Safer skies, color coding for food and how to keep the aging workforce productive were among the top stories this week featured on ISHN.com.

Worker dies of heat stroke in 110-degree weather

His core body temp was above 108 degrees

Federal investigators have cited an Indiana landscaping company in the death of a 23-year-old ground crewman who died after being hospitalized with a core body temperature above 108 degrees. OSHA investigators determined the employee collapsed after working more than nine hours in the direct sun when the heat index soared to 110 degrees near Poplar Bluff on July 22, 2016.

NJ commuter train crashes into station at high speed

The investigation into this morning’s deadly crash of a New Jersey commuter train is focusing on why the train barreled into the busy station at a high rate of speed.

Public health experts back Zika funding bill

The American Public Health Association (APHA) expressed “gratitude and relief” over the U.S. Senate’s passage yesterday of a continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded through Dec. 9 – a move which would provide $1.1 billion to prepare for and respond to the Zika virus in fiscal year 2017.

Having a happy spouse could be good for your health

Having a happy spouse may be related to better health, at least among middle-aged and older adults, according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association

A NIOSH Science Blog post:

National Employ Older Workers Week is a chance to reflect on the safety and health needs of older workers

This last full week of September is National Employ Older Workers Week. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the week “recognizes the vital role of older workers in the workforce … and aims to increase awareness of this labor segment and develop innovative strategies to tap it.”

OSHA: Mass. cave-in "could have been prevented"

Two employees of ET&L Construction Corp. escaped serious injury when the 12-foot deep trench they were working in on June 15, 2016, caved in.

Here's why drinking water for thousands was contiminated

CSB: Communication, maintenance shortcomings behind 2014 Freedom Industries chemical spill

The Chemical Safety Board’s (CSB) final report into the massive release of chemicals into this valley’s primary source of drinking water in 2014 concludes Freedom Industries failed to inspect or repair corroding tanks, and that as hazardous chemicals flowed into the Elk River, the water company and local authorities were unable to effectively communicate the looming risks to hundreds of thousands of affected residents, who were left without clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing.

Want to help shape the future of IH students?

The Board of Trustees of the American Industrial Hygiene Foundation (AIHF), an organization that works to advance the industrial hygiene profession by awarding scholarships to students in related disciplines, seeks nominations for the position of "Member-at-Large Trustee."

10,000 Illinois workers to get safety training through partnership

OSHA, TekSolv and American Allied Safety Council, Southwestern Illinois Building Trades Council, and Council of Owners of Construction Associates Inc. have established an alliance that will provide safety training, safety resources, and information to roughly 10,000 skilled training workers in Southwestern Illinois.

If your mail catches fire…

Will the post office be able to put it out?

A grease fire in a wheel hub of a vehicle at a St. Louis Area post office almost didn’t get extinguished in a timely manner, because the first two fire extinguishers that postal workers attempted to use were not charged.

NTSB investigates fatal Tenn. work zone crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened a docket yesterday for its ongoing investigation of a fatal 2015 Tennessee highway work zone crash, involving a semitractor-trailer and eight passenger vehicles.

ASSE President to speak at international forum in China

American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) President Thomas Cecich, CSP, CIH is in China to participate in an executive panel discussion on protecting workers at the 8th China International Forum on Work Safety in Beijing today through Thursday – an event that is attracting safety experts from across the globe.

From NIOSH Research Rounds:

Improved fire simulation aids training for mine emergencies

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a leading cause of death in underground mine fires. To identify safe emergency escape routes, investigators at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), where mine worker safety and health is a research priority, study how to predict the spread of smoke and toxic gases throughout the mine’s ventilation network.

Can color transform the American diet?

The American Heart Association (AHA) is rolling out a new initiative called +color which is intended to focus on the positive health impact of fruits and vegetables. 

Construction co. partners with OSHA on 500-employee project

Turner Construction wants workers "to go home safely every day"

Turner Construction Company in Northlake, Illinois has established a partnership with OSHA to help protect employees who will be building the CH2 Data Center in Northlake. The partnership includes trade unions and 15 subcontractors, with a combined workforce of more than 500 employees.

U.S. seeing fewer GA airplane crashes

General aviation accidents in the U.S. continued their downward trend in 2015, according to the latest aviation accident statistics released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). And, just as in 2014, there were no fatalities for U.S. airlines.