All members of the community rely on healthy living conditions of the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency use permits to establish limits or thresholds of certain substances that can be released into the environment. These levels keep everyone in the community safe. Any violation can have large financial penalties and may also include jail time.
All members of the community rely on healthy living conditions of the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency use permits to establish limits or thresholds of certain substances that can be released into the environment. These levels keep everyone in the community safe. Any violation can have large financial penalties and may also include jail time.
A recent example of such a violation occurred when a man in Illinois was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $62,086 for damages and fines. The man was convicted of illegally removing, handling, transporting, and dumping asbestos. Every stage of the process put members of the community at risk. Hazardous substances, such as asbestos, have very specific methods for safe handling. Any step that was skipped would release material into the air. The microscopic fibers could then be carried in the air and cause serious health problems.
One man’s actions could have an impact on hundreds of lives because he did not follow the proper steps to safely remove and dispose of a hazardous substance. This criminal dumped hundreds of unmarked garbage bags into an open field at a park. Any person passing by would have no idea of the danger they were in by even being in the vicinity of the bags. The garbage bags are not adequate for containing the substance and could have easily torn and allowed dangerous dust particles to float away in the wind.
The EPA has a reason to each and every policy to protect public health and safety. One of the safe guards used is through the Environmental Permit process. The process ensures safety measures are being taken each step of the way. An Environmental Consultant can aid in the process of applying for the permits needed for a business to safely operate.
Click hereto contact an Environmental Consultant to aid your company in obtaining the proper permits. The Consultant may aid in identifying what permits are required to operate legally. Some circumstances may require a few modifications to be within compliance. The sooner the facility is up to code and approved, the faster production can begin. Regular scheduled visits from the Environmental Consultant can ensure the working environment continues to comply with any new regulation, or helps with any new procedures that have been developed at the facility for a new type of production. Taking time to prepare now ensures time will not be wasted in the future with any unnecessary delays.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
