Sustainability is not a new word in the corporate vocabulary, but there has been a steady rise in the prevalence of corporate sustainability initiatives and goals. A study by Honeywell and The Business Journals found that 80% of U.S. companies have sustainability initiatives in place. This is no surprise given the importance many consumers place on purchasing from brands that show a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Keeping in line with this focus, the EPA and OSHA continue to work to protect human health and the environment with attention on increasing temperatures and climate change. The EPA recently released its 2021 Climate Adaptation Plan, which outlines how it will address climate change impacts on communities. Along with this plan, the EPA also launched its Climate Adaptation website to serve as a repository for climate adaptation resources. On Sept. 20, OSHA announced an enhanced focus on heat and heat-related illnesses and the steps to address worker exposures. These steps include the creation of a federal workplace heat standard and the continuation of an enforcement initiative already in place.
In addition to sustainability, PFAS continues to be a hot topic with the recent announcement of President Biden’s plan to combat PFAS pollution and the EPA’s subsequent release of its final human health toxicity assessment for GenX chemicals, which are part of the PFAS group.
Other important regulation and compliance news to keep an eye on:
Ask an Expert: The business case for health and safety
Join BC’s Director of Health and Safety Programs Stephanie Caiati as she discusses the benefits of investing in health and safety from both personnel and financial points of view. Read “Ask an Expert”
Call for stricter regulations to prevent chemical accidents
In an effort to prevent future reactive chemical accidents, the Chemical Safety Board is calling on the EPA and OSHA to create stricter environmental and occupational safety regulations.
Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phasedown
EPA issued a final rule that will phase down production and consumption of HFCs in the United States by 85% over the next 15 years.
Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan recommended
The EPA Office of Inspector General released a report illustrating the need for a strategic plan to reduce, mitigate, and control freshwater algal blooms, which would impact industries whose activities contribute to higher nutrient levels in drinking water sources.
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