Workplace safety in India, food safety in the U.S. and the potential effects of nanomaterial exposure on workers were among the top stories posted this week on ISHN.com.

From NIOSH Research Rounds

Adequate sleep benefits workers and employers

We all need it, even crave it, but many of us find it difficult to get the recommended amount for our health: it is sleep. Healthy People 2020, which outlines the national health goals for the next decade, recommends that adults get 7 or more hours of sleep each day. 

Poultry companies now get to do self-inspections

Tyson, Butterball, Perdue and Pilgrim’s Pride are among the 41 companies participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s controversial New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS) program, which allows companies to inspect their own slaughter lines. The task was formerly performed by trained USDA inspectors.

FDA to food industry: Reduce sodium in your products

The FDA this week released a draft of voluntary sodium targets in an effort to get the food industry to decrease sodium in their products. The goal: to help the public achieve a daily goal of no more 3000 milligrams in two years, and 2300 milligrams in a decade.

Contractor contests fines after fatality, sees them more than double

New information comes to light in court

A New York-area employer who contested the violations cited against his company by OSHA after a worker’s fatal fall now faces considerably higher fines than originally proposed – due to what came to light during the litigation.

ASSE President's message

The Golden Age of OSH

Michael Belcher CSP

Golden age is a term used to describe periods of time in which great achievements were realized. For example, 500 to 300 B.C. is known as the golden age of ancient Greece because of the many great advances in philosophy, literature, art and government made during that time.

New transportation safety guidance available to oil industry

Driving-related incidents are the single largest operational cause of fatalities in the oil and gas industry – a circumstance which has prompted the International Organization of Gas Producers (IOGP) to develop guidance about transportation safety for its member companies.

A DOL Blog post

Cutting corners in construction costs lives

In the construction industry, precision matters – corners need to be square, lines have to be level and plans must be followed. Following the rules keeps buildings and people safe. But when construction companies cut corners, workers often pay the price.

NIOSH studies nanomaterial exposure effects

Since the 1980s, the burgeoning nanomaterial field has led to a growing number of manufacturers worldwide making and using these materials in coatings, computers, clothing, cosmetics, sports equipment, and medical devices, among other items.

UL, partners tackle India’s workplace safety problems

India’s high occupational fatality and illness rate was the subject of a meeting held last month in New Delhi aimed at identifying and developing solutions for key obstacles to improved workplace safety.

Thousands of public pools, water parks closed due to health, safety violations

Every year, serious health and safety violations force thousands of public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds to close, according to a report published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. But there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself and your family.