Weekly news round-up
New technology that should help improve mine rescue efforts, the relationship between worker health and productivity and how employers must deal with changing law regarding marijuana use were among the top EHS-related stories posted on ISHN.com this week.
Oil industry operators, contractors get new health management tool
The IPIECA - the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues and the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) have produced new guidance to provide practical guidance for clients and contractors on the development and implementation of all contracts that include a health component as determined by the Risk Assessment.
OSHA and the White House say the silica rule will be finalized before the end of the Obama administration, according to Aaron Trippler, government affairs director for the American Industrial Hygiene Association.
A NIOSH Science Blog post:
On May 19th, 2014, NIOSH posted a Science blog titled “Reports of Worker Fatalities during Flowback Operations.” This blog post provided information that NIOSH received from several sources indicating that acute exposures to hydrocarbon gas and vapors likely played a role in the deaths of at least four workers in the oil and gas extraction industry.
OSHA says silica rule will be finalized by 2016
UPDATE: Reports of worker fatalities during manual tank gauging and sampling in the oil and gas extraction industry
Paper by health experts examines trends in consumption, legal implications for employers
The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) have published guidance for employers aimed at helping them better understand the implications of marijuana use on the workforce as attitudes toward marijuana and laws restricting it continue to change.
They’ll be honored at AIHce in Salt Lake City, Utah
The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) has announced the addition of 12 new distinguished Fellows. These individuals have been nominated by their colleagues and recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the industrial hygiene field.
South Carolina-based Jordan Construction Co. exposed workers at a Pooler, Georgia worksite to a variety of hazards, according to OSHA, which inspected the as part of its National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation.
6,000 health and other frontline workers will receive the vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership with the Sierra Leone College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) and the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), is now enrolling and vaccinating volunteers for the Sierra Leone Trial to Introduce a Vaccine against Ebola (STRIVE).
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) has announced the winners of its 2015 NECA Safety Award Program, which recognizes companies that excel in multiple areas of their safety and health programs.
The goal of the first annual Appalachian State University Safety Summit -- June 12, 2015, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC --is to bring internationally recognized experts in behavioral safety to reach out to regional industries and offer an event usually reserved for the large national conferences.
An OSHA inspection of a wood crate manufacturer found that permanent and temporary employees faced excessive noise, improper hand protection and respiratory irritation due to wood dust exposure at the North American Container Corp. in Adairsville, Georgia.
Employers get guidance on impact of marijuana in the workplace
AIHA honors 12 new OEHS professionals with the Distinguished Fellow Award
SC contractor exposed workers to cave-in, struck-by hazards
Ebola vaccine trial begins in Sierra Leone
Safest electrical contractors recognized
Appalachian State University kicks off first safety culture summit – June 12, 2015
Ga. Manufacturer fails to protect workers from noise, dust hazards
When health risks go down, worker productivity goes up
Study: Lasting health improvements lead to cumulative productivity gains
Changes in employee health risk factors have a significant impact on work productivity, reports a study in the April Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, official publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).
In the most recent of three construction accidents in New York City in the past few weeks, four workers were injured last Tuesday when a railing gave way, causing them to fall.
The American Welding Society (AWS) and WEMCO, an association of welding manufacturers, and a standing committee of AWS, have issued a call for nominations for the 2015 Excellence in Welding Awards. The awards, previously known as the Image of Welding Awards, recognize outstanding contributions to the welding industry.
Construction accidents continue to plague NYC
Excellence in Welding: Call for nominations goes out
Tragedy sets the groundwork for safety
By Mandy Savage
Safety headlines grab attention with catastrophe, accidents, fines, and pointing fingers. April 15th marks the 103rd year anniversary of one of the most talked about safety tragedies of 20th century.
Welding is the most common method of joining metals in industry today. When welded, two pieces of similar metals are fused (melted) together. Once completed, the welded joint is as strong or stronger than the pieces from which the joint is formed.
New communication system passes mine rescue test
"Can you hear me now?" The answer was a resounding "Yes" as mine rescue personnel deep underground were able to communicate with the surface command center as new technology was put to the test April 8 during a mine rescue simulation in West Finley, Pennsylvania at the Harvey Mine, owned by Consol Energy Inc.
Five safety lessons learned from the demise of Titanic
What you need to know about welding safety
Can you hear me now?
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