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Welcome to the November issue of the Safety Suzy Newsletter!
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As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded to appreciate the workers and safety professionals who protect lives every day. This month’s updates highlight both familiar and emerging challenges—from the EPA’s new carbon monoxide safety tools and NIOSH’s hurricane guidance to DEP’s Guidance for Complex or Multi-Phased Projects. Studies warn of rising heat-related injuries and lingering risks from silica dust and wildfire smoke, underscoring the need for stronger protections.
🎧 Don’t miss After the Refresher, our very own new YouTube podcast hosted by Angelo Garcia III, where we further the discussions held in our training classes on asbestos, mold, and OSHA compliance.
This season, we give thanks for progress—and for those who keep our workplaces safe.
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| 🎙️ Tune In to After the Refresher!🎙️ |
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Join Angelo Garcia III of Future Environment Designs as he takes you beyond the classroom to unpack the latest in asbestos, mold, indoor air quality, and OSHA compliance. From New York project phases and EPA bans to the ARBAN bill and new contamination guidance, this podcast keeps you ahead of the curve on regulations, safety, and industry trends.
🔥 Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay refreshed.
👉 Subscribe now to After the Refresher on YouTube and never miss an episode!
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| Lead Inspectors (to conduct XRF testing) |
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Phase 1 Restoration Inc. is an environmental company in the heart of Wantagh, NY.
They service Nassau & Suffolk Counties along with the Five Boroughs with abatements/remediations & testing of asbestos, mold & lead for public & private clients in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional settings.
Please contact our office at 516-741-1777 to explore both part-time and full-time employment opportunities with a strong & growing company.
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| New Carbon Monoxide Resources Released |
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The EPA has released a new factsheet and infographic to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. These guides explain CO sources, exposure symptoms, and prevention steps, including proper alarm placement and maintenance. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and deadly gas—learn how to keep your home safe by downloading these essential safety resources today.
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| NIOSH Updates Hurricane and Flood Safety Guide |
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NIOSH has released the third edition of Hurricane and Flood Key Messages for Employers, Workers, and Volunteers. The updated guide offers critical safety information for responders before, during, and after severe weather events, covering topics like PPE, biological and chemical hazards, hygiene, and physical safety during recovery operations. #SaveNIOSH
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| New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Issues New Guidance for Complex Asbestos Abatement Projects |
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The DEP has released guidance for Complex or Multi-Phased Asbestos Abatement Project Applications and enhanced the ARTS system to let applicants view comments linked to specific objections. The new document outlines procedures, required forms, and best practices for large or high-risk projects such as full demolitions, multi-floor abatements, and work in occupied or structurally compromised buildings. Reviews by both DEP and the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) may take two to five months.
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| Construction Workforce Shortage Deemed a National Security Threat |
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At the Elevate 2025 conference in Washington, D.C., industry leaders warned that America’s growing construction labor shortage poses a national security risk.
George Guszcza of the National Institute of Building Sciences emphasized the need for systemic workforce solutions, not just small-scale programs. Panelists called for immigration and visa reform, as well as recruitment pipelines for veterans and women, to address the gap.
Programs like SkillBridge and Hiring Our Heroes are helping veterans transition into construction careers, while leaders urged greater collaboration to improve retention. With job openings up 26% and women underrepresented, panelists warned the crisis threatens U.S. competitiveness.
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| Healthier Buildings Can Deliver Major Economic Returns |
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A new report from the International Well Building Institute (IWBI) finds that improving indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and lighting can yield $37–$55 per square foot in productivity gains.
Healthier buildings reduce Sick Building Syndrome symptoms by up to 50%, potentially adding $200 billion annually to U.S. productivity. Enhanced ventilation and environmental quality boost cognitive function by as much as 101%, while biophilic design can generate over $36,000 in added productivity per employee each year.
IWBI’s findings show that investing in occupant health delivers returns more than 45 times greater than energy savings alone, highlighting the economic power of well-being.
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| Extreme Heat Drives 28,000 Work Injuries a Year |
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A study from Harvard and George Washington universities links rising temperatures to nearly 28,000 workplace injuries annually. Using 2023 OSHA data, researchers found injury risks climb sharply once the heat index exceeds 85°F, affecting both outdoor and indoor workers.
