Spring is here! And while many are joyful at the thought of warmer weather, there are over 67 million Americans who suffer from allergies, and springtime pollen can be anything but joyous. Itchy watery eyes, runny nose, itchy throat, hives, fatigue, and irritability are some of the symptons spring allergy sufferers can look forward to. If this is something you’re dealing with, be proactive. Check your local pollen count and daily weather to see how you can protect yourself. We’ve collected some good tips to help survive spring allergies. Here’s what you can do this season:
Determine if it’s really allergies: The sudden change from cool to warm weather can make it hard to tell if you’re dealing with spring allergies or a cold (particularly if you don’t usually get seasonal allergies). Keep in mind that the absence of fever and aches is a clue it’s probably allergies and not a cold or other virus.
Try symptom relief: Over-the-counter decongestants will help relieve a stuffy nose and antihistamines can tackle sniffles and itching. If drugstore medications aren’t your thing, try a natural remedy like a saline nasal rinse (either with a neti pot or a spray), which helps clear allergens like pollen from your nasal membranes, minimizing symptoms. Also, gargling with salt water can soothe a sore or scratchy throat. Try this once or twice a day throughout allergy season to ease congestion.
Avoid bringing pollen indoors: Don’t drag allergens throughout your home where they’ll continue to cause your symptoms to act up. Take your shoes off, change clothes, wash your face and hands after you’ve been outside, bathe and shampoo daily to remove pollen from your skin and hair, wash bedding in hot, soapy water once a week, and avoid line drying your clothes and bedding outdoors when the pollen count is high.
Plan your mornings accordingly: Check pollen counts in the morning and try to stay indoors when they are high. Limiting outdoor exposure when pollen count is especially high (between 5am-10am or on warm and dry or especially windy days) can really help reduce symptoms.
Protect yourself (literally): Planning to be outside for long periods of time? Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, or in severe cases, even a facemask!
Keep your windows closed: Avoid letting pollen in with open windows. And set your air conditioners to re-circulate in your home and vehicle to avoid drawing in outside pollen-rich air.
Sign up for allergy alerts: Monitor the allergy counts in your area by signing up for local alerts. It will help you plan for your day. Or, if you’re traveling, do some research on allergy forecasts in your destination.
And lastly, take allergy symptoms seriously: Don’t brush off allergies. Listen to your body. Rest when you need and take the necessary precautions to help keep you feeling your best. Visit your allergist or doctor if symptoms persists and see what actions are right for you.
https://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/newsletter-allergy-survivial-tips.png200640mbrandthttps://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Envicomply-ECATTS.pngmbrandt2018-04-09 11:27:452018-04-12 11:55:03Can You Prevent Your Allergy Symptoms Before they Happen?
Tens of millions of Americans are exposed to unsafe drinking water each year. Is your water safe?
When you drink a glass of tap water, do you think about the potentially harmful contaminants you’re putting into your body? Maybe you should. According to a study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, almost 21 million people relied on community water systems that violated health-based quality standards in 2015. Meaning tens of millions of Americans could be exposed to unsafe drinking water in any given year, consuming contaminants like fecal coliform, lead and arsenic. Unsafe drinking water from industrial and agricultural contaminants can cause short-term illnesses such as gastroenteritis, as well as chronic conditions including cancer and neurological disorders.
Although the majority of the nation’s water supply is in good shape, the head of the study’s research said many areas are continually prone to poor water quality, particularly in Oklahoma, Texas and Idaho, where water systems had repeat violations. Violations were also more frequent in rural and low-income areas.
Here’s an interesting (and disturbing) chart showing your local water quality at the county-level up until 2015. Violations can be seen from minimal to extensive based on color. How does your local water compare?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, your drinking water supplier is required to send you information about the quality of your water every year. EPA then posts the data collected from states and territories about its performance. You can view your quality report here.
