In Compliance: Safety programs on a budget
Q: Money is tight, but I know I need to invest in some safety efforts. Do you have any suggestions on where can I get the biggest bang for my buck?
A: If we look at this purely from a numbers standpoint, it might give us a better idea of where to invest limited resources. From [...]
In Compliance: Ontario, Lockout/tagout, retaining records
Ontario Toxics Reduction Rule – Clarification
Last month, we reported the Ontario Toxics Reduction rule going into effect. To clarify, the rule only applies to facilities included in the North American Industrial Classification System: Class 31, 32 and 33. Those classes include the following general types of facilities:
Class 31: Food Manufacturing; Beverages and [...]
In Compliance: Indiana electronics recycling law and more
As part of the Indiana E-Waste Program, manufacturers of video display devices (VDDs) must register with the state of Indiana. Under the law, Indiana retailers (see the definition of which devices are covered) can only sell registered brands of VDDs to their customers.
Retailers are responsible for knowing which manufacturers and brands are registered with the [...]
A look at whistleblower protections
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) and numerous other laws protect workers against retaliation for complaining to their employers, unions, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or other government agencies about unsafe or unhealthful conditions in the workplace, environmental problems, certain public safety hazards, and certain violations of federal provisions concerning securities [...]
Online labor law compliance assistance is available
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced the availability of its updated version of the Employment Law Guide, an online publication describing the major employment laws administered by the department. Its purpose is to help workers and employers develop an understanding of the many laws affecting the workplace.
Particularly useful is the small business section. [...]
The Badger State Makes 20
With Governor Jim Doyle’s approval, Wisconsin has become the 20th state to enact legislation addressing the proper disposal of used consumer electronics, thus concluding an effort more than eight years in the making.
Modeled after the current Minnesota escrap take-back program, Senate Bill (SB) 107 establishes a producer-responsibility collection program for electronics, such as computers, computer [...]
Ontario Electronic Stewardship Expands Electronics Recycling Program
The Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES) has announced an expansion of products covered in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Program. The expanded program, set to begin April 1, 2010, means cell phones, cameras, audiovisual equipment, speakers, radios, and many other electronics will be included in the WEEE program as of that date.
Phase 1 of [...]
Washington State hard-plumbed silver-recovery letter
Earlier this year, the hazardous waste inspectors from the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) visited photo processors to conduct hazardous waste compliance inspections. The findings of the inspections were explained in letters to the facilities. A common issue raised was DOE rules on counting silver-rich solutions.
Letters were sent to facilities if the silver-rich solutions [...]
