Industrial Hygiene

NIOSH unveils strategy to quickly “band” workplace chemicals

Provides process for chemical management occupational exposure

July 11, 2019

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has come up with a new chemical management strategy that can quickly and accurately assign chemicals into categories, or “bands,” in order to protect workers from potentially harmful substances in the workplace. A vast number of chemical substances do not have occupational exposure limits (OELs) for the workplace.

MSHA urged to develop silica standard for mines

July 10, 2019

“Until MSHA sets and strictly enforces an evidence-based, silica-specific dust standard, along with improved procedures for measuring and monitoring silica, the agency will not be fulfilling its mission to ‘prevent death, illness and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S. miners."

What does the future hold for careers in safety and health?

Dave Johnson

July 1, 2019

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article ran on the ISHN website back on May 20, 2000. We thought it would be interesting to present it to you today, some nineteen years later, as a means of comparing the occupational safety and health profession today with the way it was perceived by the people in it nearly two decades ago. Additional note: We've changed the name of the American Society of Safety Engineers to its current moniker, American Society of Safety Professionals, in order to avoid confusion.

Confined Spaces: Airborne dust & particulates accumulate quickly

These hazardous materials require close exposure monitoring

Kevin Chase

July 1, 2019

Broadly speaking, a confined space is an area that is large enough for a worker to enter and do work, but that is difficult to get in and out of easily, and not designed or intended for regular occupancy.

A NIOSH Science Blog post

Law enforcement officers’ health effects from exposure to opioids

Two case investigations

Sophia K. Chiu

June 28, 2019

There is uncertainty surrounding law enforcement officers’ exposure to and health effects from opioids encountered while at work protecting the public. Over the past several years, the media have reported instances of opioid exposures and health effects among first responders and other public service workers across the U.S.

Society Fellows identified by new FASSP designation

June 11, 2019

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has introduced the FASSP designation for Society Fellows. Used after an individual’s name, FASSP is a recognizable way to identify recipients of the Society’s highest honor. The announcement was made by ASSP President Rixio Medina, CSP, CPP, FASSP, during Sunday night’s Past Presidents and Fellows Reception at the Safety 2019 Professional Development Conference and Exhibition.

Meet the AIHA 2019-20 Board of Directors

June 11, 2019

The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA®) inducted its new Board of Directors during its annual business meeting at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce EXP) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 23. The Board of Directors for 2019-20 includes the following officers:

ASSP changes name of Seminarfest to Safety Focus

June 10, 2019

One year after adopting a new organization name as part of a larger rebranding strategy, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has introduced a new name – Safety Focus – for its annual immersive, week-long education event. The announcement was made Monday by ASSP President Rixio Medina, CSP, CPP, at the Safety 2019 Professional Development Conference and Exhibition. “We are aligning all of our events to the new brand,” Medina said.

5 factors to consider when selecting PPE for high-heat work

Head to toe

Jim Bailey

June 10, 2019

Workers who are required to do their jobs in extremely hot environments — from construction sites to chemical plants and offshore oil rigs — can be at risk of serious heat-related injuries and illnesses.

Safety 2019:

Lively discussions and training sessions on the expo floor

Benita Mehta

June 7, 2019

Think Tanks will take place in various locations around the Exposition at Safety 2019. These discussions encourage participation by taking a deeper dive into a problem or situation faced by OHS professionals. Everyone will be asking questions, discussing possible solutions or sharing what’s worked and what hasn’t. Topics include engaging young professionals, safety guardrails, temporary workers, workplace harassment, confined space safety, among many others.