OSHA Expands Grain Handling Safety Program to Address Rising Deaths and Injuries in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska
On October 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an expanded regional emphasis program aimed at addressing worker safety concerns in the grain handling industry. This five-year initiative seeks to reduce the alarming number of preventable deaths, amputations, and injuries in the region. Rising Fatalities and Injuries in […]
Understanding HAZOP
Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) is a structured technique used to examine systems and manage risks. HAZOP is a highly effective tool for brainstorming and conducting qualitative risk assessments. It takes an inductive approach, meaning it evaluates risks from the ground up by drawing on the knowledge and experience of subject matter experts (SMEs) who […]
Conducting a Thorough Process Safety Audit
Process safety is a vital component for organizations managing hazardous processes. Regular audits play a crucial role in identifying potential risks, ensuring compliance, and enhancing safety management systems. Conducting a well-structured process safety audit (PSA) allows organizations to uncover gaps in their operations, ultimately protecting employees, assets, and the environment. What is a Process Safety […]
Understanding the Latest Facility Siting Regulation Updates
Facility siting is an essential process that evaluates the potential hazards posed to buildings and personnel in industrial settings. As mandated by OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard (29 CFR Part 1910), this assessment is crucial for ensuring a safe working environment in facilities handling hazardous materials. Because industrial sites are constantly changing, keeping facility […]
Navigating EPA’s New Methane Reduction Requirements
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published new rules under Clean Air Act Section 111, setting standards for methane emissions in the oil and gas industry. These rules, known as the OOOO rules, are designed to significantly reduce methane emissions by regulating both new and existing sources across the onshore production, processing, natural gas transmission, […]
CSB’s Emphasis on Enhancing Chemical Plant Safety with Remote Isolation Equipment
In a recent call to action, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) emphasized the importance of remote isolation equipment in chemical facilities. As a leader in Process Safety Risk Management, IFO Group is committed to helping businesses implement the latest safety measures to protect their workers, facilities, and surrounding communities. The CSB’s […]
The History of Process Safety Management
The 1910.119 Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard, established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), was created to enhance the safety of workplaces that handle highly hazardous chemicals. This standard was prompted by several catastrophic industrial incidents that highlighted the need for more stringent safety regulations. These incidents led to wide recognition in the […]
TPC Group Incident and the Importance of Robust Risk Management
Recently, the importance of robust risk management programs in industrial operations has been emphasized by several incidents highlighting the catastrophic consequences of neglecting safety protocols. One recent case involves TPC Group, a Texas petrochemical company, for violating the Clean Air Act. Earlier this week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of […]
Staying Off OSHA’s Severe Violator List (SVL)
Maintaining a safe work environment is not only a legal requirement – it is also a moral obligation that every business owes its employees. Staying off OSHA’s Severe Violator List (SVL) is extremely important to workplaces that pride themselves on having a strong safety culture. What does it take to steer clear of this list? […]
Remembering the Texas City Explosion of 1947
April 16th marked a somber anniversary in the history of Texas City due to an unimaginable disaster. In 1947, during a time of prosperity for the oil, shipping, and chemical industry in Galveston County, tragedy struck the town of 16,000 residents. The French freighter, the Grand Camp, docked at Texas City to load a heavy […]