Cardinal Compliance Consultants

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) has released ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2026, replacing the 2021 edition of the national consensus standard for workplace first aid kits and supplies. The updated standard introduces new requirements and expanded guidance addressing opioid overdose response, severe bleeding, employee training, and emergency preparedness across a range of work environments. Although the standard remains voluntary, OSHA references ANSI/ISEA guidance when evaluating the adequacy of workplace first aid supplies. The 2026 workplace first aid standards provide employers with an opportunity to reassess their existing first aid programs and ensure that equipment, emergency procedures, and employee training align with workplace hazards and evolving best practices. What Changed in the 2026 Workplace First Aid Standards? ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 establishes minimum requirements for first aid kit contents, classification, labeling, and performance. The 2026 revi...

After being on hold for much of 2026, Ohio TechCred is preparing to accept employer applications again this fall. The next funding round is scheduled to open October 1–30, 2026 , giving Ohio businesses another opportunity to seek support for eligible workforce training. The Ohio TechCred return comes with several important updates, from a narrower credential list and new training provider requirements to changes in reimbursement and program timing. For employers considering the October round, understanding what has changed and how those changes could affect planning, eligibility, and training decisions will be key to making the most of the opportunity. How Ohio TechCred Works Ohio TechCred is an Ohio workforce development program designed to help employers offset the cost of short-term training for technology-focused skills. Employers apply for funding, pay for approved training, and then request reimbursement after an eligible employee successfully earns the approved...

Proactive safety management gives organizations a structured way to identify priorities, make informed decisions, and address risk before an incident occurs. Because operations, workforces, equipment, and risks change, a successful safety management program should evolve with the organization. OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs emphasize a proactive approach to managing workplace safety and health. A well-structured program connects policies, communication, training, reporting, and performance data to support ongoing evaluation and improvement. An effective safety management program should: Reduce the risk of workplace incidents, injuries, and fatalities through systematic evaluation and improvement. Involve employees at all levels of the organization, making safety a shared responsibility. Establish a clear and consistent structure for managing safety performance. Use leading and lagging indicators to guide decisions and measure resu...

With the NFPA 70E 2027 updates now in effect, employers should understand how the latest edition of NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace® affects electrical safety programs and work practices. Effective May 6, 2026, the revised standard includes updated guidance for energized work, emergency response, electrical risk assessments, personal protective equipment (PPE), battery systems, direct-current (DC) equipment, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and stored electrical energy. NFPA 70E provides recognized safety practices to help protect employees from electrical hazards, including electric shock, arc flash, electrical burns, and other electrical-related injuries. Although NFPA 70E is not an OSHA regulation, OSHA may reference recognized industry standards when evaluating whether employers have adequately protected employees from known electrical hazards .  Key Changes in the NFPA 70E 2027 Update  Additional Support During Certain Energized Electric...

Arc flash risk assessments are one of the most critical tools for preventing electrical injuries, yet they are also among the most misunderstood. OSHA provides the enforceable regulatory framework, while NFPA 70E is a widely used consensus standard that helps employers meet OSHA’s electrical safety-related work practice obligations. Even so, many organizations proudly display arc flash labels on their switchgear, believing compliance has been achieved. But in practice, those labels are only as accurate as the risk assessment, data, maintenance, and decision-making behind them. Many arc flash label mistakes begin when one or more of those inputs are outdated, incomplete, or disconnected from current conditions. When an incident occurs, the label is the last line of defense — but too often, it’s invalid before the breaker door is ever opened. Here are six common mistakes that can undermine your labels' accuracy. 6 Common Arc Flash Label Mistakes 1. “One-and-Done” Stu...

Summer is in full swing, and many areas have already experienced stretches of intense heat and strong sunshine. Whether you're working outdoors, spending time at the pool, or enjoying a weekend hike, taking steps to reduce UV exposure is just as important as staying hydrated. Here are some practical tips, tools, and resources to help protect your skin and eyes while making the most of your time outside. What are UV Rays? UV stands for ultraviolet, which is a type of light that comes from the sun. There are two main types of UV rays that can reach us: UVA and UVB. While sunlight helps us stay warm and can be good for getting vitamin D, too much UV light can be harmful to our skin and eyes. Why is it important to be “Sun Safe”? Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause sunburns, a painful reddening of the skin.  Over time, UV exposure increases your risk for skin cancers like squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas, and cutaneous melanoma.  UV light can also damag...

