Workplace Health - Articles - Page 49

Millions of U.S. employees affected by workplace bullying

January 7, 2020

Nearly 20 percent of U.S. workers experience bullying in the workplace and 19 percent witness it, according to a national survey conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI). The survey defined workplace bullying as “repeated mistreatment of an employee by one or more employees; abusive conduct that is: threatening, humiliating, or intimidating, work sabotage, or verbal abuse.” Although the WBI survey was conducted in 2017, the problem has not abated; in a 2019 Monster.com survey, nearly 94 percent out of responding employees reported being bullied in the workplace.

A NIOSH Science Blog post

Outbreak of silicosis in artificial stone countertop affects workers in four states

Katelynn Dodd MPH Amy Heinzerling MD, MS Cecile Rose MD, MSW Carolyn Reeb-Whitaker RPIH Dr. Robert Harrison MD, MPH

January 6, 2020

Artificial stone countertops, also known as "quartz stone countertops," are made by polymerizing quartz aggregate and resin binder. These materials look similar to natural stone and are increasingly used in residential construction and home furnishings. Between 2010 and 2018, imports of quartzite countertops in the United States have increased by nearly 800% (US International Trade Commission).

Following employee suicides, company found guilty of “institutional harassment”

19 workers took their own lives

January 6, 2020

In a first-ever action, a company and its former managers were criminally prosecuted for institutional harassment associated with suicides among the company’s employees. In a judgment last month, the Paris Criminal Court sentenced France Telecom to a fine of 75,000 euros - the maximum penalty – for institutional harassment that had spread from the leadership to the rest of the company in 2007-2008.

Thousands hospitalized for vaping lung injuries in 2019

CDC releases final figures

January 6, 2020

Some 2,561 people were hospitalized last year for lung injuries associated with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use EVALI, according to the CDC. EVALI hospitalizations or deaths were reported by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

Legalizing medical marijuana may result in fewer occupational fatalities

January 3, 2020

Workplace fatalities were found to be lower in states that have legalized medical marijuana – at least among a certain age group - in a study published on ScienceDirect. “Although there is increasing concern that legalizing medical marijuana will make workplaces more dangerous, little is known about the relationship between medical marijuana laws (MMLs) and workplace fatalities,” according to the study’s authors, who set out to determine what, if any, relationship existed between the two.

Here’s why you should keep that New Year’s resolution to exercise

More physical activity linked to lower risk for several cancer types

January 2, 2020

A pooled analysis of nine prospective studies involving more than 750,000 adults finds that recommended amounts of leisure-time physical activity were linked to a lower risk for seven cancers, with several cancer types having a ‘dose/response’ relationship. The study was led by investigators at the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society (ACS), and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

2020 Top Standards: OSHA most frequently violated standards

Hazard Communication (1910.1200)

January 1, 2020

OSHA’s hazard communication standard was the second most-frequently cited agency standard in FY 2019. The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

2020 Top Standards: OSHA most frequently violated standards

Scaffolding (1926.451)

January 1, 2020

Scaffolding was the third most-frequently cited agency standard in FY 2019.

2020 Top Standards: OSHA most frequently violated standards

The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) 1910.147

January 1, 2020

Lockout/Tagout was the fourth most-frequently cited agency standard in FY 2019. The standard outlines measures for controlling hazardous energies — electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and other energy sources.

2020 Top Standards: OSHA most frequently violated standards

Respiratory Protection (1910.134)

January 1, 2020

OSHA’s respiratory protection standard was the fifth most-frequently cited agency standard in FY 2019. OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard applies to general industry, construction, shipyards, marine terminals, and longshoring...