Are you working safely to prevent water contamination while on the job? Are you aware of backflow and how to prevent it? Or when and why water supply line disinfection is required? What causes the presence of lead and copper in drinking water? And what to expect during a drinking water system inspection? You can be with our Drinking Water Awareness training.
Click here to read additional information on the study mentioned.
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US deaths from lead exposure 10 times higher than thought, study suggests
“The researchers concluded that nearly 412,000 deaths every year in the US can be attributed to lead contamination.” According to a new study, published in The Lancet Public Health, that’s 10 times more deaths in the United States than previously thought.
For decades, it’s been known that lead exposure and high blood pressure can been linked together. But the magnitude of the effect on cardiovascular mortality, even at low levels of exposure, is greater than anticipated.
“… if we’re underestimating the impact of lead exposure on cardiovascular disease mortality and other important outcomes beyond IQ, then it might have a big impact on the way we make investments in preventing lead poisoning exposure,” says Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a professor of health sciences and leader author of the study.
“According to the study, the 10th percentile corresponded to a blood lead concentration of 1.0 micrograms per deciliter, while the 90th percentile corresponded to a concentration of 6.7 micrograms per deciliter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends that public health officials take action when blood lead concentrations rise above 5 micrograms per deciliter.
The researchers relied on a nationally representative sample of 14,289 adults ages 20 years and older who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1988 and 1994. The survey is administered by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention every year.
Of the initial 14,289 survey respondents, 4,422 had died by 2011. The researchers calculated that approximately 18% of those deaths could have been prevented by reducing blood lead concentrations to 1.0 micrograms per deciliter.
Lead exposure has numerous toxic effects and can cause hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular disease. And while there are regulations in place to reduce exposure, there is still a risk factor. “… approximately 90% of Americans are stilled exposed to the contaminant, particularly those who work in certain occupations such as construction or those who live in areas more vulnerable to contamination runoff,” according to Lanphear.
Have you taken your lead awareness training yet? Stay educated to stay safe. With our Lead Awareness training, you can learn about topics like lead in the US, its use in products, different routes of lead exposure, symptoms and levels of lead poisoning, lead dangers, and preventative measures to avoid lead poisoning.
https://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/lead-contamination.jpg282425mbrandthttps://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Envicomply-ECATTS.pngmbrandt2018-03-28 10:20:312018-05-20 15:50:38Lead Exposure & Poisoning - Are You at Risk?
Pesticide violations lead to penalties and hefty fines for Terminix. The company was fined for pesticide misuse with multiple safety violations creating health and environmental dangers.
Don’t be a statistic.
Know the rules and regulations to keep you and your company safe.
U.S. EPA fines Terminix $168,000 for misuse of pesticide products
HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a $168,535 fine against Terminix International Co. for misusing three different restricted-use fumigant pesticides, at four separate locations on Kauai.
The company is a commercial pesticide applicator and uses the EPA-registered fumigants Vikane, Profume, and Degesch Fumi-Cel. Terminix failed to follow required label instructions and safety precautions before and during fumigation operations.
“Access to restricted-use pesticides comes with the responsibility to use particular care in protecting public health,” said Alexis Strauss, acting Regional Administrator for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “Today’s action emphasizes how critical it is for pesticide applicators to follow directions concerning these potentially dangerous fumigants.”
At a seed fumigation site on the island of Kauai, Terminix failed to ensure that only certified workers or workers directly supervised by a certified worker apply a restricted-use pesticide, failed to provide proper worker protection equipment, failed to properly monitor the pesticide’s application or measure the amount of pesticide used, and failed to maintain at least two years of routine operational records tracking applications of the restricted-use pesticide Degesch Fumi-Cel. Terminix had similar violations when using the restricted-use pesticide Profume at another seed fumigation site, as well as the restricted-use pesticide Vikane at residences in Kapaa Shores and Kekaha, all located on Kauai.
