Weekly news round-up
A worker dies during a safety drill; safety certification for highway construction workers and California fast tracks a regulation to protect workers from wildfire smoke. These were among the top stories featured on ISHN.com this week.
NTSB: Truck driver that killed NH motorcyclists didn’t need CDL
July 26, 2019
Because the pickup truck that collided with a group of motorcyclists in New Hampshire last month had a gross vehicle weight rating under 26,001 pounds, its driver was not required to have a CDL. That’s one of the findings in a preliminary report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is investigating the June 21 accident that killed seven motorcyclists and injured three others.
Calif. fuel efficiency deal makes health experts happy
July 26, 2019
Four major automakers have reached an agreement with California on fuel economy standards that would reduce emissions – and the American Lung Association (ALA) approves. Ford, Volkswagen, Honda, and BMW this week agreed to increase the average fuel economy of their new vehicle fleets to nearly 50 miles per gallon by model year 2026 - an increase of 3.7 miles per gallon per year.
Beyond heat stroke: Other hot temp dangers
July 26, 2019
With recent bouts of extreme heat affecting large parts of the nation – and more likely up ahead - heat stroke – when the body’s cooling system fails - has gained considerable attention as a risk for outdoor workers. Symptoms include a rapid heartbeat, hot, red skin due to the inability to sweat and internal temperatures rising to dangerous levels.
Inadequate risk assessments led to fatal SC train crash
July 25, 2019
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined Tuesday that Amtrak’s and CSX Transportation’s failure to properly assess and mitigate the risk of conducting switching operations during a signal suspension, coupled with a CSX conductor’s error, led to the collision of an Amtrak train with a CSX train near Cayce, South Carolina.
Oil and gas group releases industry health data
July 25, 2019
IPIECA, a global oil and gas industry association for advancing environmental and social performance within the industry, has released 2018 data on health leading performance indicators for employees. According to IPIECA, “indicators for the health performance of the industry are a necessary part of effective health management and the promotion of improvements in health performance.
Lawsuit claims industrial hygiene techs at nuclear site weren't qualified
July 25, 2019
A lawsuit working its way through the federal court system claims that a contractor allowed inexperienced and unqualified industrial hygiene technicians (IHTs) to work at a hazardous nuclear materials site. News sources say lawsuit was filed by Kevin Newcomb, an IHT who worked at “tank farms” at the now-decommissioned Hanford nuclear production complex in Washington State for more than two decades.
Cold hands could be a warning sign
July 25, 2019
Having cold hands – even if you’re not in a cold environment – could be perfectly normal, and no cause for concern. However, if you frequently have cold hands, accompanied by color changes, it could be a sign warning you that you have a serious health issue which should be addressed.
FAA expands opportunities for safe drone operations
July 24, 2019
Even as it adds to its list of “no-fly zones” for drone operators, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is taking steps to expand its Low Altitude Authorization and Capability (LAANC) system to include recreational flyers. This action – which begins today - will significantly increase the ability of drone pilots to gain access to controlled airspace nationwide.
A FairWarning Story
Alcohol causes cancer. Should there be a warning label on bottles and cans?
July 24, 2019
There is a broad scientific consensus that alcohol is a carcinogen, and that even moderate drinking increases one’s chances of getting cancer. But surveys show that most Americans remain unaware of that fact. Now a coalition of consumer and public health groups have launched a long shot effort to put a cancer warning on alcohol bottles and cans.
Highway construction workers urged to get certified in safety
July 24, 2019
Three major transportation construction contractors are challenging their peers to reach a goal that could save lives: have at least 25 of their employees each year earn a Safety Certification for Transportation Project Professionals™ (SCTPP) credential Nearly 50,000 people are killed or injured annually while working on transportation infrastructure construction projects in the U.S.
From the FairWarning Warning Wire:
New report reveals extent of opioid distribution where you live
July 24, 2019
The numbers are staggering: 76 billion pain pills distributed between 2006 and 2012 by the largest drugs companies in the U.S. Enough to supply every child and adult in the country with 36 pills each year. In the hardest hit rural communities, the pill-per-capita count reached into the hundreds.
Worker dies in NC zoo during safety drill
July 23, 2019
A worker participating in an “aerial rescue drill” at the North Carolina Zoo died last week in a fall. News reports say 38-year-old Branson Joe Langley was killed when he fell 20-30 feet from a tree. The drill involved two arborists – one playing the role of a person trapped in a tree and the other performing a rescue.
Safe + Sound week is up ahead
July 23, 2019
OSHA will hold its annual Safe + Sound Week this year from August 12th to the 18th. The event encourages employers to implement workplace safety initiatives, and highlight workers’ contributions to improving safety. Businesses that incorporate safety and health programs can help prevent injuries and illnesses, reduce workers’ compensation costs, and improve productivity.
Trump's new Labor Secretary choice draws praise, criticism
July 23, 2019
President Trump’s pick for new labor secretary is, predictably, drawing support and opposition from the right and left segments of the U.S. political spectrum. Trump announced his selection last week via Twitter, naming Eugene Scalia, son of the late Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia. Tweeted Trump: “Gene has led a life of great success in the legal and labor field and is highly respected not only as a lawyer, but as a lawyer with great experience....”
Using worker absenteeism to track the flu
July 23, 2019
Is flu on the rise among workers? Those working in public health track the number of flu-related hospital and doctor visits, but many people suffer symptoms and don’t seek medical treatment. So, how do we know how many people are sick with the flu during a flu pandemic or a seasonal epidemic? Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses a mathematical model to estimate the total number of flu illnesses in the United States, but this is not done until the end of the flu season.
California issues emergency wildfire smoke exposure rule
July 22, 2019
California employers are going to have to move fast in order to comply with an emergency occupational safety regulation expected to go into effect in early August. The rule adopted last week by the state’s Department of Industrial Relations’ (DIR) Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is aimed at protecting workers from hazards associated with wildfire smoke.
Even astronauts in space should exercise regularly
July 22, 2019
A health problem that has plagued astronauts returning from space – and some earthbound people as well – is lessened by daily exercise, researchers have found. Orthostatic hypotension - a temporary drop in blood pressure occurring when a person stands up after sitting or lying down - has caused newly returned astronauts to faint or feel dizzy.
Workers in Mo. exposed to trench hazards
July 22, 2019
Workers toiling in a trench in St. Louis, Missouri were in danger because their workspace was unprotected by a trench box or some other trench protection, according to OSHA, which cited R.V. Wagner Inc for multiple violations. The citations issued to the Affton, Missouri-based company were for a project involving the installation of concrete storm water pipes. Proposed penalties for violations of trench safety standards: $212,158.
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