States with heat safety regulations reported fewer injuries, highlighting the effectiveness of such protections. Lead author David Michaels said many heat-related injuries go unreported, meaning the true number is likely higher.
Published in Environmental Health, the study underscores the urgent need for stronger OSHA standards to protect workers from the growing dangers of extreme heat.
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| Coal Miners With Black Lung Say Trump Has ‘Cast Us Aside to Die’ |
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Retired coal miners suffering from black lung disease are accusing the Trump administration of abandoning them while favoring coal companies. Despite longstanding federal limits on silica dust—a lethal toxin 20 times more harmful than coal dust—the administration has delayed enforcement amid industry lawsuits.
Miners and advocates say this pause endangers lives, as cases of black lung surge among younger workers exposed to silica. At a protest in Washington, miners demanded stronger protections and criticized Trump’s $625 million in coal subsidies.
“The coal miners have supplied this country with electricity,” said widow Judith Riffe, “and now they’re just cast aside to die.”
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A New York Times investigation finds U.S. wildfire firefighters are falling ill and dying from cancers and lung diseases caused by years of toxic smoke exposure.
Despite decades of warnings, the Forest Service has refused to provide masks, citing costs and logistics, even as other countries equip crews with respirators. Firefighters continue working unmasked in hazardous air, believing the smoke is harmless.
Many now face lifelong illness or early death, while the Trump administration has delayed safety rules and cut health programs. “We’re lying to our people,” said a former Forest Service official, condemning decades of neglect.
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| NIOSH Sets New Safety Limits for Three Toxic Chemicals |
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NIOSH has published new Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) profiles for hydrogen bromide, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen iodide—chemicals widely used in manufacturing and mining.
The updated limits are 35 ppm for HBr and 45 ppm for both HCl and HI. The agency urges employers to require NIOSH-approved full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or a combination supplied airline respirator with the SCBA backup when workers enter IDLH conditions.
NIOSH warns that brief exposure to high concentrations can cause severe respiratory and eye damage, irreversible health effects, or death. The guidance highlights the importance of strict chemical safety practices to prevent acute and life-threatening workplace exposures.
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Use SafetySuzy10FEDTC at checkout to get 10% off of any of our health and safety courses. Don’t forget that our loyal customers get 15% off, so please get in touch if you’d like to find out more.
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| Important Links |
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Upcoming FEDTC Courses (virtual, in-person, online).
FED Creates Asbestos Air Sampling Tables That Can be Used In the Field or the Office
Order Here!
ELEVATE YOUR SAFETY PROGRAMS with SiteDocs and Future Environment Designs. Contact SiteDocs here.
“Do As I Say, Not As I Did! What I’ve Learned After 30-Years of Being in Business” – book by Angelo Garcia III
Order Here!
FEDTC Training Library:
Click Here to access our Library.
Additional Resources
FEDTC’s Recent Blog Post:
Asbestos LinkedIn Group
Recent Discussion:
PACNY’s Response to OSHA’s Proposed Changes to Respiratory Protection Requirements in the Asbestos Standards (29 CFR 1926.1101; 29 CFR 1910.134).
Join the conversation and become a member of a thriving group of health and safety professionals.
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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
- Dec 8 – 11, 7:30 AM – 4:15 PM, Queens College
- 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
- Jan 20 – 23, 2026, 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- NYS Mold Refresher
- Dec 12, Jan. 16, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- Nov 20, Dec 1, Jan 9, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Virtual
- Mold Remediation/Supervisor Initial
- Jan 20 – 22, 2026, 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- Mold Abatement/Worker Initial
- Jan 20 – 21, 2026, 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
- Jan 26 – 28, 2026 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s, Syosset
- Asbestos Supervisor Refresher
- Nov 17, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- Dec 18, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM, National Grid
- NYS Asbestos Project Designer Refresher
- Nov 13, Dec 15, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
- NYS/NYC Asbestos Inspector Refresher
- Nov 14, Jan 8, 2026, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Virtual
- Jan 14, 2026 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syosse
- Dec 19, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, National Grid
- NYS/NYC Asbestos Project Monitor Refresher
- Dec 17, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, FEDTC’s Syossetok
- Asbestos Management Planner Refresher
- Jan 8, 2026, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Virtual
- Jan 14, 2026 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, FEDTC’s Syosset
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!
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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!
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