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Views from the Floor of Safety 2016 Day 1

The first day of exhibiting featured a number of diverse and innovative products.

OSHA Reminding Employers to Prepare for Heat Hazards

Rising temperatures across the country are putting workers at risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries, particularly workers who may not have become acclimatized to the heat, and Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels will highlight efforts by employers to protect them June 27.

FRA Determines Track Maintenance Failures Caused Columbia River Gorge Derailment

FRA's preliminary investigation determined the derailment was caused by broken lag bolts leading to a wide track gauge. Investigators found multiple lag bolts in the track section were broken and sheared, leading to tie plates loosening from ties and allowing the rails to be pushed outwards as trains moved across them.

The container vessel COSCO Shipping Panama sets sail June 11 from the Greek Port of Piraeus to make the first transit of the Expanded Panama Canal on June 26, 2016. (Canal de Panama photo)

Panama Finally Opens Expanded Canal

Called a "risky bet" by The New York Times because of questions about the design and whether enough steel and concrete are in its new locks, it is a colossal bet by the country of Panama. The COSCO Shipping Panama, a Chinese container ship, made the first transit of the new canal June 26.

WorkSafeBC Planning Safety Committee Changes

The proposed changes were developed following two fatal explosions in early 2012 at sawmills in the province.

CDC Confirms Higher Blood Lead Levels in Flint Children

CDC continues to recommend that all children under age 6 living in the city of Flint have their blood tested for lead by a health care provider, particularly if they have not had a blood lead test since October 2015.

NSC Says 28 States Fail to Protect Residents from Opioid Crisis

A new report says only four states are making notable progress.

Tennessee Truck Driver Considered an Imminent Hazard to Public Safety

The driver, Randall Weddle, was served a federal order on June 22.



Toxic Chemicals Series, Metro Fire Story Honored in Journalism Awards Contest

The 2016 National Press Club Journalism Contest also awarded the Consumer Journalism, newspapers, award to the Associated Press for its stories about the fishing industry in Southeast Asia’s use of slave laborers.

Columbus Wins Smart City Challenge

Columbus plans to deploy three electric self-driving shuttles to link a new bus rapid transit center to a retail district and use data analytics to improve health care access in a neighborhood where the infant mortality rate quadruples the national average.

U.S. Supreme Court Limits Drunk Driving Test Laws

Police must obtain a search warrant before requiring drivers to submit to blood tests, the court ruled June 23.

HHS Appoints Nine to Health IT Advisory Panels

The Health Information Technology Standards Committee and one new member to the Health Information Technology Policy Committee allow stakeholders and the public to provide direct input to HHS on the implementation and use of health IT.

VW to Pay Roughly $10.2 Billion to Settle Emissions Claims

A source briefed the Associated Press, saying the money would go mainly to compensate 482,000 owners.

Two parts of the ISO 16140 series have now been published. (ISO photo)

ISO Updates Standard on Validating Microorganism Testing in Food

The ISO 16140-1:2016 standard for the validation of alternative (proprietary) microbiological methods provides a specific protocol and guidelines.

AMA Adopts Guidance on Selecting LED Lighting to Minimize Human Effects

The Annual Meeting of the AMA adopted guidance for selecting LED options to minimize potential risk.

IMF Chief Backs Paid Family Leave for United States

Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, said policies needed to counter declining productivity and labor force participation, as well as income inequality and almost 15 percent of Americans living in poverty, include a higher federal minimum wage, more generous earned income tax credit, and upgraded social programs for the non-working poor.

Community Risk Reduction is defined in NFPA 1035 as "programs, actions, and services used by a community, which prevent or mitigate the loss of life, property, and resources associated with life safety, fire, and other disasters within a community."

NFPA White Paper Aids in Establishing Community Risk Reduction Programs

The association's Urban Fire and Life Safety Task Force released the white paper last week.

Plastics Company Doesn't Fix Fall Hazard, Now Owes $87K

MVP Plastics out of New York has been cited by OSHA for a repeat violation.

Bakery Cited By OSHA After Employee Injures Arm in Conveyor Belt

Wegmans Food Market faces $140K in fines.

The June 2016 report concludes military and civilian trauma systems are inextricably linked and will be optimized together, or not at all.

National Academies' Report Urges Integrating Military, Civilian Trauma Care

The report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests this integration should be headed by the White House and is needed to reach the national goal of zero preventable deaths after injury.

Product Showcase

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

  • AirChek Connect Sampling Pump

    Stay connected to your sampling with the SKC AirChek® Connect Sampling Pump! With its Bluetooth connection to PC and mobile devices, you can monitor AirChek Connect pump operation without disrupting workflow. SKC designed AirChek Connect specifically for all OEHS professionals to ensure accurate, reliable flows from 5 to 5000 ml/min and extreme ease of use. AirChek Connect offers easy touch screen operation and flexibility. It is quality built to serve you and the workers you protect. Ask about special pricing and a demo at AIHA Connect Booth 1003. Read More

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