Occupational Safety - Articles - Page 111

Colorectal cancer burden shifting to younger individuals

Half of new diagnoses are now in people 66 and younger

March 6, 2020

The burden of colorectal cancer is swiftly shifting to younger individuals as incidence increases in young adults and declines in older age groups, according to Colorectal Cancer Statistics 2020, a publication of the American Cancer Society. A sign of the shift: the median age of diagnosis has dropped from age 72 in 2001-2002 to age 66 during 2015-2016.

From the NIOSH Director's Desk

Using science to assess workplace hazards: NIOSH practices in occupational risk assessment

Dr. John Howard

March 6, 2020

What is risk assessment? Do you check for rain before deciding to carry an umbrella? Doing so is an example of risk assessment, which describes a process for answering three basic questions on a particular hazard:

Feds announce black lung benefits reforms

March 5, 2020

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) announced changes to the self-insurance process for coal mine operators that it says will better support the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. The Black Lung Benefits Act requires each coal mine operator to secure the payment of its potential benefits liability by either qualifying as a self-insurer or by purchasing and maintaining a commercial insurance contract.

How to prevent your employees from driving distracted

March 5, 2020

Distracted driving occurs any time you take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off your primary task: driving safely. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash.

Join COVE for a Complimentary Webinar

March 5, 2020

Eliminating Workplace Hazards: 4 Critical Support Mechanisms to Guide You

2 triangles: Visual literacy and effective safety controls

Doug Pontsler

March 5, 2020

A discussion in a recent workshop caused me to reflect on the relationship between our work in Visual Literacy and how it integrates with established practices defined by the Hierarchy of Controls. It is critical that through Visual Literacy we improve our ability to see the hazards that can easily disappear into the background.

For older adults, more physical activity could mean longer, healthier lives

March 5, 2020

Two studies demonstrate that older adults may be able to live longer, healthier lives by increasing physical activity that doesn’t have to be strenuous to be effective, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2020. The EPI Scientific Sessions, March 3-6 in Phoenix, is a premier global exchange of the latest advances in population-based cardiovascular science for researchers and clinicians.

NSC urges employers to practice active shooter drills with staff.

March 4, 2020

The recent active shooter incident at the Molson Coors facility in Milwaukee was not an isolated incident. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), assaults are the second leading cause of workplace deaths and account for more than 16,000 injuries each year. “Thankfully active shooter events are still rare but when they happen, they are terrifying and can turn deadly in seconds,” according to the organization.

DOL's construction safety advisory committee to discuss opioids, suicide

March 4, 2020

A pair of trending topics will be on the agenda at tomorrow’s meeting of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) Workgroups. The Emerging and Current Issues workgroup will meet from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST to discuss opioids and suicides in construction.

Retaliated-against safety whistleblower to get thousands from ex-employer

March 4, 2020

OSHA has determined that Universal Trucking Solutions LLC – a defunct Hartford, Connecticut, commercial motor carrier – and its co-owner, Juan Ramirez, violated the whistleblower protections of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA). Agency investigators found that the company and Ramirez retaliated against a driver who repeatedly voiced concerns to management about faulty vehicle maintenance.