The numbers behind lifestyle choices and preventable diseases, corporate sustainability and better severe weather cleanup work hazards were all in the news this week on ISHN.com:
What are the psychological aspects of amputation?
As a safety and health professional, there will inevitably be those trying times when you must counsel a worker who has lost a finger, multiple fingers, a hand, or an entire arm to a work-related injury.
Safety & health trends to watch
Kathy Seabrook, president of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), presented an overview of the top global safety and health trends to watch in 2014 on Wednesday, May 7 at an event sponsored by ASSE – “Occupational Safety & Health in Global Workforce Sustainability.” The half-day meeting was held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
OSHA deputy outlines agency priorities
By Dave Johnson
Jordan Barab, deputy assistant secretary at OSHA, give a quick, 20-minute snapshot of his agency’s current priorities on Wednesday, May 7 at an event sponsored by ASSE – “Occupational Safety & Health in Global Workforce Sustainability.” The half-day meeting was held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Temp worker safety was at the top of Barab’s list. OSHA is concerned about fatalities among inexperience temps, many who will work numerous “first days on the job” in a year.
What makes for a “high sustainability” corporation?
By Dave Johnson
Robert G. Eccles, a professor at the Harvard Business School, presented findings from a study he helped conduct on attributes of high sustainability companies on Wednesday, May 7 at an event sponsored by ASSE – “Occupational Safety & Health in Global Workforce Sustainability.” The half-day meeting was held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
Friends of NIOSH defend ERCs, ag and fishing program
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has a lot of friends. In a recent letter, more than 150 organizations that make up the “Friends of NIOSH” urged congressional leaders to disregard President Obama’s proposed elimination (in his FY 2015 budget) of Education and Research Centers (ERCs) and Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Program and maintain funding for them, as well as for NIOSH’s other programs.
OSHA to hold hearing on extending crane operator certification deadline
OSHA has scheduled an informal public hearing to discuss its proposed rule to extend the compliance date for the crane operator certification requirement and the existing phase-in requirement that employers ensure that their operators are qualified to operate the equipment.
Air quality issues the focus of Asthma Awareness Month
May is Asthma Awareness Month, and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy is taking the opportunity to spread the word about how environmental asthma triggers affect sufferers of the disease. “One in ten kids in America today suffers from asthma, whichdisproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income families,” said U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.
Mining industry challenges coal dust rule in court
The National Mining Association (NMA) has asked a federal appeals court to review the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) regulation for the control of coal dust in underground coal mines, contending that the rule “embodies fundamental legal and technical infirmities in its scope, foundation and framework.”
NTSB says pilots need better weather forecasts
Although the National Weather Service (NWS) usually has up-to-the-minute information on wind, fog, icing, turbulence and wind shear, it doesn’t always provide it to pilots during preflight weather forecasts – and that’s something the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) wants to change.
Workers at Wisc. plant burned by acid after company ignores its own policy
Seven workers at a South Milwaukee manufacturing plant directed to clean up after an acid spill suffered burns and other injuries, resulting in six OSHA violations and proposed penalties of $166,000.
When should you see a hand specialist?
There are times when your family physician may not be able to give you the time and expertise needed to treat a variety of hand disorders. This is where the hand specialist comes in, and you can ask your family doc for a referral.
How to protect your home (and family) from electrical hazards
ESFI publication, Twitter chat help you ID, correct dangers
n addition to Building Safety Month, May is National Electrical Safety Month – an issue closely related to building safety. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is kicking off its annual effort to raise awareness of potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety.
What should be in your workplace first aid kit?
Stakeholder input sought for industry standard
The voluntary consensus industry standard on workplace first aid kits is currently undergoing revision and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) is seeking stakeholders to particpate in the review and approval process for this standard.
Study finds high rate of highway work zone crashes in U.S.
Forty-five percent of highway contractors had motor vehicles crash into their construction work zones during the past year, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC of America).
Severe weather cleanup brings special hazards to workers
Extreme weather, such as the recent spate of violent storms – including tornadoes -- that tore through a large swathe of the U.S. can leave behind widespread damage and pose unique dangers for those doing the recovery and cleanup work.
Vulnerable equipment, complacent safety culture led to Tesoro Refinery tragedy
Statement by CSB Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso
As reported previously, we found a causal factor of the tragedy to be long-term, undetected High Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA) of the steel equipment, which led to the vessel rupture on the day of the accident and the massive release of highly flammable hydrogen and naphtha.
ISHN 2014 Readers' Choice Awards — Winning products announced
Thousands of ISHN subscribers voted online for today's top safety products in ISHN’s 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards. The results are in and ISHN is proud to share the second-annual list of winning entries.
CDC: up to 40 percent of U.S. deaths each year are preventable
-92,000 from heart disease alone
Each year, nearly 900,000 Americans die prematurely from the five leading causes of death – yet 20 percent to 40 percent of the deaths from each cause could be prevented, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The show won’t go on
OSHA investigating Rhode Island circus accident
All of those injured in a circus performance Sunday in Rhode Island are reportedly recovering from their injuries. The Ringling Brothers circus accident occurred when a circular metal platform suddenly fell from the rigging, causing the eight performers who were suspended from it by their hall to fall 35 feet to the ground.
Building Safety Month, Week 1: Keeping fire in its place
Code compliance, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are key to saving lives
May’s Building Safety Month has been used since its inception in 1980 as an opportunity to promote public awareness about a variety of building hazards. The theme for week one of Building Safety Month 2014, May 6-12, sponsored by the American Wood Council (AWC), is “Code Officials: Keeping Fire in its Place.”
Are you monitoring your older women workers for hand and arm problems?
As women age, health issues specific to perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritic conditions, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fractures are more common in women than men, according to The Institute for Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation.
