic Services, here are 5 things that don’t belong in your standard curbside bins: plastic bags, toys, clothing, disposable diapers, and yard debris.

The focus of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) is to increase awareness on ways to reduce childhood exposure and prevent lead poisoning by highlighting ways parents can reduce lead exposure in their child’s environment.  Even very low levels of lead in children’s blood are linked to adverse effects on intellect, concentration, and academic achievement.  While the United States has made substantial progress reducing lead exposure over the last 40 years, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and other Federal partners are committed to addressing on-going lead exposure and its health impacts on communities across the United States. 

OSHA recently announced its Top 10 Violations for 2022, and the most popular violations from 2021 remain on the list. For the 12th year in a row, Fall Protection was #1 with HazCom, Ladders, Scaffolding, LOTO, PITs, PPE and Machine Guarding also representing safety standards that American industry continues to struggle to get right.  Respiratory protection violations, no doubt due to COVID-19, remained popular, landing at #3 on the list this year.  What does the consistency of the list suggest?  We know how to improve safety in America and too many companies refuse to commit the time and resources to making effective changes.

It sure seems like every cause has its day. Just in October alone, there is National Get Funky Day, National Do Something Nice Day, National Taco Day, National Vodka Day, National Manufacturing Day…and the list goes on and on.

Well today, October 5th, 2022 is Energy Efficiency Day and it is a good reminder of the value of saving energy.  The Energy Efficiency Day website’s tagline is “Save Money. Cut Pollution. Create Jobs.”

It is estimated that 5.6 million or more workers are at risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.  OSHA requires employers provide training to any employee that has the potential to be exposed to bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 (the standard) applies to all workers in the private sector, as well as civilian employees of Federal entities.

Even though the coronavirus remains in the headlines, other unfortunate events are still happening as well, such as active shooter incidents.  Here are 5 reasons you should be concerned about an active shooter event occurring at your business during the COVID-19 recovery.

Ensuring that employees are protected from inhaling harmful contaminants requires annual medical clearance and testing to meet OSHA standards. The EI Group’s Occupational Health team is here to help you as a one-stop option to fulfill your annual respirator protection commitments regarding respirator medical clearances and fit testing.

Most project design/build teams planning new construction or modifications to existing facilities involving sources of air emission understand that these actions require an air permit prior to starting construction.  It is also well known that the emissions, air quality evaluations, and application process should start early, as air permitting is typically on a critical path which can impact scheduling.  If you find yourself as the lucky delegate responsible for air permitting and arrive at the point of receiving the glorious prize of the long-awaited air permit, finally releasing your team to begin construction, CONGRATULATIONS!  You have been victorious, but now what?

The official hurricane season for the Atlantic basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, extends from the first of June to the end of November; however, tropical cyclone activity can occur before and after these months.  According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is September 10, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October.