Health Care


NY State Sues OxyContin's Maker

"Our investigation found a pattern of deception and reckless disregard for New Yorkers' health and well-being as Purdue lined its own pockets by deliberately exploiting our communities and fueling an opioid epidemic that's destroyed families across the state," Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood said Aug. 14.

CDC Preparing to Host ICEID 2018

The International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases is held every two to three years, and CDC has hosted it since 1998.

Colorado's Chief Medical Officer Resigns

Dr. Larry Wolk has accepted the role of chief medical officer with the Wonderful Company. "During his tenure, Larry has been challenged by marijuana legalization, increasing oil and gas development, and the domestic introductions of Ebola and Zika viruses, to name a few. His development of state plans to address these and other emerging issues are just a few examples of his impressive legacy," Gov. John Hickenlooper said.

DOL Appoints 12 to Nuclear Workers Health Panel

The 12 members were appointed for two-year terms; eight are returning members who served on the initial advisory board appointed in 2016 and four are new to the board. The advisory board will meet at least twice annually.

FDA Releases Draft Guidance on Inhaled Nicotine Replacement Therapies

The guidance focuses on data recommended to evaluate potential toxicities associated with orally inhaled nicotine-containing drug products, including products such as e-cigarettes.

New Illinois Law Protects Prescribers When Responders Use EpiPens

The bill amends the State Police, Illinois Police Training and Medical Practices acts and took effect immediately. It includes in the protected class physicians, physician's assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses with prescriptive authority who provide a prescription or standing order for epinephrine for an Illinois police department.

There are a few gloves on the market today that meet or exceed NIOSH recommendations for safety, allowing no permeation of either fentanyl or gastric acid for greater than 240 minutes. (Ansell photo)

Fentanyl Risks Put Focus on Hand Protection in Many Environments

Those most likely to be exposed, such as police and fire personnel, EMTs, ER staff, and forensic lab personnel, should be transitioning to gloves that provide comprehensive protection against fentanyl.

NY Governor Creating Hepatitis C Elimination Task Force

Gov. Cuomo announced it as part of a broad strategy to stop the spread of the virus. "As a physician, I have seen firsthand the harmful effects Hepatitis C can have, and as the number of cases continues to increase across the state, it is clear we need to address this problem head on," Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker said.



One Month to Go Until Safety+ 2018

The Aug. 28-31 event in Nashville will feature more than 100 educational workshops and an expo hall filled by more than 250 exhibitors.

CDC Launches Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System

According to CDC, an estimated 61 million adults in the United States are at high risk for serious vision loss, and the annual economic impact of major vision problems among Americans older than 40 is more than $145 billion.

NYC Steps Up Tick Control Measures on Staten Island

"Lyme disease is a serious issue, and anyone who thinks that the worst-case scenario simply involves a prescription for antibiotics is dangerously unaware of Lyme's true medical and societal implications," said Jimmy Oddo, Staten Island borough president.

New FDA Guidance to Spur Development of Abuse-Deterrent Generics

"We believe that transitioning from the current market, dominated by conventional opioid analgesics, to one where most opioids have abuse-deterrent properties may have the potential to further reduce misuse and abuse," FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said July 20.

FDA Forming Working Group on Imported Prescription Drugs to Address Price Spikes

The working group will examine importation of drugs that have seen significant price increases or significant access challenges for patients, and it will examine the potential to promote competition for drugs that are off-patent or off-exclusivity and produced by one manufacturer.

FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Smallpox

"This is the first product to be awarded a Material Threat Medical Countermeasure priority review voucher," said FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb. "Today's action reflects the FDA's commitment to ensuring that the U.S. is prepared for any public health emergency with timely, safe, and effective medical products."

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

Updating the NORA Public Safety Agenda

Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic diseases are the first recommendation because stress is such a big factor affecting public safety workers' health.

Injury and Illness Data Due July 1 from Some Employers, OSHA Reminds

Electronic submissions are required from establishments with 250 or more employees that are currently required to keep OSHA injury and illness records and establishments with 20 to 249 employees that are classified in specific industries with historically high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses.

Almost 9,500 Texas Flu Deaths Recorded This Season

The Texas Department of State Health Services' latest flu surveillance report says flu activity in the state peaked in late January. It shows how hard-hit the state was, saying the season's cases through June 16, 2018, total 34,673 confirmed cases of Influenza A or B.

NIH-Funded Study Shows Viruses May Play Role in Alzheimer's

The study has found new evidence that viruses may play a role in Alzheimer's disease, the agency reported June 21. NIH said additional research is needed to determine whether their role is causative.

Reasonable suspicion drug testing is a critical safety measure.

Oklahoma Voters Pass Medical Marijuana Measure

Opponents had warned that the wording of State Question 788 is so broad that its passage would effectively legalize recreational use, as well.

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration projects a shortage of 20,400 primary care physicians by 2020.

NIOSH Publishes Research Agenda for Health Care and Social Assistance

Comments are due by Aug. 20 on the document. It outlines suggested research work to improve both health care workers' and their patients' safety, prevent workplace violence in health care settings, and improve infection control in health care workplaces, as well as determine the impact of strategies and technologies for preventing sharps injuries.

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • Safety Shower Test Cart

    The Safety Shower Test Cart speeds up and simplifies emergency shower tests, ensures you stay in compliance with OSHA regulations, and significantly reduces testing costs. With 7 unique features, the cart makes testing easy, effective, and efficient. You can test water clarity, flow, temperature, and spread—all at the same time! Most safety shower testing kits create a mess, take too much time to use, and don't fully help you stay in compliance with OSHA & ANSI standards. Transform the way you test emergency showers with Green Gobbler Safety. Read More

  • 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

Featured

Artificial Intelligence