OSHA’s Latest LOI, 4 Shifts in EHS and Thinking Like an Octopus: What You Read in February

I’m not quite sure what to do with myself these days. Now that the Olympics have closed, I don’t know how to spend my evenings now that I’m no longer cheering on the American men and women competing on the world stage.

I have watched and read a few profiles of Alysa Liu since she won her gold medal. As much as I was entranced by her skating, I’m even more impressed by how the 20-year-old figure skater comports herself. I’m so thrilled for the legions of young women who will follow Liu’s example for how to succeed on your own terms—and do so with joy.

Speaking of extraordinary performances, I want to call attention to the fact that Team USA won a record-setting 33 medals at the 2026 Winter Games, 12 of which were gold. When broken down by gender, 21 total medals were won by women, including eight gold. (This count does include mixed team events, such as the mixed aerials freestyle skiing.)

This is not a new phenomenon. Women have won more gold medals and more medals overall for past few Winter and Summer Olympics. But it is still worth calling attention to because the reality is that things would look very different if not for the passage of Title IX in 1972.

I’m sure there are many opinions about Title IX, but I find it incredible that in a mere 54 years (fewer if you count the first games in which there were more U.S. women athletes than men), American women athletes have shown that if you give people an opportunity, they will likely exceed all expectations.

The Milano Cortina games have reminded me that once I’ve secured a seat at the table, it’s my duty to scoot over and make room for someone else. I hope you will consider how you can sponsor, mentor or support your fellow colleagues. Because when one of our teammates succeeds, we all succeed.

Until next time, be safe, be well and be kind!

OSHA Issues Letters of Interpretation on Lithium-ion Batteries Recordkeeping

Potential risks include fires, explosions, and exposure to harmful chemicals.

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NSC Applauds Strengthened SIF Prevention Standard

American Society for Testing and Materials E2920-26 standard on SIF prevention was updated.

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Eight-Armed Safety: Why EHS Leaders Must Think Like an Octopus, Not a Tin Man

The eight arms framework provides a structured approach to transforming safety culture and practices for complex, unpredictable environments.

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OSHA Fines Horizon Biofuels Inc. Nearly $148,000 for 2025 Fatal Explosion and Fire

Following months of investigating, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued fines to the wood refining facility in Fremont, Nebraska.

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Exoskeletons Helping to Reduce Injuries

A recent survey from HeroWear found a 62% reduction in injuries when workers wore an exosuit.

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4 Shifts That Will Redefine EHS in 2026

It’s a new year, and that means resolving to focus on new opportunities to improve workplace safety.

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MSHA Issues Health Alert Concerning Ammonia Exposure

Exposure to high levels of ammonia can cause serious health effects involving the eyes, lungs, and skin.

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Water Bankruptcy, Water Contamination and a Show Dog That Shows Up: What I’m Reading This Week

A look at some news of note for safety professionals.

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From Seat Time to Skill: How Leading Safety Teams Are Proving Competence, Not Just Compliance

Real-world demonstration of skills on the job is more reliable than hours logged or written tests for ensuring safety.

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The Error of Our Ways: Why Safety Needs to Reexamine Technology, Performance Metrics and Perfectionism

Today’s workplaces are fast-paced, complex operations. In order to make them safer, we need to design them to be used by real people in real-world conditions.

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Building Psychological Safety, Soggy Snow and Gen Z’s Career Change: What I’m Reading This Week

A look at some news of note for safety professionals.

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