From a toxic gas release caused by a worker's inability to understand English language labels to OSHA's update of the General Industry Digest, here are the top stories of the week from ISHN.com:

EPA tightens fine particulate pollution standards under the Clean Air Act

On December 14th the EPA finalized a rule updating the standards for fine particulates, including soot, setting the annual health standard to 12 micrograms per cubic meter, down from the current level of 15. EPA’s proposed rule issued in June, 2012 generated more than 230,000 public comments. Read More

Wild weather presents respiratory health threats

2013 should see a continuation of unpredictable and at times extreme weather conditions. The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, www.nycosh.org, warns that hurricane cleanup and restoration work may have serious risks. Doing the wrong thing can endanger your safety, your health, and possibly your life. Read More

Substituting meds for healthy eating can be dangerous

Many cardiac patients are not giving healthy eating a high priority because some of their medical conditions are being controlled by drugs, according to a new study, which finds that practice can increase the risk of recurrent heart attacks. Read More

Jackson to leave EPA; who’s next?

During the holiday break, on December 27, EPA administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced her departure from the Obama administration cabinet after the President’s State of the Union address in late January. Jackson issued this statement: Read More

ISHN’s 28th annual White Paper Reader Survey

How was it conducted?

Here is the methodology behind the survey: Read More

Money really can make you happy

An increase in personal income can lead to greater happiness – but only if other factors are present, according to an analysis of new worldwide survey findings published by the American Psychological Association (APA). Read More

Stepped-up production means greater safety challenges for oil industry

The more than 1,500 oil and gas industry leaders, safety professionals, managers and workers who met last month in Dallas explored the challenges that accompany increased production in oil and gas drilling and discussed best operating practices, safeguards and worker training strategies. Read More

Respiratory protection in U.S.: A billion-dollar market

U.S. manufacturers of industrial respiratory protection equipment, including respirators, masks and accessories, gas masks, respiration air supplying self-contained breathing apparatus and accessories, respirator filters and accessories, protective films, and powered air-purifying respirator systems (PAPRs) and accessories generate annual revenues of $1 billion, according to market researcher IBISWorld. Read More

How did you end up in EHS profession?

...more insights from ISHN's annual White Paper reader survey. Read More

Wisconsin foundries address high ergo injury rates

Foundries in northeast Wisconsin have renewed a strategic partnership with OSHA aimed at improving ergonomic programs and reducing the rate of musculoskeletal injuries. The foundry industry has a high rate of musculoskeletal and other ergonomic-related injuries due to tasks such as moving heavy equipment, material handling and the use of pneumatic equipment such as grinders and sanders. Read More

Language barrier leads to toxic gas release

A 2011 release of chlorine gas at a Tyson Foods poultry processing plant in Arkansas occurred because a Spanish-speaking worker did not understand the English labeling on a drum he was using, according to a report from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Read More

Size matters: EHS salaries depend on...

...more insights from ISHN's annual White Paper reader survey

State of the EHS Nation- Exclusive results from ISHN’s 28^th annual White Paper Reader Survey. Read More

How EHS pros feel about jobs and regulations

...more insights from ISHN's annual White Paper reader survey

State of the EHS Nation- Exclusive results from ISHN’s 28^th annual White Paper Reader Survey. Read More

OSHA updates the General Industry Digest

OSHA's updated General Industry Digest – a booklet that summarizes General Industry safety and health standards to help employers, supervisors, workers, health and safety committee members, and safety and health personnel learn about OSHA standards in the workplace – is now available. The digest includes updated information on revisions to General Industry standards since the digest was last published in 2001. Read More

East meets West: Labor Dept., Chinese officials discuss worker safety and health

Chinese workplace safety and health officials last month hosted the first U.S.-China Workplace Safety and Health Dialogue in Beijing. The historic conference brought together officials from China’s State Administration of Work Safety to exchange ideas and information about protecting workers on both sides of the Pacific. Dr. Michaels presented an overview of workplace safety and health standards and compliance assistance in the United States. Read More

OSHA’s head protection standard moves forward

OSHA has published a notice confirming the effective date of the direct final rule for OSHA's head protection standards. This final rule updates the incorporation by reference of national consensus standards to include the latest edition of the consensus standard. It updates references in OSHA's standards to recognize the 2009 edition of the American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection, and deletes the 1986 edition of that national consensus standard because it is out of date. Read More