Employers’ responsibilities regarding their workers’ mental health, the FDA bans cancer-causing food chemicals and the NTSB issues preliminary information on the investigation into the recent massive natural gas blast explosions in Massachusetts. These were among the stories featured on ISHN.com this week.

Back of hand protection market explodes

October 12, 2018

The bones and soft tissues in the back of your hand are all vulnerable to impact injuries. These injuries can range from a bump or bruise to a severe bone fracture. A new U.S. voluntary standard on the performance and classification for impact-resistant gloves is on the way – ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) Standard 138.

Hurricane Michael not finished wreaking havoc

October 12, 2018

Hurricane Michael – now a cyclone – has claimed 11 lives in four states so far, and officials are warning that the storm is again gaining strength and will continue to pose a danger. News reports say Virginia has been hit the hardest, with five people killed.

NTSB: Mass. natural gas blast occurred after system was over-pressurized

October 11, 2018

The spectacular series of natural gas blasts and ensuing fires that leveled homes, killed one person and injured 21 others occurred as work crews were in the process of updating the 118-year-old gas distribution system that serviced the area.

Should you prepare for an opioid overdose in your workplace?

October 11, 2018

Overdose deaths in the workplace increased by 38 percent annual between 2013 and 2016, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics - and they show no sign of slowing down. As the opioid crisis continues unabated, more and more employers are trying to whether or not they should establish a program that would make naloxone available in the event of an overdose. 

Trump reportedly close to nominating regulatory chief

October 11, 2018

News sources are reporting that President Trump will soon name his nominee for the head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), an agency that oversees the implementation of government-wide policies and reviews draft regulations. That person will help execute Trump’s plan to reduce government regulations.

Want input into head protection standard?

October 11, 2018

If you manufacture head protection, use it on the job or work for a government agency that has a regulatory interest in it, you are invited to help evaluate a voluntary standard for industrial head protection. The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) is seeking consensus body reviewers for the proposed reaffirmation of the following standard:

Drone operators v. public safety: a warning from the FAA

October 10, 2018

If you’re hoping to use your drone to capture images of Hurricane Michael and its effects, better think twice. Drone owners and operators whose vehicles interfere with emergency response areas in hurricane-hit areas could get hit themselves – with a $20,000 fine.

Despite amputations, manufacturer fails to fix hazards

October 10, 2018

The loss of four fingers apparently wasn’t enough to cause a New Jersey pet food manufacturer to correct workplace safety and health hazards identified in two different OSHA investigation. After a follow up inspection to those earlier inspections - surrounding the finger amputations an employee suffered when a batch mixer activated while being cleaned - OSHA cited Hamiltime Herb Co. LLC for failing to:

Take the hearing loss quiz during “National Protect Your Hearing Month”

October 10, 2018

Did you know that a single exposure to excessive noise can cause permanent hearing loss? That means that cutting your lawn, taking in a concert, going to a sporting event or even enjoying fireworks can damage your hearing. Did you know that you have a “daily sound allowance”? There may be many things you don’t know about noise induced hearing loss (NIHL).

FDA bans 7 cancer-causing food additives

October 9, 2018

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week banned seven cancer-causing chemicals added to a variety of food and beverages – although the agency said the chemicals do not pose a public health risk. The chemicals are used to add artificial flavoring like cinnamon, floral and mint to everything from ice cream and baked goods, to gum and beer.

Study: Right-to-Work laws harm workplace safety

October 9, 2018

A study analyzing the effect of Right-to-Work (RTW) laws finds a correlation between decreased unionization and a rise in occupational fatalities. The study, published in the medical journal BMJ, looked at the period from 1992 to 2016 and found that RTW laws “have led to a 14.2 percent increase in occupational mortality through decreased unionization.”

Marijuana, opioids and cancer:

Issues that may impact the workers comp system

October 9, 2018

Legislative measure that would compensate first responders for cancers and post-traumatic stress disorder are among the “hot topics” in workers comp identified in a recent update from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), which monitors issues that could potentially impact the workers compensation system.

A Confined Space blog post

Weekly Toll: Workers die at gas stations, construction sites, bowling alleys, chicken processing plants, in rivers and falling off buildings

Jordan Barab

October 9, 2018

Boom truck hits power lines in Flagler, electrocuting 2 workers. PALM COAST, Fla. – Two construction workers were electrocuted Monday in an industrial accident in Flagler County, sheriff’s officials said. The men died around 8:30 a.m. on Sebastian Court in Palm Coast.

OSHA, Ohio craft beer brewers form a safety partnership

October 8, 2018

OSHA and organizations representing many of Ohio’s craft brewers have established a two-year alliance to help improve workplace safety in the industry. While the alliance is in effect, OSHA, Ohio Craft Brewers Association, Brewers Association, Master Brewers Association of the Americas District Midwest, and Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will develop awareness and education programs on hazards in the brewing, storing, bottling, canning, packaging, handling, and delivery of craft beer.

Survey: Employers should play active role in employees' mental health

October 8, 2018

More than three in four U.S. employees (76 percent) have dealt with issues negatively affecting their mental health, according to new survey results from the American Heart Association (AHA). A whopping 96 percent of the workers surveyed said that mental health is as important as physical health. The online survey also revealed that 42 percent of employees say they have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder by a healthcare professional.

Intersection in 20-fatality limo crash known to be dangerous

October 8, 2018

A family in upstate New York is reeling from the loss of four daughters – along with three of their husbands – in a weekend limousine accident that claimed a total of 20 lives. "Twenty fatalities is just horrific," National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairman Robert Sumwalt said at the news conference. "I've been on the board for 12 years and this is one of the biggest losses of life that we've seen in a long, long time."

Guide to managing violent patients, visitors developed

October 8, 2018

A new guideline intended to reduce one of the most significant workplace violence risks in the healthcare industry has been released. “Violent Patient / Patient Visitor Management” by the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) urges Healthcare Facilities (HCFs) to establish specific violence prevention and aggression management policies, processes and practices to deter, identify and manage violent events.