On Friday, October 24th at 12:00 PM CT, Brent Clark, James Curtis, Mark Lies, Meagan Newman, and William Schurgin will present the webinar: Ebola: Workplace Liability Challenges.

There is no doubt that U.S. employers are affected by the recent news of Ebola infections within our borders.  There is also no doubt that anxiety among employers and
Continue Reading Webinar on Ebola: Workplace Liability Challenges

By Mark A. Lies II, Kerry M. Mohan, and Brent I. Clark

By now, the worldwide health authorities and media have publicized the Ebola hemorrhagic virus (EHV) (sometimes called Ebola Virus Disease, or EVD) (the “virus” or “disease”) that has been reported throughout western Africa. Although the United States has only experienced several cases of the virus, as the
Continue Reading EBOLA and Employer Liability Issues

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) intended to “mature” the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, and to identify ways to make the program more effective in achieving its regulatory objectives. 79 Fed. Reg. 48693 (August 18, 2014).

The CFATS program was intended
Continue Reading DHS Proposing to “Mature” Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program

By Jeryl L. Olson and Craig B. Simonsen

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in response to Executive Order 13650, Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security (EO), is publically, through a Federal Register notice, requesting public comments on “potential revisions” to its Risk Management Program. 79 Fed. Reg. 44604 (July 31, 2014).

This request is part of an effort highlighted in
Continue Reading EPA Request for Information on Clean Air Act Accidental Release Prevention Program

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security spoke today at the Air and Waste Management Association’s Annual Conference, on their  collaboration on chemical facility safety and security.

The conference session speakers included Mathy Stanislaus, EPA’s Office of Solid Waste
Continue Reading EPA, OSHA, and DHS are Collaborating on Chemical Facility Safety and Security

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Department of Homeland Security recently published their first joint Report for the President, “Actions to Improve Chemical Facility Safety and Security – A Shared Commitment.” June 6, 2014.

The Report was issued after recent catastrophic chemical facility incidents
Continue Reading Federal Report on “Actions to Improve Chemical Facility Safety and Security – A Shared Commitment”

By James L. Curtis and Meagan Newman

As much the East Coast of the U.S. is dealing with Hurricane Sandy it is important to keep in mind that the dangers of a storm of this magnitude persist long after the winds, rains and sleet have passed.

Storm and flood cleanup activities can present hazards to workers and volunteers. Before embarking
Continue Reading After the Storm: Clean-up is Hazardous so Plan Accordingly

By Jeryl L. Olson and Eric E. Boyd

In anticipation of the impending hurricane season, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a Hazardous Weather Release Prevention and Reporting Alert. The purpose of the Alert, according to the EPA Press Release, is to “increase awareness among facility operators about their obligation to operate facilities safely and report chemical

Continue Reading EPA Issues Reminder About Releases During Hazardous Weather Events