National Association Of Safety Professionals

🌟 Success with Four-Day Workweeks! 🌟 Exciting news from Cambridge, England! A recent trial of four-day workweeks at a municipal government office shows impressive results. Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Salford studied the South Cambridgeshire Council's 15-month trial, where workers' pay remained unchanged. The outcome? 22 out of 24 key performance indicators (KPIs) improved or stayed the same! Highlights include improvements in: Percentage of calls answered by the council’s Contact Center. Percentage of complaints responded to within the prescribed time period. Percentage of emergency repairs to council homes completed within 24 hours. Major planning application decisions made on time. Smaller planning application decisions made on time. Invoices paid by the council within 30 days. “These results are supportive of moves to reduce the length of the working week but are not a surprise,” said Brendan Burchell, a sociology professor at Cambridge. He added, “In the past two years, other researchers have studied many private sector employers in the UK and elsewhere that also reported the company’s performance was maintained after a 20% reduction in hours of work. Employees and managers can find better ways of doing things to work more efficiently, given the right guidance and motivation.” What are your thoughts on a 4-day workweek? #FourDayWorkWeek #Efficiency #WorkLifeBalance #CambridgeStudy #MunicipalGovernment #WorkplaceInnovation #NASP

🌿 Strengthening Worker Protections with EPA Updates 🌿 Exciting updates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on new chemical reviews under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) are set to bolster worker protections! Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator of the EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, announced these changes during a June 26 conference on TSCA reform. Key updates include: Regulatory language requires workers, contractors, and their representatives to access manufacturers’ consent orders post-risk determination on new chemicals. These orders, filled with crucial safety info, ensure manufacturing proceeds only under conditions that protect human health and the environment. Mandatory inclusion of written hazard communication programs, labeling, Safety Data Sheets, and employee information and training in consent orders. “No one should have to go to work and worry about how the chemicals they use might affect their health,” said Freedhoff. “Knowledge is power; sure, it’s a cliché, but it’s a cliché because it’s true. Workers will be far better able to protect themselves if they’re empowered with knowledge and training. And for employers, this will help them continue to make worker safety their top priority.” The TSCA, amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act in 2016, mandates the EPA to address chemical risks within a year of a chemical review release. This includes actions like training, certification, restricted access, or even commercial use bans, followed by a public comment period. Freedhoff highlighted the progress since 2021, including finalizing bans on asbestos and methylene chloride, carcinogenic substances. “Writing a rule to manage how a chemical is used is a big task. We take our statutory deadlines seriously, but we’re also serious about our obligations to write rules that protect people and support a robust economy.” These strides in public health protection and chemical safety evaluation mark significant progress, though challenges remain. How these challenges are addressed will shape the future effectiveness of TSCA. #EPASafety #ChemicalSafety #WorkerProtection #TSCA #PublicHealth #EnvironmentalProtection #NASP

🛑 Protecting Miners from Silica Exposure 🛑 The legislative attempt to block federal enforcement of a rule designed to protect miners from silica exposure is “morally reprehensible,” says Cecil Roberts, President of the United Mine Workers of America. Included in the House Appropriation Committee's Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, this provision, released on June 26, aims to halt the enforcement of MSHA’s silica rule. Despite this, the bill passed a 31-25 vote on July 10 and is now headed to the House floor. MSHA’s final rule, effective since June 17, reduces the permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an 8-hour time-weighted average, aligning with OSHA's 2016 standard. This rule is projected to save nearly 1,100 lives and prevent over 3,700 cases of silica-related illnesses. However, the appropriations bill states that no funds will be used to enforce this crucial rule. Roberts calls this “dangerous provision” a “direct attack on the health and safety of coal miners.” Roberts further explains, “MSHA’s silica standard aims to reduce deadly silica dust in mines, which is crucial for combating the black lung disease epidemic. It is hard to understand how some members of Congress support more miners dying from this preventable disease.” Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) defends the bill, stating, “The federal spending is out of control. While most growth in spending is mandatory, it is our responsibility to manage appropriations effectively.” Vonda Robinson, Vice President of the National Black Lung Association, also voices her opposition: “Miners with black lung have fought for protections from silica dust for years. It’s disheartening to see Washington politicians try to undo this progress. If this policy becomes law, it will endanger countless miners. Mining families deserve better.” #ProtectMiners #SilicaSafety #MSHA #HealthAndSafety #UnitedMineWorkers #NASP

🚨 New Safety Rule Alert! 🚨 Starting July 24, railroads must "proactively provide" real-time electronic information about hazardous material shipments to 911 call centers and emergency responder apps as soon as they become aware of an incident. This new rule, published by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), ensures that: Firefighters and first responders have immediate access to the type, quantity, and position of hazardous materials on a train. Railroads generate real-time info in both hard-copy and electronic formats, including emergency response details and designated emergency contacts. "In a hazmat incident, firefighters and first responders arriving on the scene need to know what kind of hazardous materials are present so they can protect themselves and their communities," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, reflecting on the critical need for this information. This rule is in response to incidents like the February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, OH. Additionally, PHMSA has distributed its 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook to nearly 2 million first responders nationwide to enhance their preparedness. #SafetyFirst #EmergencyResponse #RailroadSafety #Hazmat #PHMSA #NASP

NASP would like to congratulate the safety professionals who have recently earned their Master Safety Professional (MSP)® and Certified Safety Director (CSD)® certifications. The journey to certification is no easy feat. It requires extensive knowledge, practical skills, a deep understanding of safety regulations, and a passion for ensuring the well-being of all individuals within our organization. By obtaining these certifications, these safety professionals have demonstrated their unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism. To the newly certified Master Safety Professionals and Certified Safety Directors, we commend you for your outstanding accomplishment and applaud your dedication to advancing the safety field.

