We all know an Environmental Consultant is a necessary person to avoid costly citations with the EPA, but how often do you ask your consultant to perform an environmental audit on your facility? Working for or owning a manufacturing company means that the facility probably needs a few environmental permits, and unless you like to read the EPA’s website on a regular basis then you probably aren’t too confident of which permits you might need. That is why you should have regular environmental audits.
We all know an Environmental Consultant is a necessary person to avoid costly citations with the EPA, but how often do you ask your consultant to perform an environmental audit on your facility? Working for or owning a manufacturing company means that the facility probably needs a few environmental permits, and unless you like to read the EPA’s website on a regular basis then you probably aren’t too confident of which permits you might need. That is why you should have regular environmental audits.
It can seem like a daunting task, trying to find the right consultant to come and do an assessment of where you are now and where you should be. But to an Environmental Consultant, taking a company that has no idea what type of environmental permits they need and then helping them get them, is what they live for. They enjoy helping companies determine what types of permits they need to stay compliant with EPA regulations.
Every manufacturer knows how difficult it can be trying to pass an OSHA inspection. They always seem to find that one little thing, and then it seems to just grow from there. OSHA constantly has new mandates and regulations that they want people to follow, and it can be difficult maintaining that strict guideline. The Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) can be the same way. As they discover better ways to help maintain and preserve the environment they issue new mandates. Keeping up with the new rules the EPA releases can be exhausting. For this reason you should have your local Environmental Consultant do a regular audit of your company.
The consultant can be certain that all forms and necessary measures are being taken to follow the EPA guidelines. For example, were you aware there have been changes the Storm Water Pollution and Prevention Plan? Did you know that last December was the deadline to file a Notice of Intent (NOI)? By having a consultant on contract, he would have been certain that you were updated. He would also be certain that water samples after a rainfall were correctly gathered, and that training was held per the SWPPP standard. The SWPPP is just one example of an environmental program that having an annual audit could help you stay compliant.
Having an annual audit of your facility is like having your annual check-up. If the doctor sees you regularly than when something small shows up you can handle it before it becomes something big. The same thing happens with your Environmental Consultant. As he performs the audit, he will talk to you and ask you questions. This way he knows what is going on with your facility. You might be planning to expand or get new or different equipment. By relaying all this information to the Environmental Consultant he can tell you how this will impact your business. If you need the have an environmental audit performed on your company click here.
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.
