Executive Brief • August 20, 2026
NAEM
“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”
― Charles Bowden
The Safety Message That Never Reaches the Worker
Emergency plans depend on workers receiving timely, accurate information, yet communication gaps continue to undermine response efforts. New technologies are helping facilities deliver critical alerts faster, more clearly, and in multiple languages.
Occupational Health & Safety

Is There a Summer COVID-19 Surge This Year? Yep, It's Ramping Up Again
Hantavirus. Ebola. West Nile. Measles. And, of course, cyclospora — that stomach parasite making people miserable across the country. Americans have plenty to worry about this summer. But remember COVID-19? It may not be surprising that many people may have almost forgotten about COVID. Unfortunately, COVID hasn't forgotten about us.
NPR

Court Upholds US Rule Designating PFAS Chemicals as 'Hazardous'
An appeals court on Tuesday upheld the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2024 decision to designate some "forever chemicals" as hazardous substances, keeping the companies that make or transport the chemicals on the hook for potential cleanup costs in the future.
Reuters

Waiting for OSHA Won't Protect Your Workers from Extreme Heat
This summer, workplace heat safety has become impossible to ignore.
EHS Today

Greenhushing: Why Corporate Silence on Sustainability is a Real Risk
Companies are quietly increasing sustainability investments while going silent about them — a practice known as greenhushing. Driven by fears of greenwashing accusations, political backlash, and regulatory scrutiny, this strategic silence feels prudent, but is going quiet really the safer choice?
Forbes
 
2026 Conferences
FORUM26
EHS & Sustainability Management Forum
Oct. 12 - 15, 2026
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Unlock critical business value for your EHS and Sustainability programs with proven strategies, cutting-edge solutions, and fresh insights at FORUM26. This year's sessions are focused on meeting evolving demands from customers and regulators, growing your people and your programs, advancing safety, harnessing the power of new technology, and managing risk.
 
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NAEM Regional Events
Contractor Safety & Incident Investigation Summit
Contractor Safety & Incident Investigation Summit
September 18, 2026
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM CST
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Designed for EHS and operational leaders, this event offers practical insights, valuable networking opportunities, and actionable takeaways to help organizations build stronger contractor partnerships, improve incident investigations, and create safer, more resilient operations.
 
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2026 Webinars
Building EHS Management Systems for the AI Era
Building EHS Management Systems for the AI Era
August 25, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
Free for members, $99 for non-members

AI is transforming the way organizations manage risk, compliance, and performance. However, establishing a strong foundation before adopting advanced technologies is essential. This webinar will focus on two critical pillars for EHS digital success: program governance and data management.
 
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Process Safety Management: Embracing Change to Protect Employees
Process Safety Management: Embracing Change to Protect Employees
September 15, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
Free for members, $99 for non-members

This webinar will explore how to design and maintain a PSM program that not only meets compliance requirements but also adapts to change in ways that strengthen organizational safety and protect employees.
 
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NAEM Research
The State of AI in EHS and Sustainability
The State of AI in EHS and Sustainability
This research report explores how organizations are currently using AI, the primary drivers for adoption, where they are seeing success, and where challenges persist as they attempt to scale its use.
 
FREE DOWNLOAD
Access 70+ EHS & Sustainability Benchmarks
Access 70+ EHS & Sustainability Benchmarks
NAEM’s Staffing, Structure & Budget Report compares the EHS&S functions at nearly 150 companies by budget, structure, staffing, responsibilities, and more. 
 
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EHS&S Job Opportunities
Complex Health & Safety Manager
Wayne-Sanderson Farms
Decatur, Alabama

Asbestos Inspector / Asbestos Project Designer
HETI
Boston, Massachusetts (Hybrid)

EHS Manager
Huma Inc.
Gilbert, Arizona

Safety Manager
Confidential (Leading American Contractor)
Monroe, Louisiana