📢 Exciting News! The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a significant settlement with Dollar General, ensuring safer workplaces for thousands of employees nationwide. 🛡️ Dollar General will make substantial safety investments across its 19,000+ stores, focusing on: 🔹 Hiring more safety managers and establishing a robust safety management system 🔹 Reducing inventory to prevent blocked exits and unsafe storage 🔹 Providing comprehensive safety training for all employees 🔹 Forming a safety and health committee for employee participation Dollar General has committed to promptly addressing safety violations and will face steep penalties for non-compliance. This landmark agreement aims to create safer environments, giving peace of mind to all Dollar General workers. 👏 Let's celebrate this step forward in workplace safety! #WorkplaceSafety #EmployeeWellbeing #DollarGeneral #OSHA #SafetyFirst

Firefighter Deaths Fell Slightly in 2023 but Remain High: NFPA Report The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released a report indicating that firefighter deaths have decreased slightly in 2023. Despite this reduction, the numbers remain high, highlighting the persistent dangers faced by firefighters. The report emphasizes the critical need for ongoing improvements in safety measures and training programs to protect these essential workers. Firefighters continue to encounter significant risks in their line of duty, from hazardous environments to unpredictable fire behavior. The slight decline in fatalities is a positive sign, but it also serves as a reminder that more work is needed. Enhancing safety protocols, providing comprehensive training, and ensuring access to the latest safety equipment are crucial steps in reducing the number of firefighter deaths. The NFPA report calls for a renewed focus on addressing the underlying causes of these fatalities. This includes not only physical safety measures but also addressing factors such as mental health support and fatigue management. The high-stress nature of firefighting can take a toll on mental health, and providing resources to support firefighters' psychological well-being is essential. Overall, while the slight decrease in firefighter deaths in 2023 is encouraging, it is clear that the fight to protect those who protect us is far from over. Continued vigilance, investment in safety, and a commitment to supporting firefighters in every aspect of their work are necessary to bring these numbers down further. #FirefighterSafety #WorkplaceSafety #NASP #NFPA #SafetyProfessionals #FirefighterDeaths #SafetyMeasures #MentalHealth #Training #SafetyEquipment

🔍 SCOTUS Overturns Chevron Deference: Implications for OSHA 🔍 The Supreme Court has overturned Chevron deference, a legal doctrine that allowed federal agencies like OSHA to interpret ambiguous laws. This decision could significantly impact how OSHA enforces safety regulations. Key Implications: • OSHA may face more legal challenges when interpreting safety standards. • Potential delays in implementing new safety regulations. • Increased involvement of courts in OSHA decisions. This ruling underscores the importance of clear, precise regulations to ensure worker safety. #WorkplaceSafety #OSHA #NASP #SCOTUS #SafetyRegulations #LegalUpdate

The New NASP Membership portal is here! Get ready for a better way to access all of your NASP membership benefits and perks. While you can still enjoy all the benefits you love - such as significant savings on NASP training courses, sample plans and programs, PowerPoints, audits, OSHA, EPA, and DOT documents, safety training materials, free access to the Abenity discount program, exclusive partner discounts, and tuition discounts at Columbia Southern University (CSU) - we have some exciting new additions you won’t want to miss. If you’re already a member, you’ve automatically been given access to these fantastic new features! Not a NASP member yet? Now is the perfect time to join! Use the coupon code MEMBERSHIP24 at checkout to get your premium membership for only $100. This special offer ends on July 31st, so don’t wait. Join the best-kept secret in workplace safety training and become a NASP Premium member today!

🔍 Job Candidates and Employees Prioritize Workplace Safety 🔍 Job candidates and employees are increasingly focused on workplace safety, both physical and psychological. This shift, intensified by the pandemic, has led to a growing demand for comprehensive safety measures. Key Insights from AlertMedia's 2023 Report: • 75% of employees find safety efforts ineffective. • 71% say employers don’t follow through on safety promises. • 83% have faced work emergencies; 84% want better preparedness. • 66% report poor mental health support; 62% lack resources; 67% say there's no open dialogue on mental health. Takeaways: • Younger workers prioritize safety and mental health. • Health and wellness investments boost job satisfaction and productivity. Creating a safe, supportive work environment is crucial for employee well-being and organizational success. #WorkplaceSafety #EmployeeWellbeing #OSHA #NASP #SafetyCulture #MentalHealth #JobSatisfaction