Weekly news round-up
A barge accident spills thousands of gallons of crude oil in Galveston Bay, a train accident injures 30+ in Chicago and scientists develop new drill jig that reduces both silica exposure and ergonomic strain. These were among the top EHS-related news stories featured on ISHN.com this week.
NSC releases latest injury and fatality statistics and trends
2014 edition of Injury Facts® reveals largest safety threats facing Americans today
The National Safety Council today released the 2014 edition of Injury Facts®, which details safety statistics and trends across the U.S. and worldwide. Injury Facts has been the Council’s go-to resource for all safety statistics for more than 90 years.
Manufacturers object to OSHA’s injury and illness reporting rule
Public disclosure of raw data “does not serve the public good”
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is urging OSHA to set aside its proposed rule to publicly disclose injury and illness data, saying that it will not contribute to the goal of improving workplace safety.
Workplace changes can increase productivity, but…
Want to improve productivity by motivating workers, or maybe improving the look of their workzone? A new study showed some "small but significant" effects on work-related outcomes -- but with a twist.
Too close to the TV
Myth: Watching TV for too long or sitting too close can damage your eyes
Fact: There is no evidence to suggest that watching television for too long or sitting too close can damage your eyes. Young children often sit close to the television screen because they have a greater ability to focus on objects closer to their eyes than adults do. Due to this, children hold their reading material close as well.
EPA chief testifies about 2015 budget request
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works today at a hearing to discuss EPA’s proposed FY 2015 budget.
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AIHA recognizes 43 new OEHS professionals as Distinguished Fellows
Honorees will be recognized at the 2014 AIHce in San Antonio
The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) has added 43 new distinguished Fellows, recognized for their significant contributions to the field of industrial hygiene, to its list. The Fellow classification is limited to no more than five percent of the AIHA membership.
Despite OSHA citations and a formal agreement, La. co. continues to jeopardize workers
U.S. Minerals cited for confined space, LOTO hazards
OSHA has cited U.S. Minerals LLC with 11 safety and health violations following a September 2013 inspection at the company’s Harvey, La. facility – but that wasn’t the agency’s first visit to one of the company’s facilities.
MIG welding safety tips
This is not a comprehensive guide. There are many ways in which welding can damage your health. The main points are:
Health experts to study effect of marijuana on workplace health and safety
Goal: to help workplaces get ready for impact of increasing use
The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) and the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) have announced plans to collaborate in a study of workplace health and safety issues associated with worker impairment from the use of marijuana and other drugs.
Innovative concrete drill jig reduces silica exposures
Lessens risk of MSD injuries as well
A University of California ergonomics team has designed an innovative concrete drill jig that is proving to be highly effective in limiting worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica, as well reducing fatigue and risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
AIHA comments on OSHA's PSM standard
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) this week sent its official comments to OSHA on the agency's Request for Information (RFI) to the Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard, which was published in the Federal Register on December 9, 2013, Volume 78, No. 236, beginning on Page 73756. OSHA said RFI was in response to an Obama Administration request that the agency identify issues related to modernization of its PSM standard and related standards necessary to meet the goals of preventing major chemical accidents.
Operator of Chicago train that crashed may have been asleep
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators said the Chicago Transit Authority's Blue Line station at O'Hare International Airport will not be up and running until this afternoon at the earliest, after a train jumped the tracks early Monday, injuring 32 people.
Welding health hazards – according to OSHA
Chemical Agents. Zinc is used in large quantities in the manufacture of brass, galvanized metals, and various other alloys. Inhalation of zinc oxide fumes can occur when welding or cutting on zinc-coated metals. Exposure to these fumes is known to cause metal fume fever.
Ga. stucco worker falls 19 feet to his death
Company cited for lack of scaffolding
A construction worker fatality at East Georgia State College in Swainsboro, Ga. has resulted in five safety violations against Smiley Plaster Co. The company faces $57,000 in penalties.
OSHA extends comment period on PSM changes
In response to requests from stakeholders, OSHA is pushing back the deadline for submitting public comments on potential revisions to its Process Safety Management (PSM) standard and related standards to March 31st.
AIHA testifies on OSHA’s proposed silica standard
In a public hearing last week, the American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) expressed support for OSHA’s proposed rule on occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
Collision causes huge oil spill in Galveston Bay
Highly polluting heavy crude “will spread,” says Coast Guard
In echoes of the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, oil is washing ashore in Galveston, Texas today and reports of oil-contaminated birds and other animals are multiplying – the result of a collision Saturday in Galveston Bay between a ship and a barge carrying nearly a million gallons of heavy oil.
Ten ways to prevent eye injuries at work
Nearly one million Americans have lost some degree of their sight due to an eye injury. More than 700,000 Americans injure their eyes at work each year. Luckily, 90% of all workplace eye injuries can be avoided by using proper safety eyewear.
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