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act regulates the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides. Restricted-use pesticides are not available to the general public because of high toxicity and potential to cause injury and to adversely affect the environment. Restricted-use pesticides also require applicators to either be certified to apply the pesticides or be supervised by a certified applicator.
Before selling or distributing any pesticide, companies are required to register the pesticide with EPA and ensure that the registered pesticide is properly labeled. The label of all EPA-registered products must bear the EPA registration number, along with directions for use and safety precautions that need to be followed to avoid misapplication and misuse of the pesticide.
https://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/b19fdc681bad8156ad93516019598472.png600600mbrandthttps://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Envicomply-ECATTS.pngmbrandt2018-03-21 14:00:052018-05-20 15:50:38$168,535 Fine for Pesticide Violations against Terminix
Everyday household substances can lead to accidental poisoning if you’re not careful. In fact, did you know 9 out of 10 poisonings occur within the household? Protect your children by locking up household pesticides, cleaners, and chemicals in a high cabinet and out of the reach of little hands.
Here are some poison prevention tips to help keep your home safe.
Keep these common household pesticides out of children’s reach:
Bath and kitchen disinfectants and sanitizers, including bleach.
Products used to kill mold or mildew.
Roach sprays and baits.
Insect repellents.
Rat and other rodent poisons.
Weed killers.
Flea and tick shampoos, powders and dips for pets.
Swimming pool chemicals.
Use these tips to help you poison-proof your home:
Child-proofing
Lock up all pesticides and harmful products in a cabinet, out of a child’s reach.
Install safety latches on cabinets.
Crawl around on your hands and knees to see if you’ve missed any potential dangers from your child’s viewpoint.
Pesticide labels
Read the label first.
Follow the directions as they are written on the label before using a product.
Pesticide containers
Use child-resistant packaging correctly by tightly sealing the container after every use.
Re-close a pesticide package if ever interrupted during application (e.g., phone call, doorbell, etc.).
Make sure the container is completely out of children’s reach while you’re absent.
Keep pesticides in their original containers.
Never put poisonous products in containers that could be mistaken for food or drinks.
Other tips
Alert all caregivers about the potential dangers of pesticides and share these tips with them.
Teach children that “pesticides are poisons” and not to be touched.
Pesticides you use to control fleas and ticks on your pets can be transferred to your children. Protect your pets and children by carefully following the label directions and precautions.
Post the Poison Control Centers national hotline phone number, 1(800) 222-1222, near every telephone in your home and program it into your cell phone.
Did you know we offer a Pesticide Awareness course? Staying safe in the workplace means knowing how to mix, manage and store pesticides. Learn best management practices with us.
Add another to the list! Pennsylvania UST Class A/B Certification training has just been added to our online catalog. Successfully completing this training will award a certificate which grants UST Class A/B operator certification in the state of Pennsylvania.
This 9 module program has been reviewed and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Division of Storage Tanks and includes comprehensive training on the following relevant topics:
https://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/41f2552ff3041cbdc6fa69bdd387d9dc-1.png600600mbrandthttps://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Envicomply-ECATTS.pngmbrandt2018-03-16 09:25:002018-05-20 15:50:38Are You Certified in Pennsylvania Yet?
Companies cited for lead paint violations are required to pay penalties for their noncompliance.
Violations and settlements continue to happen due to lack of compliance. Failure to follow federal regulations not only hurts your company, but can cause serious health hazards that can hurt you and those around you. In addition to the health dangers, costly fines continue to add up from penalties.
Avoid violations like these. Know the rules and regulations required to do your job safely. Did you know we offer Painting, Prime & Hazard Abatement Contractor Course Packs? As well as Waste Management, and Building Construction, Demolition, & Renovation Awareness training?
U.S. EPA settlements in California and Arizona protect residents from lead paint health hazards
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced six lead paint enforcement actions—for a combined total of $287,000 in settlements—completed over the past year (January 2017-January 2018) in California and Arizona. These companies allegedly failed to comply with federal regulations requiring them to protect the public from exposure to lead.
