CDC stocks up on Ebola-specific PPE, tobacco companies go to college and a hair-raising circus accidents results in citations and fines. These were among the top EHS- and public health-related stories featured this week on ISHN.com.
Hospital workers wash hands less frequently toward end of shift, study finds
Research could have implications for other industries
November 14, 2014
Hospital workers who deal directly with patients wash their hands less frequently as their workday progresses, probably because the demands of the job deplete the mental reserves they need to follow rules, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Time, hazmat certification are top Ebola challenges for hospitals
November 14, 2014
The lack of available time to train staff, and uncertainties about certifications to ship infectious substances, are the top challenges facing hospitals undertaking Ebola preparedness and safety precautions, according to a recently conducted survey by EH&E, Inc., a leading provider of environmental and engineering consulting services.
Massey Energy CEO Blankenship indicted in UBB explosion
November 14, 2014
A federal grand jury in Charleston, West Virginia indicted former Massey Energy CEO for routinely violating federal mine safety rules at the Upper Big Branch Mine, leading to one of the worst mining disasters in U.S. history.
Skin cancer costs U.S. $8 billion a year
November 14, 2014
The costs associated with skin cancer increased five times as fast as treatments for other cancers between 2002 and 2011, according to a CDC study published online in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
AEM, future farmers promote safe use of agricultural equipment
November 13, 2014
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is partnering with the Future Farmers of America (National FFA) to promote the safe use of agricultural equipment through a new awareness program – “Tune into Safety.”
Machine operator fatally crushed at Pa. manufacturing facility
November 13, 2014
A 45-year-old machine operator was fatally crushed while he adjusted a set screw on a rolling mill at Cleveland Track Material on Aug. 21, 2014. An OSHA investigation found that workers were exposed to dangerous rotating machinery parts at the facility that rolls steel for railroad industry use. Seven serious violations have been issued as a result of the investigation.
European unions say proposed OSH standard would scapegoat workers
November 13, 2014
A draft international standard on health and safety at work failed last month to get the necessary two-thirds majority vote in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) committee that is developing it. It will now have to be reviewed and voted on again.
NTSB wraps up on-scene portion of Virgin Galactic crash investigation
November 13, 2014
The pilot who survived the crash of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo Oct. 31, 2014, in Mojave, California was unaware that the feather braking system had been unlocked early by the copilot.
Study: Long-term shift work may drain the brain
November 12, 2014
Working non-standard hours -- often called "shift work" -- for many years is not only hard on the body, but may also dull the mind, new research suggests. According to the study, those who do shift work for more than 10 years seem to have the equivalent of an extra 6.5 years of age-related decline in memory and thinking skills.
WHO: “Ageing well” must be a global priority
November 12, 2014
A major new Series on health and ageing, published in "The Lancet", warns that unless health systems find effective strategies to address the problems faced by an ageing world population, the growing burden of chronic disease will greatly affect the quality of life of older people.
Ontario workplace safety to undergo a "significant revitalization"
November 12, 2014
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour is moving forward with a plan to prevent injuries and improve workplace health and safety, by passing new regulations and implementing the province’s first integrated safety strategy.
Struck-by accident claims life of Mich. dairy worker
November 12, 2014
A Michigan man was killed at a dairy facility in Coopersville Saturday night by a truck driver who did not see him.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus cited in multi-injury fall
November 11, 2014
A "Hair Hang Act" performance during a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus show on May 4 in Providence took a disastrous turn when the apparatus the performers were hanging from suddenly fell to the ground.
CSB wants big changes in Calif. refinery regulations
November 11, 2014
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) recommends substantial changes to the way refineries are regulated in California in its final Regulatory Report on the Chevron Richmond Refinery pipe rupture and fire. Among them: the Board wants California to enhance its process safety management (PSM) regulations for petroleum refineries to ensure a more robust and adaptive regulatory regime.
Tobacco companies aim advertising dollars at college students
November 11, 2014
In 2005, the tobacco industry spent more than $1 million a day sponsoring events and giveaways targeting college students.
A NIOSH Science Blog post
Protecting workers from Ebola: Eight knowledge generation priorities
November 11, 2014
On November 3, the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council of the National Academies convened a workshop of distinguished representatives from the public and private sectors. The participants were asked to suggest priorities for research that will “provide public health officials, healthcare providers, and the general public with the most up-to-date information about transmission, health risks, and measures that should be taken to prevent spread of [Ebola virus disease] in the U.S."
Wisconsin manufacturing company cited in death of worker
November 10, 2014
A 55-year-old worker who was found unresponsive in a restroom at Bremer Manufacturing Co. Inc. on May 6, 2014 later died. The man, who had been employed at the Elkhart Lake foundry for the past 38 years, worked with resin-containing isocyanates on the sand molding line.
National Safety Council becomes an affiliate of the NIOSH Total Worker Health program
Initiative partners aim to help employers focus on employees’ safety, health and well-being
November 10, 2014
The National Safety Council has become the seventh organization to join the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Total Worker Health Affiliate Program. The program focuses on increasing the number of work environments that support the integration of occupational safety and health protection with health promotion.
CDC increasing supply of Ebola-specific PPE for U.S. hospitals
November 10, 2014
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ordered $2.7 million in personal protective equipment (PPE) to increase Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) supplies to assist U.S. hospitals caring for Ebola patients.
November 10, 2014
Compared to the roles of a power-line worker, bounty hunter, or coal miner, working in an office may not seem very dangerous. What's the worst that could happen -- a papercut or two? As The Office's Dwight Schrute would say, FALSE!
