“In our society and legal system it seems that, yes, someone (or many) has to tragically die before change and regulation are considered.” In this case, the tragedy was 343+2. 343 firefighters perished in the September 11, 2001 tragedy. Less than six years later, the lives of two additional NY firefighters were claimed during the demolition of the 9/11-damaged Deutsche Bank Building. These contributing conditions created by the asbestos abatement project have been recognized by several authorities, and in an effort to maximize safety, New York City enacted a number of new laws to ensure that asbestos abatement projects are conducted safely.
As we approach the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, DHS (the Department of Homeland Security) is increasing their focus on utilities and chemical facilities which may become targets for terrorist activities. In a recent ABC news release DHS Press Secretary Matt Chandler is quoted as saying “While DHS has no specific, credible intelligence of an imminent threat posed to the private sector utilities, several recent incidents highlight the on-going threat to infrastructure in the utility sectors from insiders and outsiders seeking facility-specific information that might be exploited in an attack.”
Why do we care about particles floating around in our air? Bruce Groves explores how the environmental air monitoring in the future will be able to locate (in real time) the place, the direction of the pollution source so that we can take measures to stop or reduce the indicated pollution sources. The goal AND end result are to develop as clean a living and working area as possible.
Are you in litigation regarding an environmental, health or safety issue? if so, there is a good chance that both plaintiff and defendant counsel will enlist the services of an expert or two. What is the role of an Expert Witness and how do you find the best EHS expert witness for you? For both counsel and client, spend the time to do research and find qualified EHS professionals who can help you win your case.
Have you been properly trained to use your respirator and fit-tested to make sure it is actually stopping hazards from reaching your lungs?Are you confident that you are using your respirator properly and that the respirator that you have selected is the best for the contaminants you are exposed to? How about the person next to you – are they in compliance? Learn why compliance with respirator regulations is good for you and your lungs.
Has your facility received a phone call from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asking you to provide information on the chemicals that you use and what measures you have in place to ensure that those chemicals do not fall into the wrong hands? If so, you are not alone. The DHS is currently reviewing other government databases to determine what facilities in the United States are using “chemicals of interest.”