“Lead paint is one of the most common sources of lead poisoning in children. EPA’s diligent enforcement of federal lead paint laws is not only necessary to protect communities across the country, but also ensures those who break the law are held accountable,” said Alexis Strauss, EPA’s Acting Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest.
EPA settled with the following companies for violations of the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule:
Best Value Home Improvements (Oakland, Calif.) – $38,990 penalty
Holland and Harley Construction (Berkeley, Calif.) – $14,210 penalty
K Kittle LLC, known as Rebath and 5 Day Kitchens (Phoenix, Ariz.) – $19,810 penalty
Renovation Realty (San Diego, Calif.) – $41,633 penalty
Simply Building (Daly City, Calif.) – $24,105 penalty
In addition to the penalties, each company made corrections to their operations, including becoming EPA-certified, for those not already certified.
Click here to learn about the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and program.
https://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Unknown-1-1.jpeg165306mbrandthttps://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Envicomply-ECATTS.pngmbrandt2018-03-14 12:01:232018-05-20 15:50:38More Settlements Announced for Lead Paint Violations
Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma, a rare and incurable asbestos-related cancer that affects nearly 3,000 people each year in the United States; and it can happen anywhere that asbestos is present, at your home, school, office, or your job. “Occupational exposure is the No. 1 cause of asbestos disease. That means roofers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, firefighters, auto mechanics, insulators, factory workers and many others are at a high risk of exposure.” Other worksites like construction, shipyards, power plants, oil refineries and steel mills, or those who work in the military services are also among those at risk. “U.S. military veterans were the most vulnerable of all — accounting for almost a third of all cases — because of the military’s past reliance on asbestos products, especially on Navy ships.”
Until its long-term toxic dangers became well known, asbestos could be found in thousands of everyday products because of its heat resistance, versatility and tensile strength.
Asbestos Exposure to the Body
How Asbestos Exposure Happens
Asbestos disease starts with the inadvertant inhalation or ingestion of microscopic asbestos fibers. While no level of asbestos exposure is considered safe, most problems arise after repeated and long-term exposures to the carcinogen.
Harmful exposures occur in a wide range of occupational settings. Home and commercial renovation or remodeling can be especially hazardous because many common building materials already contain asbestos. When asbestos products start to deteriorate or are cut, sanded, drilled or disturbed in any way, microscopic fibers enter the air.
For example, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) took issue with the sandblasting practices of Alaska-based shipbuilding and repair facility Seward Ship’s Drydock. The ADEC issued Seward a notice of violation for uncontrolled “fugitive particulate emissions” at its sandblasting operations.
If workers sandblasted asbestos-containing materials, such as paint, insulation or joint compounds, off of a vessel, the asbestos fibers released would no longer be confined to the sandblasted area, and people elsewhere in the shipyard could inhale them.
Fibers can remain airborne for hours, placing anyone nearby in danger. Once inhaled, they can become trapped in the respiratory tract, where they may stay for life.
Health Risks of Exposure
Each year, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. An estimated 10,000 Americans die annually from an asbestos-related disease.
Currently, an estimated 200,000 people in the country are diagnosed with some form of asbestos-related illness.
Products
Thousands of products were manufactured using asbestos fibers. Asbestos may be found in insulation, drywall, ceiling and floor tiles, cements, paint and more. Most homes and commercial buildings built before 1980 contain asbestos products.
Occupations
Workers from practically all trades were likely exposed to asbestos fibers while on the job. Drywall tapers, electricians, firefighters, auto mechanics and many other occupations may be at risk. While asbestos regulation was more relaxed in the past, today the law requires all employers to protect workers from asbestos and other job-related health risks.
Job Sites
Asbestos exposure may occur while on the job. Many workplaces utilized the mineral in their products and facilities, placing millions of workers at risk for exposure.
