Welcome to the August issue of the Safety Suzy Newsletter!

This month, the headlines speak volumes: a proposed 80% budget cut to NIOSH threatens to gut the nation’s occupational health infrastructure, while the EPA moves to restore critical lead safety rules and uphold the asbestos ban after public outcry. But not all the news is grim. NYC construction injuries hit a 10-year low, and small businesses get a break as OSHA eases penalties to reward good-faith compliance.

We also spotlight the growing risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers, practical guidance for preventing heat illness on job sites, and how to build a DIY air cleaner to beat wildfire smoke. Plus, don’t miss EPA's webinar on staying safe in extreme heat (running on July 29th).

Read on for essential updates, downloadable fact sheets and FED's updated course schedule.

The U.S. Department of Labor has revised OSHA's penalty guidelines to reduce financial burdens on small businesses and encourage quicker hazard correction. The updates expand eligibility for penalty reductions—extending a 70% cut to employers with up to 25 workers and offering 15% discounts for immediate hazard fixes. Employers with clean inspection histories may now qualify for a 20% reduction.

These changes aim to support small firms working in good faith to comply, while maintaining accountability. The new policies apply to penalties issued after July 14, 2025, and are effective immediately for ongoing investigations.

Lung cancer rates in nonsmokers are rising — especially among women, people of Asian descent, and younger adults — prompting scientists to search for new causes beyond tobacco.

Air pollution, genetic mutations, and past exposure to environmental toxins are emerging as culprits. Yet most nonsmokers aren’t screened until it’s too late, since U.S. guidelines focus on heavy smokers.

Researchers are pushing to update screening protocols and better understand the unique biology of these cases. Survivors are already sounding the alarm: lung cancer today doesn’t look like it used to and it can strike anyone.

Wildfire smoke, dust, and other pollutants can compromise indoor air quality fast. The EPA’s DIY air cleaner offers a low-cost, effective solution using simple materials. Here’s how to build one in minutes.

Materials You’ll Need:

• 20" box fan

• One or more 20"x20"x1" MERV-13 air filters

• Cardboard (to cover the back if using multiple filters)

• Duct tape or heavy-duty packing tape

• Scissors or a utility knife

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose Your Design:

   • Simple version: One filter attached to the back of the fan.

   • Cube version (more effective): Attach 3-5 filters in a cube around the fan for increased filtration.

2. Align the Filter(s):

   • Make sure the airflow arrow on the filter points toward the fan (so air is pulled through the filter into the fan).

3. Secure with Tape:

   • Tape the edges of the filter(s) tightly to the fan to prevent leaks. In a cube version, tape the filters to each other and attach the fan on one open side.

4. Add a Cardboard Seal (Optional):

   • For stability and airflow control, tape a cardboard panel to the back of the cube opposite the fan.

5. Power On Safely:

• Place the unit on a flat surface away from walls or curtains. Turn on the fan at low or medium speed for continuous filtration.

This DIY air cleaner can dramatically reduce indoor particle pollution and is a great emergency option during wildfire season or poor air quality days. Replace filters every 1–3 months for best performance.

Construction workers face serious risks from heat, especially as global temperatures rise. CPWR and OSHA have released new prevention checklists and are inviting contractors to participate in research and a July 29 webinar featuring labor and contractor perspectives on staying safe in extreme heat. Additional resources include:

• Developing a Heat Illness Prevention Program in Construction;

• Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards in Construction: A Q&A on OSHA’s National Emphasis Program

Cut-off saws can cause fatal kickbacks, severe lacerations, and dangerous dust exposure if misused. This CPWR fact sheet outlines how improper use can lead to fatal kickback injuries, toxic silica dust exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fires.

Some of the advice includes:

• Choose the correct blade for the material and tool.

• Inspect tools before use and tag out damaged equipment.

• Never cut overhead or while on ladders—use stable platforms.

• Control dust with water or vacuum systems to reduce silica exposure.

• Avoid gas saws indoors to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

• Wear proper PPE: eye, ear, respiratory, hand, and foot protection.

• Keep hands clear of the blade at all times, including after shutoff.

• Train workers on safe operation and hazard awareness.

New York City saw a sharp drop in construction-related injuries and incidents in 2024, according to the Department of Buildings’ latest Construction Safety Report. Injuries fell 30% from the previous year, dropping from 692 to 482, while total incidents declined 24% to 638—the lowest in a decade. Fatalities remained at seven, matching 2023, and representing a 10-year low.

The city conducted over 416,000 worksite inspections—the most ever recorded—and found that 98% of sites had zero injuries. New safety initiatives, including mandatory superintendents, expanded crane licensing, and real-time compliance technologies, are credited with driving the improvements.

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 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health Course
  • Aug 12, 14, 19, & 21, 6:45 AM - 3:30 PM, Nassau County

Mold Courses:

• Keeping Your Family Safe Mold Awareness - Online
• Mold in Construction Awareness Course - Online
• Mold Assessment Initial
  • Aug 25-28, 8:30 AM - 5:45 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
• NYS Mold Refresher
  • Aug 22, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
  • Sep 5, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Virtual
• Mold Remediation/Supervisor Initial
  • Aug 25-27, 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 Asbestos Project Designer Initial
• NYS Asbestos O&M Initial
  • Aug 6 & 7, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Bergen Point Treatment Plant
• NYS/NYC Asbestos Handler Initial
  • Sep 8, 9, 10, & 11, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, National Grid
    
• NYS/NYC Asbestos Inspector Refresher
• Aug 15, 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM, National Grid Inc.
• Sep 4, Oct 2, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Virtual
• Sep 16, Oct 10, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
• Asbestos Management Planner Refresher
  • Sep 4, Oct 2, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Virtual
    
  • Sep 16, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
• Asbestos Operations & Maintenance Refresher
• Aug 20, 08:30 - 12:30 AM, Suffolk County
• Asbestos Project Designer Refresher
  • Aug 18, Sep 23, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
  • Sep 30, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Virtual
• Asbestos Project Monitor Refresher
  • Sep 17, 08:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
  • Sep 29, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Virtual
• Asbestos Supervisor Refresher
  • Aug 13, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, National Grid Inc.
  • Sept 15, Oct 23, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
  • Oct 14, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Plattsburgh, NY

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!