Welcome to Jennifer Koenig, an expert with over 30 years of regulatory compliance experience, who shares insights on ISO audits, including ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 45001 for health and safety. Jennifer discusses the importance of compliance audits, the role of internal and third-party audits, and the value of ISO standards in risk management. She also touches on the challenges companies face in maintaining regulatory compliance, the training needs for EHS managers, and the benefits of employee engagement in safety programs. Additionally, she provides guidance on selecting certifying bodies and emphasizes the necessity of identifying and addressing risks to ensure a robust compliance system.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode00:04 Meet Jennifer: Compliance Expert00:55 Diving into Auditing Trends01:16 Understanding ISO Standards03:17 Challenges in Compliance Audits05:49 The Role of an ISO Auditor07:11 Managing Risks and Root Causes08:41 Training and Knowledge Gaps16:08 The Importance of Internal Audits20:44 ISO Certification and Compliance24:23 Enhancing Company Culture with Safety Committees25:48 Integrating ISO 45001 with ISO 1400126:37 Understanding ISO Audit Days and Discounts31:06 The Importance of Internal Audits32:07 Steps to Becoming ISO Certified36:07 Choosing the Right Registrar39:51 Maintaining Auditor Certifications44:45 Final Thoughts on Risk Management

We welcome Manuela Dukeshire, an expert in hazard communication and global SDS authoring with over 16 years of experience. Manuela discusses the complexities and evolving nature of hazard classification and regulatory compliance, emphasizing the importance of staying updated with legislation and engaging with professional societies. She provides practical advice on managing multi-country SDS requirements, aligning different sections of SDS, and the significance of balancing regulations with real-world applications. This insightful conversation is essential listening for professionals navigating the challenging terrain of chemical hazard communication.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:31 Changes in Hazard Communication02:29 Challenges and Rewards in the Field03:39 Customer Challenges and Solutions05:27 Common Mistakes in Hazard Communication07:09 Navigating International Regulations10:24 Data Quality and Hazard Classification16:26 Creating and Reviewing SDS30:00 Future Trends in Hazard Communication35:26 Conclusion and Final Takeaways

We welcome Steve Laughlin, owner of CJ and K Training, who shares his extensive experience in Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). The conversation covers a wide range of topics from the complications of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in spill response and waste disposal to the importance of accurate chemical information and regulatory hurdles. We also delve into the frustrations faced by professionals working with incomplete or confusing SDSs and the need for more stringent enforcement and legislation to improve the quality and clarity of these essential documents.00:00 Welcome to Day Two of the Summit00:21 Introducing Steve Laughlin00:55 Parody Song and Safety Data Sheets02:23 Challenges with Safety Data Sheets03:04 Real-World Issues and Frustrations05:19 Waste Disposal Industry Insights07:08 The Need for Better Chemical Disclosure10:11 Regulatory Standards and Compliance11:39 Similarities Between Regulations and Religion12:23 The Complexity of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)12:55 Challenges with Transportation Information on SDS13:21 Issues with DOT Compliance and SDS Accuracy14:08 The Role of Chemists and Compliance in SDS Creation16:25 Training and Compliance: Real-World Examples19:07 The Importance of Clear and Understandable SDS22:18 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Corrine Greenberg, an EHS manager at Eckhart America's Louisville facility, discussing her innovative approach to hazard communication at the EHS Summit in Louisville, Kentucky. Corrine shares how she transformed traditional hazard communication (HAZCOM) training into a public-facing course tailored for sensitive populations in the community. Inspired by the 2023 East Palestine train derailment, she developed a multi-part course to educate the public on hazardous materials, air emissions, and risk management, filling critical knowledge gaps and empowering individuals with actionable insights. This comprehensive discussion covers the motivation, development, implementation, and community impact of the training program, highlighting its importance in fostering transparent and informed community engagement.00:00 Welcome to the EHS Summit00:12 Introducing Corrine Greenberg01:45 Hazard Communication Session Overview03:15 The East Palestine Train Derailment04:51 LEPC's Role and Response06:10 Developing a Public-Facing HazCom Course08:45 Beta Testing and Refining the Course16:28 Rolling Out the Course to the Public23:10 Understanding Air Emissions27:45 Modeling and Shelter in Place28:37 Understanding Toxic Inhalation Hazards30:53 Risk Management Session31:49 Community Engagement and Incident Response35:13 Addressing Community Concerns36:15 Lessons from Past Incidents39:55 Effective Hazard Communication42:00 Promoting LEPC and Community Involvement47:22 Personal Reflections and Career Insights51:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, recorded live at the AHMP Hazmat Summit, Atanu interviews Becky Neal, a Senior Strategic Manager of Compliance at Envita Solutions. Becky provides insights into the complexities of regulatory support for hazardous waste disposal and recycling. She discusses the challenges of using Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for waste profiling, addressing the disconnect between the information provided and the real-world requirements of disposal facilities. The conversation touches on the limitations of SDSs, the importance of accurate waste characterization, and the regulatory demands from the EPA, OSHA, and DOT. Becky shares her experiences and strategies for obtaining reliable information to meet regulatory standards and ensure safe disposal practices.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:52 The Importance of Communication in Compliance01:28 Understanding the HAZ Waste Industry02:22 Challenges with SDS Documentation03:40 Navigating Regulatory Requirements07:04 Dealing with Proprietary Ingredients08:45 Testing and Profiling Waste18:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Atanu welcomes Jonelle Thomas, a Global Regulatory Affairs Manager at Microban International, to share her career journey. Jonelle discusses her academic background in biochemistry and toxicology, her early career aspirations, and her transition from research to regulatory affairs. She highlights the importance of mentorship in shaping her career path and shares insights into the regulatory field, including challenges faced, lessons learned, and the significance of networking and continuous learning. The episode also delves into strategies for engaging in hazard communication and balancing compliance with creating a safety culture. Jonelle underscores the dynamic nature of the regulatory profession and encourages newcomers to explore opportunities in this impactful field.00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Jonelle Thomas01:12 Jonelle's Early Career and Education01:49 Transitioning from Research to Regulatory Affairs03:18 Discovering Product Management and Mentorship05:24 Entering the Regulatory Field14:18 Challenges in Regulatory Affairs19:23 Lessons Learned and Common Mistakes28:15 The Importance of Genuine Interest in Your Career28:57 Soft Skills and Interview Preparation29:46 Proud Achievements: Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt33:30 Challenges and Learning from Setbacks40:01 Engaging Hazard Communication Strategies42:17 Balancing Compliance and Safety Culture44:52 Digital Tools and Professional Networks49:59 Skills, Certifications, and Future Trends55:36 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode we welcome Donna Switzer, a certified sustainability professional and environmental auditor, to discuss the principles and importance of corporate sustainability. Donna explains the formal definition of sustainability from the Rio Earth Summit and the core elements of environmental footprint, social impact, and regulatory compliance. She shares practical examples of successful corporate sustainability programs and emphasizes the value of focusing on long-term business objectives. Donna also highlights common barriers to adopting sustainability initiatives and provides strategies for overcoming them. The episode concludes with recommendations for resources and the significance of company-wide involvement in sustainability efforts.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:30 Defining Sustainability02:48 Corporate Sustainability Programs03:57 Historical Context of Sustainability04:40 Environmental Footprint Explained05:56 Examples of Environmental Impact09:32 Hazard Communication and Sustainability13:11 Social Aspects of Sustainability18:05 Navigating Political Agendas in Sustainability22:10 Successful Corporate Sustainability Initiatives28:51 Impact of Social Issues on Business30:08 Barriers to Implementing Sustainability Programs32:11 Involving the Whole Company in Sustainability34:52 Challenges and Standards in Sustainability38:09 Developing a Two-Year Sustainability Plan44:39 Resources for Implementing Sustainability48:09 Recommended Books on Sustainability49:30 Final Thoughts on Sustainability

