Check Local Waters With New EPA App, Website

EPA's new How's My Waterway application and website provides information about the condition of U.S. rivers, lakes and streams. User only needs to enter the zip code or city name to receive up-to-date information about the quality of the water. The technology uses GPS to identify the nearest bodies of water and instantly provides search results within 5 miles of the location. The waterways are identified as unpolluted, polluted or unassessed, and when a specific waterway is selected, more specialized information, such as type of pollution, is displayed along with actions taken by EPA to help reduce it.

EPA reports the application and website were created in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act.

Make Safety Your Sweetheart with the ASSE Foundation

Last year, the ASSE Foundation gave nearly $180,000 in scholarships and grants. The awards program has grown every year since 1990. This year on Sweetest Day, Oct. 20, we want you to make safety your sweetheart. There are many ways to partner with the ASSE Foundation:

• The Safety Matters Fund is our big-picture fund, aimed at building a culture of safety upheld around the globe by a well-credentialed and highly educated workforce of professionals. The Foundation will work toward that goal by promoting safety professionals as risk-assessments experts, invest in quality, ground-breaking research and expand the EHS workforce.
• The Legacy Trust Program offers a way for dedicated safety professionals to continue moving the profession forward with what they leave behind.
• An advocate scholarship or grant is for those interested in giving a one-time scholarship or grant toward the betterment of our profession.

If you’re interested in donating, please visit www.asse.org/foundation/contribute/donation.php. Thank you!

Mystery Game App Has Hidden Safety Message

U.K. gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks, has developed a free game app that challenges players to solve a mystery to learn how a student met his demise. But the game has a hidden safety message.

The player of iCOP takes the role of crime solver tasked with cracking the case. Exploring the student’s apartment, players will search for clues, but taking too long may result in lightheadedness. That’s because the killer turns out to be (spoiler alert) carbon monoxide.

The app allows players to store the U.K.’s national gas emergency number in their phones, and apply for a free CO alarm.

“CO poisoning continues to claims lives every year, so it's vital that we keeping delivering the safety message in new and imaginative ways,” says Northern Gas Networks’ Gwen Allen. “Students living off campus in cheap rented accommodation are one of the key at-risk groups for CO poisoning. By making students more aware of the warning signs and symptoms, and encouraging them to apply for a CO alarm, we can help to save lives.”

Best Practices for Miners

Six coal miners and five metal/nonmetal miners died in work-related accidents from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2012, according to MSHA. Although mining deaths and injuries have reached historic lows, more has to be done to prevent fatalities, says MSHA’s Assistant Secretary of Labor Joseph Main. “Workplace examinations for hazards, pre-shift and on-shift, can identify and eliminate hazards that kill and injure miners,” Main adds. “Providing effective and appropriate training will ensure that miners recognize and understand hazards and how to control or eliminate them.” MSHA provides lists of best practices in metal/nonmetal mines and coal mines. For more information on 2012’s third quarter summary of mine injuries and fatalities, click here.

Winter Workers: Enter the Cintas & Carhartt Cold Crew Contest

Cintas Corp. is relaunching its Cold Crew Contest to recognize workers in the U.S. and Canada who withstand tough winter working conditions. Contestants should submit their story and tell how their Carhartt workwear plays an essential part in their jobs. Entries will be accepted until Feb. 28, 2013, and winners will receive free merchandise and a grand-prize trip for two to the 2013 CMA Music Festival.