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Analysis Finds Workforce Drug Positivity at Highest Rate in a Decade

Analysis Finds Workforce Drug Positivity at Highest Rate in a Decade

The national positivity rate for the combined American workforce remained at 4.2 percent in 2017, the same rate as 2016 but an increase over the 3.5 percent positivity rate from 2012, a 30-year low. Quest Diagnostics' analysis also suggests changing patterns of drug use, with cocaine, amphetamines, and marijuana positivity rising in some areas of the United States and prescription opiate positivity rates declining nationally.

ASTM Develops Standard for General Aviation Ice Detectors

ASTM reported that the new F3310 standard could be useful to ice detector manufacturers and aircraft pilots.

NHTSA Pleads for Airbag Fix on Older Ford, Mazda Trucks

According to the manufacturers, 49.2 percent of the 33,320 impacted 2006 Ford Rangers have been repaired and 58 percent of the 2,205 impacted Mazda B-Series trucks have been fixed.



ANSI Launches Accreditation Program for EPA Formaldehyde Testing Rule

ANSI is one of four accreditation bodies recognized by EPA to provide accreditation services under the final rule, which is intended to reduce exposure to formaldehyde emissions from certain wood products produced domestically or imported into the United States.

FDA: U.S. Experiencing EpiPen Shortage

The FDA said the spot shortages don't mean patients cannot obtain EpiPens or generics, but they may have to look harder or use a different brand.

Record Number of Unused Pills Collected in Drug Take Back Day

The DEA was able to collect and destroy nearly one million pounds—almost 475 tons—of potentially dangerous prescription medications. Since the fall of 2010, the DEA has collected a total of 9,964,714 pounds of prescription drugs, or 4,982 tons.

Home Fire Sprinkler Day Set for May 19

Advocates say legislative barriers and a "general unawareness of this technology" have prevented fire sprinklers' use in new homes, something Home Fire Sprinkler Day is intended to change.

Cal/OSHA Issues High Heat Warning

The agency's advisory urges employers with outdoor workers to protect them from succumbing to heat illnesses as parts of Southern California are expected to top 100 degrees into next week.

OSHA Cites Companies After Fatal Pipeline Fire

OSHA investigators concluded flammable vapors or gases from a vacuum truck leaked, igniting the pipeline.

2018 SHRM Conference Includes Sessions on Rx Overuse, Workplace Depression

The June 17-20 conference will include more than 230 concurrent sessions on topics such as prescription drug overuse, workplace depression, bullying and harassment, workplace violence, health care reform, financial wellness for young workers, and more.

Random Drug Screening Urged for FECA Program Patients

During a Capitol Hill hearing May 8 on the opioid epidemic's implications for the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, one witness said the program must build an approach that includes random screening for all patients who are prescribed opioids.

Texas, Feds Ask the Public to Get Ready for Hurricanes

"Hurricane season is unpredictable, and as we saw last year with Hurricane Harvey, these powerful storms can cause dangerous conditions and leave behind major devastation," said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. "By preparing ahead of time, we can help ensure our state is ready when natural disasters strike.

OSHA Cites Pennsylvania Manufacturer

OSHA cited the manufacturer of dog treats for 19 violations, including failing to implement lockout/tagout procedures, blocking electrical panels, failing to develop a hazard communication program, and exposing workers to confined space, machine guarding, and electrical hazards.

Hit-and-Run Crashes, Deaths on the Rise: AAA Foundation

"Hit-and-run crashes in the United States are trending in the wrong direction," said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "Our analysis shows that hit-and-run crashes are a growing traffic safety challenge, and the AAA Foundation would like to work with all stakeholders to help curtail this problem."

Washington L&I Sponsoring Two Labor Law Seminars

The training on state and federal labor law training will be offered in Spanish and English in Yakima on May 8 and in Wenatchee on May 10. They are free, half-day forums covering wage and hour requirements, workplace safety and health regulations, transportation, housing, workers' compensation claims, and more.

Product Showcase

  • 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

  • Preventative Heat Safety

    Dehydration and heat exposure impair physical and cognitive performance. Proper hydration boosts heat stress resilience, but hydration needs are highly individualized and hard to predict across a workforce. Connected Hydration® empowers industrial athletes to stay safe through behavioral interventions, informed by sports science, and equips safety teams with critical insights to anticipate high-risk situations and adapt to evolving environmental factors. Curious about applying the latest in sports science based hydration strategies for industrial athletes? Stop by booth #1112 at AIHA or schedule a free demo today at https://epcr.cc/demo. Read More

  • SECUPRO MARTEGO

    FOR HIGHEST DEMANDS. A cutting tool in which function and design go hand in hand. Meet the SECUPRO MARTEGO, our prize-winning squeeze-grip safety knife with fully automatic retractable blade for safety. • Ergonomically friendly trigger mechanism to engage the blade • Durable body made of aluminum • Safer alternative to fixed blade utility knives for general cutting tasks • 9 mm Cutting depth • Easy, tool free blade change Dimensions: L 6.10" L x 0.71" W x 1.91" H Weight: 3.70 oz Cutting Depth: 9 mm Read More

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