Weekly news round-up
A PtD update, tree trimmer fatalities and the ASSE gets a new president. These were among the EHS-related news stories featured on ISHN.com this week.
Workplace accidents costly elsewhere, too
Greek Labour Minister calls for greater investment in OSH
The Labour Minister of Greece said workplace accidents cost his country more than a billion euros a year – and that doesn’t include the cost of treatments and permanent disability benefits.
Ohio worker's hand crushed while operating mechanical power press
Following the crushing of a worker's hand in a 150-ton mechanical power press on Nov. 14, 2013, Superior Roll Forming Co. has been cited by OSHA for four serious safety violations.
Deaths due to heroin overdose increase sharply
Recent reports that heroin use is on the rise—the U.S. Justice Department says there was a 320% increase in heroin seized along the southwest U.S. border from 2008 through 2013 (1) prompted U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to speak out about the need for a solution.
NIOSH issues progress report on PtD initiative
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released a new report, The State of the National Initiative on Prevention through Design (PtD), describing what it calls “significant progress” in minimizing worker risks through research, practice, education and policy.
Recent tree care worker fatalities prompt new hazard bulletin from OSHA
The tree care industry can be very hazardous, exposing workers to falls and falling objects, as well as transportation, electrocution and crushing hazards. A new OSHA hazard bulletin on tree care work is the first in a series of guidance materials for employers about the dangers to workers.
New interactive training tool from OSHA helps ID hazards
OSHA has announced a new interactive webtool that will help small businesses identify and correct hazards in the workplace. The tool allows employers and workers to explore how to identify workplace hazards in the manufacturing and construction industries and address them with practical and effective solutions.
AIHA recommends ways to prevent lead poisoning among children in developing countries
The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) has issued recommendations to prevent lead poisoning among children in developing nations, based on a case study of lead contamination conditions in several countries in Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia.
Chemical safety report “is a milestone, not an endpoint”
Improvements were made in U.S. chemical safety and security following the devastating 2013 West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion, but a report issued earlier this month makes it clear how much more remains to be done.
Five companies cited in death of temp worker at Amazon facility in NJ
An OSHA investigation into a fatality at an Amazon fulfillment center in Avenel, NJ, has resulted in five companies being cited for serious violations – none of them Amazon.
Processed red meat linked to higher risk of heart failure, death in men
Men who eat moderate amounts of processed red meat may have an increased risk of incidence and death from heart failure, according to a study in Circulation: Heart Failure, an American Heart Association journal.
After children's electrocution deaths, Tennessee passes marina safety bill
ESFI urges other states to do the same
The Tennessee General Assembly has enacted a marina safety law intended to protect state residents from electric shock injuries and drowning deaths near marinas and boat docks.
NFPA reports sharp increase in 2013 US firefighter fatalities
Arizona wildfire, Texas fertilizer plant fire killed 28
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported a total of 97 on-duty firefighter deaths in 2013, reflecting a sharp increase over the past few years. According to NFPA’s 2013 U.S. Firefighter Fatalities report, last year’s increase is largely attributed to the Yarnell Hill fire in Arizona and the West, Texas fertilizer fire that together claimed the lives of 28 firefighters.
Trish Ennis begins one-year term as new ASSE president
Trish Ennis was installed last week as the 100th president of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). A 23-year veteran of the occupational health and safety profession, Ennis vowed to continue to elevate the safety profession within the business community and work to deliver ASSE’s 36,000 members the programs and benefits they seek.
Mo. worker seriously injured in fall into 13’ deep trench
Gershenson Construction Co. Inc. has been cited by OSHA after a worker suffered a broken vertebra when he was struck by a partially suspended load of sewer pipe and knocked to the bottom of an unprotected 13-foot-deep trench.
Poor cardiovascular health linked to memory, learning deficits
The risk of developing cognitive impairment, especially learning and memory problems, is significantly greater for people with poor cardiovascular health than people with intermediate or ideal cardiovascular health, according to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
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