Workplace Health
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Coal company officials charged with lying about Black Lung risks

“West Kentucky miners are about action, not just happy talk"

March 4, 2019

The number of coal company officials charged in a case involving defrauding regulators about black lung disease has risen to nine, according to a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Labor. U.S. Attorney Russell M. Coleman said Glendal “Buddy” Hardison, the former manager of all Armstrong Coal mines in western Kentucky, is the latest official from thecompany to be charged by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to defraud an agency of the U.S. government by deceit, trickery, and dishonest means.

Workplace violence prevention in healthcare bill generates controversy

March 4, 2019

A bill intended to reduce workplace violence in the healthcare industry is getting strong support from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and nursing organizations, but a labor lawyer says it prevents stakeholders from having a say in the rulemaking process. Recently re-introduced by Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT), H.R. 1309 is entitled, "Caring for Our Caregivers: Protecting Health Care and Social Service Workers from Workplace Violence.”

Weekly news round-up

March 2, 2019

The effect of plastic on workers in the plastic industry, Apple’s efforts to resist curbs on distracted driving and amateur video helps a state OSH agency crack down on asbestos violators. These were among the top safety stories featured this week on ISHN.com.

Major health groups blast “allies” of tobacco industry for trying to block e-cigarette regulations

March 1, 2019

A coalition of leading health organizations is criticizing "allies" of the tobacco industry for launching “an outrageous attack” on the FDA in its efforts to address the youth e-cigarette epidemic. A statement by the American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Public Health Law Center and Truth Initiative notes that the skyrocketing use of e-cigarettes by young people calls for a comprehensive public health response including strong regulatory and enforcement efforts by the FDA.

3 most common workplace eye injuries — and how to avoid them

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Corey Berghoefer

March 1, 2019

When new hires or temporary staff members join your team, it isn't enough to simply lay out the plan, give them their tools and expect them to get to work. In fact, failing to educate your team on proper safety protocols is exactly the kind of negligence that often leads to workplace eye injuries — or worse. When it comes to eye injuries, the numbers are astonishing. In the U.S., more than 2,000 workers injure their eyes on the job every single day, with roughly one out of every 10 of those injuries resulting in employees missing work in order to recuperate. That's a drain on your bottom line to the tune of $300 million in medical bills, compensation and time off annually — and that's something you just can't afford.

Report from Europe

Plastic – a human health crisis

February 28, 2019

Plastic is a human health crisis hiding in plain sight, according to a recent report from a coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) lead by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). To date, research into the human health impacts of plastic have focused narrowly on specific moments in the plastic lifecycle, often on single products, processes, or exposure pathways.

U.S. Navy sailors get help with hearing loss prevention through innovative program

Developer wins this year's Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award

February 26, 2019

Exposure to loud flight deck operations and noisy equipment takes a toll on U.S. Navy sailors: approximately one in four suffer from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). One man’s innovative and broad-based approach to the problem has earned him this year’s The Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award. The multi-tiered program to NIHL among sailors developed by Kurt Yankaskas of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the NIHL Research Program maximized the use of various funding strategies within Department of the Navy and DoD.

OSHA urges employers to prevent worker exposure to carbon monoxide

February 26, 2019

OSHA is reminding employers to take necessary precautions to protect workers from the potentially fatal effects of carbon monoxide exposure. Every year, workers die from carbon monoxide poisoning, usually while using fuel-burning equipment, tools, compressors and pumps, gas-powered forklifts, and other devices in buildings or semi-enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation.

EPA sued over inaction on methylene chloride in paint strippers

February 25, 2019

Two nonprofit organizations have filed a federal complaint against the EPA for its failure to regulate methylene chloride, a chemical found in paint strippers that has been blamed for 50 deaths. The complaint alleges that the EPA has violated its statutory obligations by not enacting a ban on the substance in paint and coating removal products, despite determining that methylene chloride presents “an unreasonable risk of injury to health” more than two years ago.

4 habits that may be raising your blood pressure

February 25, 2019

With nearly half of American adults having elevated blood pressure, it’s important for everyone to understand that some common habits may affect blood pressure, making the condition more difficult to control. That’s why the American Heart Association is providing quick reference tools for health care providers to guide their patients in discovering “BP raisers” that are often hiding in plain sight.