Improper Abatement
If asbestos materials are removed from a home or structure, there is a high risk of exposure to airborne fibers if proper abatement procedures are not followed. It is important to adhere to federal safety regulations regarding the removal and disposal of the materials to minimize health risks.
Don’t let your job endanger you. Asbestos continues to be present in some workplaces, but with proper precautionary training, protective gear, and by following good safety practices and procedures, you can protect yourself and those around you.
Make sure you are taking the necessary precautions to keep you safe. Envicomply offers the training you need in Asbestos Awareness, Asbestos Management, and Hazard Abatement, as well as compliance training for high risk jobs like Painting, Sitework, Mechanical and Prime Contractors.
https://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/K3612.png431600mbrandthttps://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Envicomply-ECATTS.pngmbrandt2018-03-07 13:46:252018-05-20 15:50:38Are You at Risk of Asbestos Exposure?
Costly penalty and mandatory training both required for Amazon, the giant online retailer, as part of noncompliance violation settlement agreement with EPA.
Amazon Services LLC FIFRA Settlement for Noncompliance Violation
(Washington, DC – February 15, 2018) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an agreement with Amazon Services LLC to protect the public from the hazards posed by unregistered and misbranded pesticide products. The agreement settles allegations that Amazon committed nearly four thousand violations of the “Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act” (FIFRA) – dating back to 2013 – for selling and distributing imported pesticide products that were not licensed for sale in the United States.
FIFRA
Amazon, the world-wide internet retail giant, has made a settlement based on previous illegal and harmful fulfillment services violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). FIFRA is a United States federal law that set up the basic U.S. system of pesticide regulation to protect applicators, consumers, and the environment. These violations included the third party distribution of unregistered and misbranded pesticide products that were sold and produced by companies outside of the U.S. These illegal pesticides are “pesticide products that are sold or distributed without a valid EPA registration” and can include harmful ingredients that can be hazardous to human health.
In 2015, EPA ordered a stop sale against Amazon forbidding the sale of these items. Amazon has since pulled the products, prohibited foreign sellers from selling pesticides, and has taken a more aggressive monitoring of illegal pesticides on its website.
The terms of the agreement state that Amazon will develop an online training course on pesticide regulations and policies. The training, and successful completion, will be mandatory for all entities planning to sell pesticides on Amazon.com. In addition to mandatory training, Amazon will also pay a penalty of $1,215,700 as part of the consent agreement.
This is a great example that noncompliance violations can happen to anyone, companies big or small. No one wants the costly fines and negative press associated with these kinds of violations. Educate yourself and your employees on the environmental and safety rules and regulations that apply to your job.
https://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Unknown-2.jpeg220229mbrandthttps://envicomply.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Envicomply-ECATTS.pngmbrandt2018-03-05 10:54:212018-05-20 15:50:39Noncompliance Violations Mandate Training and Hefty Penalty for Big Retailer
Can You Prevent Your Allergy Symptoms Before they Happen?
/in News /by mbrandtAre Spring Allergies in Your Future?
Spring is here! And while many are joyful at the thought of warmer weather, there are over 67 million Americans who suffer from allergies, and springtime pollen can be anything but joyous. Itchy watery eyes, runny nose, itchy throat, hives, fatigue, and irritability are some of the symptons spring allergy sufferers can look forward to. If this is something you’re dealing with, be proactive. Check your local pollen count and daily weather to see how you can protect yourself. We’ve collected some good tips to help survive spring allergies. Here’s what you can do this season:
Do you know what’s in your drinking water?
/in News /by mbrandtTens of millions of Americans are exposed to unsafe drinking water each year. Is your water safe?
When you drink a glass of tap water, do you think about the potentially harmful contaminants you’re putting into your body? Maybe you should. According to a study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, almost 21 million people relied on community water systems that violated health-based quality standards in 2015. Meaning tens of millions of Americans could be exposed to unsafe drinking water in any given year, consuming contaminants like fecal coliform, lead and arsenic. Unsafe drinking water from industrial and agricultural contaminants can cause short-term illnesses such as gastroenteritis, as well as chronic conditions including cancer and neurological disorders.
