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Please read all instructions and requirements for each question. 1. For many chemicals, the ACGIH TLVs and NIOSH RELs are much more restrictive than existing OSHA PELs. The differences are typically based on the use of more recent scientific data. State your case as to whether employers should use the most restrictive of the PELs, RELs, or TLVs, or if you believe the employer should only have to use the legally enforceable PELs. Please connect your personal experiences or what you have researched regarding this concept. Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary. 2. Identify and discuss an event that has been in the media within the last 6 months that involves a chemical adversely impacting the health of humans or the environment. What actions (if any) have been taken to reverse the impact? Has public opinion influenced how the situation has been addressed? Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary. 3. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) are four major organizations with a great amount of influence on the industrial hygiene field. Prepare your essay comparing the missions of each of the four organizations and their influence on the practice of industrial hygiene. Choose one of the organizations, and describe how the passage of the OSH Act of 1970 influenced the foundation of the organization. What is the most significant contribution that your chosen organization has made to worker health and safety? Your essay assignment must include the following elements: § Include an introduction that engages the reader. § You must include two references, one of which should be from the CSU Online Library. Use proper APA style for each source. § The body of the paper must be at least two double-spaced pages in length. § The title page and reference pages do not count toward the page requirement. If you are unfamiliar with APA style, the Writing Center can provide assistance prior to submission.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In the realm of occupational health and safety, understanding the various exposure limits and the roles of prominent organizations is crucial for ensuring worker safety and environmental protection. The regulatory landscape encompasses different standards such as the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), and the scientific community's guidelines like the ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs). Each of these sets of limits has distinct origins and purposes, influencing how industries manage chemical hazards in the workplace. This paper explores the appropriateness of using the most restrictive exposure guidelines, examines a recent chemical-related environmental incident, and compares the foundational missions and impacts of key organizations in industrial hygiene, focusing on OSHA and the influence of the OSH Act of 1970.

Use of the Most Restrictive Limits in Occupational Settings

Employers face the challenge of selecting appropriate occupational exposure limits to protect workers effectively. OSHA's PELs are legally enforceable standards established primarily in the 1970s, often based on outdated data. Conversely, ACGIH TLVs and NIOSH RELs are more frequently updated with current scientific evidence, reflecting the latest understanding of chemical hazards. From a safety perspective, it seems prudent for employers to adhere to the most restrictive limits among these standards to minimize health risks. For example, when the TLV for a particular solvent is lower than OSHA’s PEL, using the TLV provides an added precaution. Personal research indicates that many occupational illnesses have been linked to exposures exceeding the more conservative scientific recommendations, emphasizing the need for adopting the strictest guidelines where feasible. However, regulatory compliance and economic considerations may sometimes restrict this approach, prompting debate on whether legal enforcement should prioritize protection over compliance mandates. Overall, adopting the most conservative limits aligns with the precautionary principle, advocating for worker health over regulatory minimums.

Recent Chemical-Related Media Event and Public Impact

In recent months, a significant incident involved the chemical 1,4-dioxane contaminating groundwater near a manufacturing site in California. Reports indicated that the chemical, used as a solvent stabilizer, had leached into the surrounding environment, threatening local water supplies and public health. Authorities responded by initiating extensive environmental cleanup operations, including soil excavation and groundwater remediation techniques such as pump-and-treat systems. Public concern prompted increased scrutiny from environmental agencies, leading to stricter regulations on disposal practices and chemical handling. Community activism and media coverage played pivotal roles in pressuring companies and regulators to act swiftly and transparently. The public outcry also encouraged policymakers to allocate funds for enhanced monitoring and enforcement, illustrating how media attention can influence environmental policy and corporate accountability. These efforts aim to reduce exposure risks and restore community trust, demonstrating the critical role of collective action and governance in addressing environmental health crises.

Comparison of Major Industrial Hygiene Organizations

The organizations—OSHA, NIOSH, ACGIH, and AIHA—each hold significant authority and influence within the field of industrial hygiene, but their missions vary. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was created by the OSH Act of 1970 and serves as a regulatory agency enforcing safety standards and workplace laws to protect employees in the United States. NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), on the other hand, is a research agency responsible for studying occupational hazards and advising OSHA and other entities on scientific evidence-based standards. ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) primarily develops TLVs for chemical exposures, emphasizing scientific consensus and stakeholder engagement, although these are not legally binding. AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) is a professional association advocating for best practices, education, and policy development in industrial hygiene.

Influence of the OSH Act of 1970 on OSHA

The passage of the OSH Act of 1970 was a milestone that formalized OSHA’s mission to assure safe and healthful working conditions. This legislation provided OSHA with the authority and resources to establish, enforce, and update safety standards, leading to widespread improvements in workplace safety. It also created a framework for collaboration among government agencies, employers, and workers, fostering a culture of proactive hazard management. Among OSHA's most significant contributions is the development of comprehensive injury and illness records, which inform targeted interventions and policy reforms. OSHA’s enduring influence results from its ongoing enforcement activities and its role in promoting a safety-oriented work environment, significantly reducing occupational fatalities and illnesses over the past five decades.

References

  • Burke, M. J., et al. (2018). Occupational health and safety: A review. Journal of Safety Research, 66, 27-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2018.02.004
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2022). NIOSH research priorities. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/researchpriorities.html
  • American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). (2020). Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs). https://www.acgih.org
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2020). About OSHA. https://www.osha.gov/aboutosha
  • American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). (2023). Professional resources & publications. https://www.aiha.org
  • Leitner, N. M., et al. (2019). Evolving standards in occupational health. Safety Science, 120, 246-255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.07.011
  • United States Congress. (1970). Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Pub.L. 91–596.
  • Kelsey, K. T., et al. (2021). Regulatory agencies and their role in occupational health. Annals of Work Exposures and Health, 65(4), 366-376. https://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/yaab002
  • Poland, J. R., & Trush, M. A. (2017). Environmental impacts of chemical exposures: case studies. Environmental Science & Policy, 76, 49-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2017.09.002
  • Schneider, T., et al. (2019). The future of industrial hygiene: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 16(12), 607-613. https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2019.1613704

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