Current Issues - Archives

As we reported in the July 2010 newsletter, The U.S. Environmental Projection Agency (EPA) established regulations (Title 40 CFR Part...  read article

Crystalline silica dust had been recognized as a workplace hazard in several industries long before OSHA was created.  However, the...  read article

About two years ago, Federal OSHA issued a proposed rule to modify the existing Hazard Communication Standard and align it...  read article

Cal/OSHA regulations governing confined space entry can be complex.  Apart from many of the requirements common to Cal/OSHA's several confined...  read article

The California Industrial Hygiene Council (CIHC) announced its 21st Annual Conference to be held December 5-7,...  read article

In our last newsletter, we reported on AB 2774, the new law on "serious violations", which became effective on January...  read article

On January 7, 2011, Cal/OSHA promulgated several changes to the portable ladder standards, including step ladders.  The new requirements are...  read article

Over the past year we have written blog entries and newsletter articles on the subject of wood dust.  This article...  read article

We are frequently asked about the wording for warning labels on hazardous substances.  Most of the time we refer to...  read article

The Associated General Contractors of California (AGC) and Hilti Corporation have partnered to bring you a free seminar on dust...  read article

The Cohen Group annually prepares a Resource Guide of commonly requested health and safety websites and telephone numbers.  Every year...  read article

If you have any interest in California's health and safety issues, you're most likely aware that the Swanson bill on...  read article

California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment periodically adds substances to the list of chemicals known to the State to...  read article

The lockout/tagout (LOTO) standard (Title 8 CCR § 3314) is one the most frequently cited standards by Cal/OSHA.  The servicing...  read article

On December 2, 2010, Cal/OSHA passed "Occupational Exposure to Food Flavorings Containing Diacetyl" (Title 8 CCR 5197), the first standard...  read article

Joel Cohen and Bob Peterson will be the featured speakers at this year's 22nd Annual Cal/OSHA Update seminar series.  The...  read article

California Safety Services Group is finalizing plans for the 22^nd Annual Cal/OSHA Update Series to be held in 2011.  Featured...  read article

In our last newsletter, we reported on the proposed modifications to the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Standard (8 CCR 3395) and...  read article

The 20th Annual California Industrial Hygiene Council's Conference will be held December 6-8, 2010 at The Westgate Hotel in San...  read article

The Aerosol Transmissible Diseases Standard (8 CCR § 5199) became effective in August 2009. There are a few points regarding...  read article

As of August 3, 2010, several newly adopted and revised PELs are now in effect.  The new and revised PELs...  read article

In her newsletter article this issue, Julie Wellings commented on all of the PELs that have changed or are being...  read article

Recently The Cohen Group was asked to assist in efforts to protect workers involved in the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil...  read article

Federal OSHA has begun to hold stakeholder meetings on its version of an Injury and Illness Prevention Program.  As surprising...  read article

As we alerted our readers in our weekly blog, The U.S. Environmental Projection Agency has established new regulations (Title 40...  read article

Although the Cal/OSHA heat illness prevention standard has been in effect since the summer of 2005, it is still the...  read article

Our review of Cal/OSHA citations of late seem to indicate that many construction firms are being cited for not obtaining...  read article

The Cal/OSHA Standards Board met on June 17 in Oakland to hear comments from the public on a proposal initiated...  read article

Every year we faithfully remind you that February is the month to begin posting your company's Summary of Work Related...  read article

The Cohen Group annually prepares a Resource Guide of commonly requested health and safety websites and telephone numbers.  Every year...  read article

For many of our clients, the start of the New Year represents an opportunity for a fresh start in getting...  read article

You may recall that a little over a year ago we reported on concerns that were raised regarding lead contamination...  read article

In a recent blog we discussed Cal/OSHA's proposed changes to portable ladder standards, specifically relating to inspections.  There are many...  read article

The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized new regulations on controlling emissions of specified hazardous air pollutants in paint stripping and...  read article

Much attention has been focused on clarifying and enforcing the provisions of Cal/OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention standard (8 CCR 3395),...  read article

Readers of Current Issues are aware that we petitioned the Cal/OSHA Standards Board in 2005 on behalf of one of...  read article

On August 5, 2009, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board adopted the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) Standard (8 CCR § 5199) and...  read article

Industrial hygienists are frequently asked to assess employee exposures to toxic substances during typical or "worst case" work activities and...  read article

The 19^th Annual California Industrial Hygiene Council's Conference will be held December 14-16, 2009 at the Hotel Nikko in San...  read article

Since the 1970s, most of the environmental health regulations and legislation that have passed in the US seem to lack...  read article

There is currently a proposal before the Cal/OSHA Standards Board to revise Section 3400 ("Medical Services and First Aid") of...  read article

Under revised rules adopted January 15 and effective March 15, 2009, Cal/OSHA now requires that operators wear the seat belts...  read article

As most of our readers are aware, Cal/OSHA has established requirements for lead-related construction work (under Title 8 CCR 1532.1)...  read article

For over 30 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has used the noise reduction rating (NRR) to measure the...  read article

Each year from February 1 to April 30, employers with over ten employees for any time during the prior calendar...  read article

The Cohen Group recently performed a literature search and summary of findings for a client regarding news reports of lead...  read article

As is well known, the United States established and implemented bans on the manufacture and use of certain asbestos-containing materials...  read article

Silica exposure is becoming a significant Cal/OSHA compliance issue. The Cohen Group is pleased to announce that we have partnered...  read article

Joel Cohen and Bob Peterson will be the featured speakers at this year's 21st Annual Cal/OSHA Update seminar series.  Joining...  read article

The Cohen Group prepares a Resource Guide of commonly requested health and safety websites and telephone numbers annually.  Every year...  read article

As the end of the year approaches The Cohen Group is excited to announce the launching of our new website! ...  read article

Although this year's warm weather season is rapidly drawing to a close, it is still a good time to reflect...  read article

Cal/OSHA recently approved a new regulation-Construction Safety Orders, Section 1530.1, "Control of Employee Exposures from Dust-Generating Operations Conducted on...  read article

Cal/OSHA has recently amended (effective August 29, 2008) Section 1524 to specify the ways in which employers are required to...  read article

The Cal/OSHA Standards Board Health Expert Advisory Committee (HEAC) has been meeting quarterly since August 2007 to review PELs (Permissible...  read article

In 2007 Federal OSHA issued a rule clarifying employer responsibilities related to the payment for personal protective equipment (PPE).  The...  read article

This article provides a brief summary and status of some important bills related to safety and health that have been...  read article

The current Cal/OSHA "Airborne Contaminants" standard (Title 8 CCR 5155) establishes requirements for controlling employee exposures to airborne contaminants and...  read article