By Jeryl L. Olson, Patrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: EPA publishes new Retail Strategy in an attempt to address the unique challenges the retail sector faces in complying with RCRA’s hazardous waste regulations.
The regulation of hazardous waste in stores, warehouses and during reverse logistics processes in the retail sector has been fraught
Continue Reading EPA’s New Strategy for Addressing the Retail Sector under RCRA
By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: DHS’s recommendations for active shooter prevention and preparedness is only one piece of an effective workplace violence prevention program. Employers should assess their workplaces and develop comprehensive workplace violence prevention programs and training.
With the wave of violence that has gripped the nation this summer, many clients are again asking
Continue Reading Wave of Shootings Puts Workplace Violence Back in the Spotlight
By Adam R. Young and Craig B. Simonsen
Violence, often involving firearms, is an increasingly common occurrence in the 21st century workplace. The Federal Bureau of Investigation notes that even though homicide is “the most publicized form of violence in the workplace, it is not the most common.”
The FBI defines workplace violence as “any physical assault, threatening behavior or
Continue Reading Workplace Violence Prevention: DHS Promotes “Active Shooter Preparedness” Programs – Is Your Company Ready?
By Brent I. Clark and Craig B. Simonsen
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recently launched its National Center for Productive Aging and Work (Center).
The new “virtual center,” will focus on worker safety at all ages, promoting lifelong well-being, and will advance the concept of “productive aging.” The NIOSH news release about the Center indicates
Continue Reading NIOSH and Older Workers in the Workplace
By Brent I. Clark, Meagan Newman, and Craig B. Simonsen
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued yesterday an enforcement memo (Memo) and an interim policy (Policy) on the PSM retail exemption.
Tho Memo revised OSHA’s interpretation of the exemption of retail facilities from coverage of the Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (PSM) standard (29 CFR
Continue Reading OSHA Enforcement Memo and Interim Policy on the Process Safety Management Retail Exemption
By Jeryl L. Olson and Patrick D. Joyce
Our retail clients with stores and warehouse facilities in the State of New York are warned that the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) has announced that it will begin enforcing regulations relating to hazardous waste against big boxes, supermarkets, pharmacies and other retailers which generate waste materials
Continue Reading Warning! Retailers’ Environmental Enforcement Initiative in New York
By Ilana R. Morady and Craig B. Simonsen
On August 6, 2014, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule modifying the requirements governing the transportation of lithium cells and batteries. 79 Fed. Reg. 46012.
The final rule revised hazard communication and packaging provisions for lithium batteries to harmonize the Hazardous Materials Regulations with applicable
Continue Reading DOT Partially Extends Compliance Date for HazCom and Labeling of Lithium Cells and Batteries
By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen
The teenage summer job working at the local store is a rite of passage in most communities. Almost everyone has held a summer job at some point in their life. However, given the disturbing rise in workplace violence, teenagers can be swept up in hostile situations and end up facing down angry,
Continue Reading OSHA Administrator Blogs on Retail Industry’s Need for Workplace Violence Training and Protections
By Jeryl L. Olson and Craig B. Simonsen
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday released a Notice of Data Availability for “Hazardous Waste Management in the Retail Sector.” 79 Fed. Reg. 8926 (February 14, 2014).
An impetus for the Notice was President Obama’s Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, “which charges federal agencies to monitor regulatory
Continue Reading EPA Rulemaking on Hazardous Waste Management in the Retail Sector
By James L. Curtis, Brent I. Clark, Mark A. Lies, and Craig B. Simonsen
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Lakeview Specialty Hospital in Waterford, Wisconsin, for exposing employees to workplace violence at its healthcare facility and treatment center. This citation is another example of OSHA’s ongoing efforts to hold employers accountable for workplace violence
Continue Reading OSHA Cites Healthcare Facility for “Inadequate Workplace Violence Safeguards”