Workers' Compensation: Toxic Chemicals Beware: Biden's Bold Safety Crackdown

In a significant move to safeguard worker health and public safety, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced critical actions targeting two highly toxic chemicals: trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). These landmark regulations aim to reduce exposure to substances linked to serious health risks, including cancer.

Understanding the Chemicals of Concern

Trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) are industrial solvents widely used in manufacturing, dry cleaning, and various industrial processes. Despite their economic importance, these chemicals have been conclusively linked to significant health hazards, particularly cancer risks.

Key Health Risks

TCE has been associated with kidney cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
PCE is linked to bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, and neurological disorders
Prolonged exposure can cause serious long-term health complications

Who Is Most Impacted?

The new regulations will have profound implications for several industries:

Manufacturing SectorMetal degreasing and fabrication industries

Electronic component manufacturing
Automotive repair and maintenance facilities

Dry Cleaning IndustryTraditional dry cleaning businesses

Textile processing plants
Uniform and commercial laundry services

Chemical ProcessingChemical manufacturing plants

Pharmaceutical production facilities
Research and laboratory environments

Administrative Actions and Protections

The Biden-Harris Administration's approach includes:

Stricter workplace exposure limits
Mandatory risk assessment protocols
Enhanced worker protection guidelines
Comprehensive reporting requirements for chemical usage

Implications for Workplace Safety

These regulations represent a critical step in:

Reducing occupational cancer risks
Modernizing industrial safety standards
Protecting workers' long-term health
Encouraging safer alternative technologies

What Employers Need to Do

Conduct comprehensive chemical exposure assessments
Implement robust safety training programs
Invest in alternative, less harmful chemical technologies
Ensure strict compliance with new regulatory standards

Looking Forward: A Commitment to Worker Health

This initiative underscores the administration's commitment to workplace safety, public health, and proactive environmental protection. The government is making significant strides toward creating safer, healthier work environments by targeting these cancer-causing chemicals.

Employers, workers, and industry leaders are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines and prepare for the implementation of these critical safety measures.

Pre-publication copy of the final risk management rule for TCE. (pdf) (1.76 MB)

Pre-publication copy of the final risk management rule for PCE. (pdf) (1.54 MB)

Recommended Citation: Gelman, Jon L., Toxic Chemicals Beware: Biden's Bold Safety Crackdown, www.gelmans.com (12/11/2024) https://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/2024/12/toxic-chemicals-beware-bidens-bold.html

......

ORDER NOW

....

*Jon L. Gelman of Wayne, NJ, is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters). For over five decades, the Law Offices of Jon Gelman 1.973.696.7900
jon@gelmans.com has represented injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational illnesses and diseases.