Industrial Hygiene

Public health practice and heat stress

May 13, 2019

Whenever heat stress exceeds occupational exposure limits, workers should be protected by acclimatization programs, training about symptom recognition and first aid, and provision of rest breaks, shade, and water. A Heat Index of 85°F (29.4°C) could be used as a screening threshold to prevent heat-related illness.

Health policy legislation shifts to the states

The U.S. lags behind competing nations. Where there is no critical mass for action, states are filling the void.

Ilise L. Feitshans JD, ScM and DIR

May 13, 2019

We have a swamp of occupational safety and health theory and practice currently. Lack of nationwide clarity undermines what should be unequivocal reproductive health protections, whether preconceptual, post-childbearing for target reproductive organs, or during pregnancy.

Four occupational safety experts honored as ASSP Fellows

May 10, 2019

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the world’s oldest professional safety organization, is bestowing the honor of Fellow on four longtime members who have made significant contributions to the occupational safety and health profession.

Industries that place people at risk of asbestos exposure

Gregory A. Cade

May 8, 2019

For decades, asbestos was considered an ideal substance used in a variety of industrial materials and equipment due to its remarkable heat and fire resistance properties, paired with incredible durability, poor electrical conductivity, and high tensile strength. Because of these properties, and because it was available in large quantities and inexpensive to produce, asbestos fibers were often combined with other materials for use in thousands of industrial, maritime, automotive, and building products.

The top 5 deadly gases in the oil and gas industry

May 7, 2019

Petroleum gases and vapors consist of harmful toxins like benzene, butane, and methane. In the oil and gas industry, petroleum gases are often referred to as “sweet gas” or hydrocarbon gas. Employees that work with oil storage tanks have the highest risk of exposure. OSHA records show that there were 9 deaths from exposure to petroleum gases since 2010.

How electronic “e-nose” sniffers operate

May 7, 2019

An electronic nose typically identifies odors by detecting the “fingerprint” of a chemical compound across an array of sensors monitored by pattern-recognition software. E-nose technology is already in use across many industries, including agricultural, environmental, food, manufacturing, and the military.

Travelers introduces innovative risk management mobile app for business customers

April 23, 2019

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) today announced a new and innovative mobile app for its business insurance customers called Risk Toolworks™. Available on iOS and Android devices, the app allows customers to access the company’s best tools, guides and resources from their mobile devices to conveniently manage risks.

ASSP election results highlighted by Stegall’s move to president

April 18, 2019

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the world’s oldest professional safety organization, has announced its new leaders from the 2019 Society elections. All terms begin July 1. Diana Stegall, CSP, CFPS, ARM, SMS, CPCU, will serve as ASSP president for 2019-20. “Elections are the heart of a professional society, and it’s great to see our members staying involved,” said ASSP President Rixio Medina, CSP, CPP, whose term expires June 30.

Going far beyond OSHA

Michigan OSHA’s lead standard has very strict exposure limits for pregnant workers. Are OHS pros ready to face a six-fold reduction challenge?

Dan Markiewicz, MS, CIH, CSP, CHMM

April 18, 2019

Appendix A to federal OSHA’s 1978 lead standard (current today) provides that blood lead level (BLL) of workers, both male and female, who intend to have children should be maintained below 30 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL) “to minimize adverse reproductive health effects to the parents and to the developing fetus.

A confined spaces analysis

Learn how to define spaces, reclassify them, and five life-saving principles to minimize hazards

Robert "Scott" Goodwin, CHST

April 17, 2019

We have all read the articles or posts on the questions regarding confined spaces such as “What is a confined space?” or “What makes your confined space permit required?” You might have even been asked “How do you re-classify a permit-required confined space?” or one of my favorites, “When do I need a rescue team at my confined space?” Let’s break it all down.