Category Archives: Environmental issues

An Emerging Workplace Threat: MRSA

The threat of MRSA, a very nasty resilient infection (which led to the amputation of our father’s leg) is very real.  The cost of having an employee seen by a physician (preferably an occupational health physician) is miniscule compared to … Continue reading

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Xcel discontinues VSQG collection

According to the Ramsey County Hazardous Waste program: Xcel Energy is discontinuing their self-service fluorescent lamp collection, PCB services and their Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Collection site.  The vendor list has been updated and is now available here.   

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Hazard Alert Regarding Snow Removal

As we post this, the Twin Cities are getting their first serious dose of snow so it is not hard to think about snow removal from rooftops.  This is a serious hazard.  Here is an OSHA Hazard Alert on the … Continue reading

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Beat the Heat: Work, rest, shade

A friend of mine recently worked first aid at the MS150 bike ride in Minnesota. It was in the 90s with up to 30 mph winds–not the best conditions for a bike ride.  Those weather conditions led to a lot … Continue reading

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Free safety assistance in Minnesota

While we would love every company to hire us, we realize that resources (financial and personnel) are limited.  Best to spend your dollars and time wisely.  In Minnesota there are several non-enforcement resources available to small businesses: Fire assistance: Your … Continue reading

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Wild Parsnip-nasty stuff in your garden, on the road

Wild parsnip, is a plant that grows along the side of roadways and in open areas, including gardens.  It probably looks familiar. It causes “phyto-photodermatitis:” Its sap plus sunlight will make your skin redden and blister.  One client employee told … Continue reading

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Environmental Assistance Grant Applications due June 14th

From the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Business focus of MPCA EA Grants – Apply by June 14th! On May 14, 2012, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced the opening of the Fiscal Years (FY) 2012-2013 Environmental Assistance (EA) Grant … Continue reading

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Fire sprinklers help protect the environment

As captured on video, FM Global and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition conducted a study looking at the environmental impact of fires.  Setting up two identical living rooms, they measured the pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and water usage when both … Continue reading

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Storm Safety

We are in storm season.  Even if you are not a scuba diver, Divers Alert Network (DAN) has a great and interesting quiz on storm safety, accompanied by great photos.  See how well you can do answering 12 questions that … Continue reading

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Minnesota Twins do it, how about you?

The Minnesota Twins are working with Hennepin County to expand their recycling program stadium wide.  According to Hennepin County GreenNotes, the Twins are adding plastic cup recycling to their plastic and metal bottle recycling.  They have also expanded the organics … Continue reading

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