Welcome to the Asbestos issue of the April Safety Suzy newsletter.

This month’s updates focus on one of the most persistent, and misunderstood, risks in workplace safety: asbestos. From renewed legislative pressure in the U.S. to global awareness efforts and stricter regulatory guidance, the message is becoming harder to ignore: exposure prevention is still falling short.

April also marks a key moment in the safety calendar. April 28 is the founding anniversary of OSHA and NIOSH, and is recognized globally as the World Day for Safety and Health at Work — a reminder that progress in safety standards only matters if it translates into real-world protection.

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization marks April 1–7 as Global Asbestos Awareness Week, bringing together experts, policymakers, and affected communities to tackle ongoing asbestos risks.

Now in its 22nd year, the initiative focuses on prevention, education, and policy change, reinforced by daily programming and a global Candlelight Vigil. With asbestos still present in homes, workplaces, and products—and no safe level of exposure—the campaign underscores a critical reality: awareness must translate into enforceable action to reduce harm and save lives.

This New York State Department of Labor document outlines how municipalities can support asbestos safety, even though they are not required to enforce survey regulations directly. 

It highlights the risks of issuing permits without proper asbestos surveys and provides clear steps to prevent exposure, including coordinating with the Asbestos Control Bureau and sharing guidance with applicants.

For local authorities involved in permitting and inspections, this is a practical resource to reduce liability and protect public health. Download the full document for details.

This New York State Department of Labor guidance breaks down what a compliant asbestos survey must include, from inspector credentials and building details to sampling methods, lab analysis, and material classification.

It emphasizes strict standards for identifying asbestos-containing materials, including when materials must be assumed hazardous if they can’t be properly tested.  It is important to look at this guidance document and compare it to how EPA AHERA, ASTM E2356, and OSHA 1926.1101 say about inspections.

For contractors, inspectors, and property owners, this is a critical reference for avoiding ICR56 compliance gaps and costly mistakes. Download the full guide to ensure your surveys meet regulatory expectations.

A major legal battle over chrysotile asbestos is set for June 2026, as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reviews challenges to the EPA’s risk management rule under TSCA.

Backed by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, the case could determine whether stronger asbestos protections move forward or face rollback. With echoes of the overturned 1989 ban, the outcome has significant implications for worker safety, public health, and future asbestos regulation.

If interested in posting a job opening, email us at [email protected] for rates.

EPA Lead RRP Courses:

OSHA Courses (Online & In-person):

• AHERA/OSHA Asbestos Awareness
• OSHA/NYSDOL 4-hr Apprentice Asbestos Awareness (NEW) – Online
• OSHA Respirator User
• OSHA Crystalline Silica Standard for Workers
• OSHA Hazard Communication
• OSHA Hazard Communication plus NYS Right-to-Know
• Covid-19 Awareness Course
• Respirator Hierarchy
• Lead in Construction Awareness Course
• Mold in Construction Awareness Course
• Blood-borne Pathogen 4-Hour Course
• OSHA Lead in Construction Awareness Course – Online
• OSHA 10 or 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health Course
• OSHA 10 or 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Course 

Mold Courses:

• Keeping Your Family Safe Mold Awareness – Online
• Mold in Construction Awareness Course – Online
• Mold Assessment Initial
  • Apr 27 – 30, 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
• NYS Mold Refresher
• Apr 10, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Virtual
• May 8, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
 
• Mold Remediation/Supervisor Initial
  • Apr 27 – 29, 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
• Mold Abatement/Worker Initial
  • Apr 27 – 28, 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset

Asbestos Courses:

• AHERA/OSHA Asbestos Awareness Course – Online
• OSHA/NYSDOL 4-hr Apprentice Asbestos Awareness (NEW) – Online
• NYCDEP Handler/Supervisor Exam Prep – Online
• NYCDEP Investigator Exam Prep – Online
• AHERA LEA’s Designated Person Training – Online
• NYS/NYC Asbestos Supervisor Initial
• NYS Asbestos Inspector Initial
• NYS/NYC Asbestos Supervisor Refresher
  • Apr 7, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
  • May 7, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
• NYS Asbestos Project Designer Refresher
• Apr 14, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Virtual
• May 5, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Virtual
 
• NYS/NYC Asbestos Inspector Refresher
• Apr 9, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Virtual
• Apr 17, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
• May 1, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
 
• NYS Asbestos Project Monitor Refresher
• Apr 13, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
• May 4, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
 
 
• NYS Asbestos Project Sampling Technician Refresher
  • Apr 13, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
  • May 4, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
• NYS Asbestos Management Planner Refresher
  • Apr 9, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Virtual

For the most current schedule and additional courses, please visit Future Environment Designs’ website. Please click on the individual courses’ link to discover more dates!

Don’t Forget Our Referral Program!

If you refer asbestos, indoor air quality, or OSHA training to us we will provide you with a 5% discount on any training you book with us. This would be in addition to any other discounts we provide.

Thank you to those who have taken advantage of this!