Health Care


Report: Deaths from Noncommunicable Disease Rising

In 2008, 36.1 million people died from conditions such as heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease, cancer, and diabetes. Nearly 80 percent of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries.

Organizations Rally Support for National Asthma Program

The American Association for Respiratory Care and the American Lung Association are among nine groups sending a joint letter to members of Congress urging that its funding continue.

Worker's Arm Laceration Leads to New York Recycler's $61,000 Fine

The recycling facility located in Buffalo, N.Y., was cited for hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout) and bloodborne pathogen hazards, among others.

OSHA Campaign Tackles Heat-Related Illnesses

Each year, thousands of outdoor workers experience heat illness, which often manifests as heat exhaustion. If not quickly addressed, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke, which killed more than 30 workers last year.

Study: Most Americans Don't Understand Health Effects of Wine, Sea Salt

The American Heart Association surveyed 1,000 American adults to assess their awareness and beliefs about how wine and salt affect heart health.

The petition claims that a warning on packaging of powdered latex gloves "is grossly inadequate."

Public Citizen Seeks US Ban of Latex Surgical, Exam Gloves

The organization submitted a similar petition that FDA denied in 1999, but Public Citizen says the reasons cited for the denial are no longer valid and many glove manufacturers support a ban.

Frequent Business Travel Linked to Increased Health Risks: ACOEM

According to the study, rates of less-than-good health increased along with nights of travel. Extensive travelers were 260 percent more likely to rate their health as fair to poor, compared to light travelers.

The partnership would identify risks and strategies for ensuring the safety of the U.S. supply of blood and blood components.

HHS Exploring Biovigilance Partnership

Its aim would be to ensure the safety of the U.S. supply of blood and blood components, tissues, cells, and organs.



CDC: All U.S. Workplaces Could be Smoke-Free by 2020

The projection is based on the rate at which states have been adopting comprehensive smoke-free laws. In the past 10 years, 25 states and the District of Columbia have enacted these laws, the CDC report said.

2011 EMS Week will be observed May 15-21 by the entire spectrum of EMS, from first responders to emergency physicians.

EMS Week 2011 Celebrates 'Everyday Heroes'

The May 15-21 week celebrates the care and service of EMS providers nationwide -- first responders, hospitals, emergency physicians, NHTSA, and public health providers.

Port of Long Beach Awards $5 Million in Health Grants

The grants will fund 10 projects to improve cardiovascular and lung health of people living near the second-busiest U.S. port.

ASSE Offers Campus Fire Prevention Safety Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 3,570 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and barracks in 2003-2006.

125 MIOSHA Staffers Making Site Visits June 8

The seventh annual Take a Stand Day asks companies to request a consultative visit now, promising there will be no citations or fine for participating workplaces.

Company Fined $378,000 After Worker Suffers Severe Burns in Wind Tower

The injured worker suffered third degree burns to his neck, chest and arms, and second degree burns to the face as a result of an arc flash that occurred when a transformer was unexpectedly energized by another worker.

WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan called the agreement "a very significant victory for public health."

WHO Members Agree to Share Flu Virus Samples

Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan hailed the agreement reached last weekend as paving the way for effective response during future influenza pandemics.

Arkansas Aluminum Firm Fined $154,000 for Repeat, Health Violations

The safety inspection found 10 serious and five repeat safety violations. A health investigation yielding nine serious violations was opened Nov. 15, 2010, based on a referral from the safety inspection.

Washington Passes Bill Regulating Handling of Hazardous Drugs

Without precautions being taken, such as proper ventilation or protective equipment, the preparation, administration, and the disposal of these drugs exposes hundreds of thousands of workers to potentially harmful levels of the chemicals involved.

Study Finds Medication Injury Side Effects Increased Dramatically

The number of people treated in U.S. hospitals for illnesses and injuries from taking medicines jumped 52 percent between 2004 and 2008--from 1.2 million to 1.9 million--according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. These medication side effects and injuries resulted from taking or being given the wrong medicine or dosage.

EPA Releases MDI, TDI Action Plans to Protect Consumers

“There has been an increase in recent years in promoting the use of foams and sealants by do-it-yourself energy-conscious homeowners, and many people may now be unknowingly exposed to risks from these chemicals,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

FDA Clears Single-Use Antibacterial N95 Surgical Respirator

The Food and Drug Administration cleared the SpectraShield 9500 N95 surgical respirator, a device that kills 99.99 percent of three different kinds of bacteria when exposed to its outer surface. The single-use, N95 surgical respirator is designed for use in health care settings by health care personnel to protect against microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material.

Product Showcase

  • 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

  • NoiseCHEK Personal Noise Dosimeter

    SKC NoiseCHEK is the easiest-to-use dosimeter available! Designed specifically for OEHS professionals, SKC NoiseCHEK offers the easiest operation and accurate noise measurements. Everything you need is right in your palm. Pair Bluetooth models to your mobile devices and monitor workers remotely with the SmartWave dB app without interrupting workflow. Careful design features like a locking windscreen, sturdy clip, large front-lit display, bright status LEDs, and more make NoiseCHEK the top choice in noise dosimeters. Demo NoiseCHEK at AIHA Connect Booth 1003. 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

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