Articles


FMCSA Declares Trucking Company an Imminent Hazard to Public Safety

An investigation into an accident led to the decision.

HHS Pursuing Tests for Radiation Absorbed in Nuclear Emergencies

ASPR's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will use authority granted under the Project BioShield Act of 2004 to support the tests' late-stage development and potentially purchase tests from one or more of the companies for the Strategic National Stockpile.

CDC Backs Projects Fighting Antibiotic Resistance

"Understanding the role the microbiome plays in antibiotic-resistant infections is necessary to protect the public's health," said CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden, M.D., MPH. "We think it is key to innovative approaches to combat antibiotic resistance, protect patients, and improve antibiotic use."

OSHA Proposes to Add Two Additional Fit-Testing Protocols to Respiratory Standard

The protocols would apply to employers in the general, shipyard and construction industries.

Aluminum Company Continues to Expose Employees to Machine Hazards, Says OSHA

Aluminum Shapes LLC has been fined $89K for repeat and serious safety violations.

NTSB Cites Fatigue, Methamphetamine Use in Chattanooga Crash

The board noted that Kentucky is one of only two U.S. jurisdictions that do not provide crash data in their three-year driver license records. Because of this, Cool Runnings Express did not have crash data for this truck driver; he had had four crashes in the previous three years, two of which were CMV crashes, NTSB noted.

DOT and NSC Announce New Partnership to End Roadway Fatalities

The Road to Zero coalition will try to end traffic fatalities within the next 30 years.

Joint Commission Launches Workplace Violence Resource Center

"Many of us in health care have witnessed or experienced workplace violence firsthand," said Ann Scott Blouin, RN, Ph.D., FACHE, executive vice president of Customer Relations for the commission. "It is critical that we share key resources with those in the health care community to help them prepare for and address, as well as hopefully prevent, this type of unfortunate situation from taking place."



OSHA Says Workers Exposed to Hazardous Chemicals, Compressed Gas and Falls at Tire Retailer

Mavis Tire faces $103K in federal fines after an inspection.

OSHA Rolls Out Another Standards Improvement Measure

The agency's announcement said these proposed revisions would save employers an estimated $3.2 million per year and are based on responses to a public Request for Information issued in 2012 and recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health, OSHA's staff, and the Office of Management and Budget.

The data NIOSH researchers developed show that firefighters in turnout gear do not fit well in today

Ramp-Up Alert Tones Lower Firefighters' Stress, Study Finds

The researchers found that standard alerting caused a median increase in heart rate of 7 beats per minute, while the ramp-up tones caused a median increase of 5 bpm. Their post-study survey found the firefighters strongly preferred the ramp-up tones.

Pesticide Inspections Database Launched in Canada

Information on inspections of companies that manufacture pest control products are now available to the public online, and Canadians can search the Pest Control Registrant Inspections Database for specific inspection findings, summary report cards from inspections, and information about companies' history of compliance with the Pest Control Products Act.

NYC's Heat Season Under Way

The Department of Housing Preservation and Development imposes a fee of $200 per inspection if it has to perform three or more inspections at the same location within the same heat season for heat violations or calendar year for hot water violations. During the 2015-2016 heat season, it billed for $148,800 in inspection fees.

The American Red Cross installed almost 1,000 smoke alarms in one day in North Carolina homes in early 2015.

Census Webinar to Showcase New Orleans Smoke Alarm Campaign

The Oct. 13 webinar will explain how communities can launch similar projects using free tools and public data. It's taking place during this year's Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 9-15).

Ice and snow buildup in parking lots and on walkways can be hazardous to employees, delivery people, and guests.

Get Ready for Winter's Challenges

Driving in winter is just one of the frequently hazardous tasks. Others include carbon monoxide exposure from using generators inside, shoveling snow and clearing roofs, fires, and slips and falls.

Next-Generation Anthrax Vaccine Supported

"Fifteen years ago this month, anthrax was used as a weapon of domestic terrorism in the U.S. and its use remains a threat today," said Dr. Richard Hatchett, acting director of BARDA. "BARDA is sponsoring the development of NuThrax to help better protect our nation from this threat."

New FRA Directive Targets DOT-111 Cars' Weld Defects

"The good news is these flawed welds have been found in only a small portion of the U.S. tank car fleet that were manufactured by American Railcar Industries and ACF Industries between 2009 and 2015," FRA stated.

Rethinking Safety Excellence

Great performers are able to demonstrate the ability to win over and over again.

Sources of chemical pollutants come from five main categories: products used in the building, products that can get pulled into the HVAC system from outside the building, accidental spills, products used during construction activities, and byproducts of combustion such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide.

Basics of Indoor Air Quality in the Workplace

OSHA suggests that a proactive approach be taken to address IAQ concerns. Failure to respond expeditiously and effectively to IAQ concerns can quickly lead to more numerous or serious adverse health issues.

You also might want to consider having your ducts cleaned, or at least inspected. If they contain mold, dirt or vermin, increasing the airflow through them actually might exacerbate your sick building problem.

Sick Building Syndrome: What It Is and Tips for Prevention

Telltale clues include increased absenteeism, a large number of occupants complaining about vague but similar symptoms, and a common history of symptom resolution when people are not in the building.

Product Showcase

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  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker WBGT Monitoring for Workplace Safety

    Ensure safety with the Kestrel® 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, the go-to choice for safety professionals and endorsed by the Heat Safety & Performance Coalition. This robust, waterless WBGT meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced monitoring and data logging essential for OSHA compliance. It features pre-programmed ACGIH guidelines and alert settings to quickly signal critical conditions. Integrated with the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network, the 5400 allows managers to view, track, and log job site conditions remotely, ensuring constant awareness of potential hazards. Its capability for real-time mobile alerts and remote data access promotes proactive safety management and workplace protection, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in industrial hygiene. Read More

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