In this episode, we welcome Doug Strock, Vice President of Global Language Translations and Consulting who shares his extensive insights into the complexities of global hazard communication through translation. The conversation covers strategies for effective communication across a multilingual workforce, the challenges faced by non-English speakers, and real-world examples where translation issues impacted safety and compliance. Doug also discusses the role of AI in translation, its benefits and limitations, and the importance of human oversight. The episode concludes with best practices for vetting language service providers, ensuring translation accuracy, and managing large-scale SDS translation projects.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:09 Challenges in Global Hazard Communication04:24 Real-World Examples of Translation Issues06:56 Measuring Effectiveness of Translated Materials11:18 AI and Machine Translation in Safety Documents20:12 Choosing the Right Translation Provider26:44 Testing Vendor Responses27:28 Regulatory References and Linguistic Testing28:29 International Standards for SDS Translations30:16 Challenges with ATA Certification34:32 Best Practices for SDS Translation Requests38:21 Managing Large Scale SDS Translation Projects43:52 Balancing Cost and Quality in Translation Services47:22 Integrating SDS Translation with Document Needs50:01 The Role of AI in Translation Services51:21 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, our guests, Michelle Baker and Beth Dederick, discuss the intricacies of product stewardship. Michelle, with over 25 years of experience in product stewardship and regulatory compliance, and Beth, with more than 20 years in environmental consulting, share their expertise on the importance of product stewardship. They explain the concept, the roles of various stakeholders, and the global implications of regulatory compliance. The discussion explores challenges such as delivering bad news to stakeholders and the need for early involvement of product stewards in product development to avoid costly mistakes. They emphasize the importance of communication, forward-thinking, and collaboration within organizations to ensure product safety, sustainability, and compliance.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions02:10 Understanding Product Stewardship05:31 Corporate Stakeholders in Product Stewardship11:30 Global Collaboration and Compliance Challenges14:57 Delivering Bad News in Product Stewardship25:15 Proactive Planning and Forecasting28:52 Feedback on Delivering Bad News30:20 Navigating Product Stewardship Challenges32:04 Company Philosophy on Compliance32:54 Reformulation and Market Impact38:12 Sustainability and Product Stewardship40:27 Communication and Training48:47 Consultants and Collaboration50:33 Benefits of Early Product Stewardship53:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with John Newquist, a nationally recognized expert in occupational safety and health, to discuss the effectiveness of safety training programs, particularly for hazard communication (HazCom). John shares insights from his four decades of experience, focusing on challenges faced by workers with low literacy or limited English proficiency. He emphasizes the importance of bilingual trainers, visual aids, hands-on demonstrations, and the proactive involvement of supervisors and managers. John also addresses common issues such as inadequate personal protective equipment, the need for effective emergency responses, and fostering a safety culture where employees feel comfortable asking questions. For more information on John's extensive background and publications, visit hackyourhazcom.com.00:00 Introduction 02:13 Common Challenges in Safety Training04:15 Effective Training Methods for Low Literacy Workers06:04 Real-Life Examples and Visual Aids08:31 Assessing and Improving Safety Training17:04 Fostering a Proactive Safety Culture23:49 Special Considerations for Specific Industries32:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts