A winter safety warning, danger at a theme park and pulmonary hazards for workers at a coffee processing facility were among the top occupational safety-related stories featured on ISHN.com this week.

Texting frequently with thumbs may cause tendinitis

Tendons in the hand can thicken abnormally and develop tendinitis in people who text frequently using their thumbs, says a study published online in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Researcher aims to predict carpal tunnel progression

Shawn Roll, an assistant professor at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, focuses primarily on research for the prevention, rehabilitation and assessment of musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Winter weather walking: Keep your hands free

Winter precipitation can bring an increased risk for slips and falls on the ice and snow. Julia Henderson-Kalb, M.S., OTR/L, an instructor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Saint Louis University, recommends some simple steps to minimize fall risk.

Cal/OSHA cites two employers for serious meat-grinder accident

Cal/OSHA has cited Vitco Meats and temporary employment agency Volt Workforce Solutions a combined $74,500 following a nearly fatal accident at a San Luis Obispo meat processing plant that left a worker with a crushed right hand, a broken arm, and nerve damage.

Women’s heart attacks differ from men’s

A woman’s heart attack may have different underlying causes, symptoms and outcomes compared to men, and differences in risk factors and outcomes are further pronounced in black and Hispanic women, according to a scientific statement published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation.

Theme Park workers exposed to chemical, fire, other hazards

Connecticut family attraction faces $70K in penalties

Employees of Lake Compounce Family Theme Park who sprayed coatings on park equipment and worked with caustic chemicals in the park's paint room were exposed to chemical, burn and respirator hazards, according to OSHA inspectors, who cited the Bristol facility for 18 serious violations of workplace safety standards.

Investigation of Flint water crisis:

Public workers are protected by state and federal whistleblower laws, says National COSH

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) said today that as investigations of the ongoing Flint water crisis continue, public workers have a right to know that they are protected by state and federal whistleblower statutes, as well as civil service rules. 

DOT warns public about recalls

Consumers urged to check for open recalls at least 2X a year

The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a new public awareness campaign called Safe Cars Save Lives that urges consumers to check for open recalls at least twice a year and to get their vehicles fixed as soon as parts are available. 

A NIOSH Science Blog post

Coffee workers at risk for lung disease

Obliterative bronchiolitis, an irreversible form of lung disease in which the smallest airways in the lung (the bronchioles) become scarred and constricted, blocking the movement of air, was previously identified in flavoring manufacturing workers and microwave popcorn workers who were occupationally exposed to diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) or butter flavorings containing diacetyl. Now, NIOSH research finds that workers at coffee processing facilities may also be at risk.

Smart phones could be good for your health

Study finds devices may decrease sedentary time, increase physical activity

A pilot study finds that using smartphone reminders to prompt people to get moving may help reduce sedentary behavior. The study was supported by the American Cancer Society (ACS), with technical expertise provided by the e-Health Technology Program at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

CDC adds countries to interim travel guidance related to Zika virus

CDC is working with other public health officials to monitor for ongoing Zika virus‎ transmission. Today, CDC added the following destinations to the Zika virus travel alerts: Barbados, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, Guyana, Cape Verde, and Samoa. On January 15, CDC issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory; Brazil; Colombia; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Haiti; Honduras; Martinique; Mexico; Panama; Paraguay; Suriname; and Venezuela. Specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to continue to change over time. 

National Safety Council announces 2016 CEOs Who “Get It”

Leaders recognized for dedication to safety excellence

The National Safety Council has announced the 2016 CEOs Who “Get It,” presented annually to organizational leaders who demonstrate continued and outstanding dedication to employee safety and well-being both on and off the job.

Unguarded machinery injures two workers at Miss. Manufacturing plant

OSHA inspections initiated after the agency learned of two serious injuries at Mississippi Polymers, Inc. in the fall of 2015 led to 11 serious safety violations for the Corinth-based company.

Building a home? Take steps to safeguard it from wildfires

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Green Builder Media announced the release of their newest e-book, "Design with Fire in Mind: Three Steps to a Safer New Home" to help educate homeowners, builders and developers on ways to build, design, site and maintain homes with wildfire safety in mind.

Atlanta food manufacturer takes quick action on OSHA violations

When OSHA inspectors returned to an Atlanta food manufacturing facility and found previously cited hazards had reoccurred, the management of Schwan’s Global Supply Inc. took an unusual step.

New workplace safety and health regs expected in 2016

During his final year in office, President Obama is expected to usher in some major new regulations, including rules regarding worker safety, health and the environment.