Although the majority of the nation’s water supply is in good shape, the head of the study’s research said many areas are continually prone to poor water quality, particularly in Oklahoma, Texas and Idaho, where water systems had repeat violations. Violations were also more frequent in rural and low-income areas.
Here’s an interesting (and disturbing) chart showing your local water quality at the county-level up until 2015. Violations can be seen from minimal to extensive based on color. How does your local water compare?
Click for map and to zoom in on your area.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, your drinking water supplier is required to send you information about the quality of your water every year. EPA then posts the data collected from states and territories about its performance. You can view your quality report here.
Are you working safely to prevent water contamination while on the job? Are you aware of backflow and how to prevent it? Or when and why water supply line disinfection is required? What causes the presence of lead and copper in drinking water? And what to expect during a drinking water system inspection? You can be with our Drinking Water Awareness training.
Click here to read additional information on the study mentioned.
10% OFF now with Spring Savings Code!
/in Announcements /by mbrandtSpring into savings with 10% OFF your Environmental Compliance training now!
Use code ‘SPRING10’ to save through April 6!
Visit our shop now:
Lead Exposure & Poisoning – Are You at Risk?
/in News /by mbrandtUS deaths from lead exposure 10 times higher than thought, study suggests
“The researchers concluded that nearly 412,000 deaths every year in the US can be attributed to lead contamination.” According to a new study, published in The Lancet Public Health, that’s 10 times more deaths in the United States than previously thought.
For decades, it’s been known that lead exposure and high blood pressure can been linked together. But the magnitude of the effect on cardiovascular mortality, even at low levels of exposure, is greater than anticipated.
“… if we’re underestimating the impact of lead exposure on cardiovascular disease mortality and other important outcomes beyond IQ, then it might have a big impact on the way we make investments in preventing lead poisoning exposure,” says Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a professor of health sciences and leader author of the study.
Lead exposure has numerous toxic effects and can cause hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular disease. And while there are regulations in place to reduce exposure, there is still a risk factor. “… approximately 90% of Americans are stilled exposed to the contaminant, particularly those who work in certain occupations such as construction or those who live in areas more vulnerable to contamination runoff,” according to Lanphear.
Have you taken your lead awareness training yet? Stay educated to stay safe. With our Lead Awareness training, you can learn about topics like lead in the US, its use in products, different routes of lead exposure, symptoms and levels of lead poisoning, lead dangers, and preventative measures to avoid lead poisoning.
Lead Awareness
For more information on this article, visit https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/health/lead-exposure-cardiovascular-disease-study/index.html.
$168,535 Fine for Pesticide Violations against Terminix
/in News /by mbrandtPesticide violations lead to penalties and hefty fines for Terminix. The company was fined for pesticide misuse with multiple safety violations creating health and environmental dangers.
Don’t be a statistic.
Know the rules and regulations to keep you and your company safe.
It’s National Poison Prevention Week
/in News /by mbrandtMarch 18-24 is National Poison Prevention Week.
Everyday household substances can lead to accidental poisoning if you’re not careful. In fact, did you know 9 out of 10 poisonings occur within the household? Protect your children by locking up household pesticides, cleaners, and chemicals in a high cabinet and out of the reach of little hands.
Here are some poison prevention tips to help keep your home safe.
Did you know we offer a Pesticide Awareness course? Staying safe in the workplace means knowing how to mix, manage and store pesticides. Learn best management practices with us.
Check it out now:
Are You Certified in Pennsylvania Yet?
/in Announcements /by mbrandtAdd another to the list! Pennsylvania UST Class A/B Certification training has just been added to our online catalog. Successfully completing this training will award a certificate which grants UST Class A/B operator certification in the state of Pennsylvania.