As temperatures climb across much of the United States, employers face a familiar but serious workplace hazard: heat stress. While construction sites and agricultural operations often come to mind first, heat-related illnesses can affect employees in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, transportation operations, landscaping crews, utility work, and many other environments. Indoor workplaces without adequate climate control can present risks that are just as significant as outdoor job sites. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke can develop quickly, particularly during the first major heat events of the season when employees may not yet be acclimated to working in elevated temperatures. Although OSHA's proposed heat standard remains under review, employers should not wait for new regulations before evaluating their heat stress prevention efforts. Many of the measures being discussed at the federal level reflect long-established best practices that can help pr...

As of April 27, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) have declared regulatory delays on the enforcement of significant regulations to protect public health and worker safety. EPA’s Trichloroethylene (TCE) Risk Management Rule In December 2024, the EPA finalized a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) rule to ban most uses of trichloroethylene (TCE), a solvent linked to cancer and neurological disorders. The rule was initially set to take effect on January 16, 2025. However, multiple legal challenges led to a temporary stay by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on January 13, 2025. The cases were consolidated and transferred to the Third Circuit, which maintained the stay. In response, the EPA postponed the rule’s effective date to March 21, 2025, and later announced a further delay until June 20, 2025, pending judicial review. The delays have drawn criticism from environmental and public health advocates, who arg...

Downtown Atlanta, at a high-rise construction project, the summer sun was already beating down on the concrete, and the crew was hustling to keep the exterior paneling installation on schedule. Miguel, a seasoned worker with 15 years in construction, trusted the scaffold that snaked up the building’s side — the same one he and his coworkers had been using for weeks. That morning, however, the scaffold was unusually crowded. Stacks of panels, bundles of tools, and workers all crowded onto the narrow platforms. Miguel noticed it felt a little different — as he climbed to the sixth level — but he shrugged it off. About 2 hours into his shift, while positioning a heavy panel into place, Miguel heard a sharp crack beneath him. Then, a sickening lurch. The scaffold gave way. About 2 hours into his shift, while positioning a heavy panel into place, Miguel heard a sharp crack beneath him. Then, a sickening lurch. Scaffold Collapses on Construction Site with Workers on It Miguel and ...

In early 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) enacted sweeping layoffs at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), cutting an estimated two-thirds of its workforce. Positioned as part of a larger federal reorganization plan, the move has sparked a heated debate across industries, public health communities, and policy arenas. Below, we explore the NIOSH layoffs potential pros and cons of this controversial action and ultimately why these layoffs run counter to the core values that Cardinal Compliance Consultants stands for. Potential NIOSH Layoffs Pros 1. Government Efficiency and Budget Savings Supporters argue that the layoffs are a means to eliminate bureaucratic redundancy and reduce federal spending. By streamlining operations and reallocating resources to broader public health efforts, the government claims it can address a wider range of national health concerns more cost-effectively. 2. Structural Modernization The reorga...

Combustible dust poses significant hazards in various industries, capable of causing catastrophic explosions and fires when not properly managed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses these dangers through a combination of regulations, directives, and emphasis programs aimed at safeguarding workers. Below we go over OSHA’s standard for combustible dust, what it means, and how it may impact you. Understanding Combustible Dust Combustible dust consists of fine particles that, when suspended in the air under certain conditions, can ignite and lead to explosions. Materials such as wood, metals (e.g., aluminum, magnesium), coal, plastics, and organic substances like sugar and flour can generate combustible dust. Even materials that do not burn in larger pieces can be explosible in dust form. Example of combustible dust: woodworking OSHA’s Regulatory Framework While OSHA does not have a specific standard exclusively for combustible dust, several existin...