This 9 module program has been reviewed and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Division of Storage Tanks and includes comprehensive training on the following relevant topics:
Pennsylvania UST Class A/B Certification
Shop this course now:
More Settlements Announced for Lead Paint Violations
/in News /by mbrandtCompanies cited for lead paint violations are required to pay penalties for their noncompliance.
Violations and settlements continue to happen due to lack of compliance. Failure to follow federal regulations not only hurts your company, but can cause serious health hazards that can hurt you and those around you. In addition to the health dangers, costly fines continue to add up from penalties.
Avoid violations like these. Know the rules and regulations required to do your job safely. Did you know we offer Painting, Prime & Hazard Abatement Contractor Course Packs? As well as Waste Management, and Building Construction, Demolition, & Renovation Awareness training?
Check them out now:
Click here to learn about the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and program.
Are You at Risk of Asbestos Exposure?
/in News /by mbrandtAsbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma, a rare and incurable asbestos-related cancer that affects nearly 3,000 people each year in the United States; and it can happen anywhere that asbestos is present, at your home, school, office, or your job. “Occupational exposure is the No. 1 cause of asbestos disease. That means roofers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, firefighters, auto mechanics, insulators, factory workers and many others are at a high risk of exposure.” Other worksites like construction, shipyards, power plants, oil refineries and steel mills, or those who work in the military services are also among those at risk. “U.S. military veterans were the most vulnerable of all — accounting for almost a third of all cases — because of the military’s past reliance on asbestos products, especially on Navy ships.”
Until its long-term toxic dangers became well known, asbestos could be found in thousands of everyday products because of its heat resistance, versatility and tensile strength.
Asbestos Exposure to the Body
Don’t let your job endanger you. Asbestos continues to be present in some workplaces, but with proper precautionary training, protective gear, and by following good safety practices and procedures, you can protect yourself and those around you.
Make sure you are taking the necessary precautions to keep you safe. Envicomply offers the training you need in Asbestos Awareness, Asbestos Management, and Hazard Abatement, as well as compliance training for high risk jobs like Painting, Sitework, Mechanical and Prime Contractors.
“Asbestos-related disease is 100 percent preventable.”
– Dr. Ken Takahashi, director of the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute
For more on the details listed above, visit https://www.asbestos.com/exposure/.
To learn more about the many treatment options available to Mesothelioma patients, visit https://mesothelioma.net/treatment-for-mesothelioma/.
Noncompliance Violations Mandate Training and Hefty Penalty for Big Retailer
/in News /by mbrandtCostly penalty and mandatory training both required for Amazon, the giant online retailer, as part of noncompliance violation settlement agreement with EPA.
FIFRA
Amazon, the world-wide internet retail giant, has made a settlement based on previous illegal and harmful fulfillment services violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). FIFRA is a United States federal law that set up the basic U.S. system of pesticide regulation to protect applicators, consumers, and the environment. These violations included the third party distribution of unregistered and misbranded pesticide products that were sold and produced by companies outside of the U.S. These illegal pesticides are “pesticide products that are sold or distributed without a valid EPA registration” and can include harmful ingredients that can be hazardous to human health.
In 2015, EPA ordered a stop sale against Amazon forbidding the sale of these items. Amazon has since pulled the products, prohibited foreign sellers from selling pesticides, and has taken a more aggressive monitoring of illegal pesticides on its website.
The terms of the agreement state that Amazon will develop an online training course on pesticide regulations and policies. The training, and successful completion, will be mandatory for all entities planning to sell pesticides on Amazon.com. In addition to mandatory training, Amazon will also pay a penalty of $1,215,700 as part of the consent agreement.
Read more about the settlement here.
This is a great example that noncompliance violations can happen to anyone, companies big or small. No one wants the costly fines and negative press associated with these kinds of violations. Educate yourself and your employees on the environmental and safety rules and regulations that apply to your job.
Reduce your risk. Get your training now.