Hazard Communication


AAOS Offers Snow Shoveling Safety Tips

The mundane seasonal chore of snow shoveling combines heavy lifting and cold weather can result in possible injuries to the back, shoulder muscles if shovelers do not take the proper precautions, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

FDA, WebMD Form Public Health Information Partnership

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and WebMD have announced a collaboration that expands consumers' access to the agency's timely and reliable important health information. This joint effort reflects FDA's emphasis on using innovative, technology-based strategies to carry out its foremost mission, which is to promote and to protect the public health.

Hepatitis C Clinical Trial finds No Benefit from Low-Dose Peginterferon

An NIH funded multi-center clinical trial found no benefit from "maintenance therapy," low-dose peginterferon used for hepatitis C patients who have not responded to an initial round of treatment. In addition, the study showed a surprising health decline in patients with liver disease over the course of four years.

Kansas Reported Winner of Federal Animal Disease Lab

At least two of the four states that are not being recommended by DHS may challenge the decision, the Associated Press reports.

Noise, Vibration Controls Available to Most Australian Workers

But 17 percent of workers in the first-ever National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance survey said their employers do nothing to shield them from loud noise on the job, and 22 percent said nothing is done to dampen vibration of equipment or vehicles to which they are exposed.

Researchers Identify Age-Related Hearing Loss Gene

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, accounts for 30 percent of all hearing loss, according to a recent online study release in the journal Human Molecular Genetics.

Space heaters need their space, warns NFPA.

NFPA: High Energy Costs Could Result in More Home Fires

The association says that at other times when fuel costs have risen, it has seen a corresponding increase in heating-related fires, and with today's combination of much higher energy costs and much higher unemployment, "we fear that . . . more people who are unable to pay for heating oil or utilities [will] use more dangerous ways of heating their homes."

Cosmetics Firm Sentenced for Hazmat Transport

As part of the plea agreement, the company was ordered to pay a $350,000 fine and issue a public apology in an appropriate trade journal regarding the conviction.



Uncorrected Amputation Hazards Add $75,000 to Original $6,000 Fine

"Partial measures don't get the job done," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's area director in Buffalo, N.Y. "Proper lockout/tagout training and procedures must be implemented and maintained completely, effectively, and continuously to safeguard employees against possible injuries."

Tata Motors factory in Pune, India

BBS Winning Over Employees in India

A professor who has conducted nearly 200 behavior-based safety workshops at Indian industrial companies during the past 15 years reports BBS has increased safety, improved accident prevention practices, and raised the safety culture of the fast-growing country's manufacturing sector.

Stop! Don't Ignore the Value of Safety Signs

Ideally, the workplace would be hazard-free and safe from potential injuries and accidents. However, many operations involve a certain amount of risk that cannot be controlled through engineering measures, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment. These situations require careful measures to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. The value of safety signs in these situations shouldn’t be ignored.

NTSB Seeks More State Adoption of Most Wanted Safety Items

At a recent press conference, National Transportation Safety Board members reviewed the past year's progress in getting states to enact safety legislation called for in its Most Wanted List of safety improvement. Although there were some modest gains in the past year, NTSB said much more needs to be accomplished before any of the items can be removed from the list.

worker sweeping up dust

Preventing Dust Explosions: The Human Element

Dust explosions are thought to be a relatively common occurrence in a variety of industries. Plants equipped with pneumatic handling systems, which use compressed air to move factory materials and items, and air filtration systems have an inherent dust explosion risk associated with the operation of these machines.

A lady pulling her luggage behind her in an airport terminal.

AAOS Offers Some Ergonomic Travel Safety Tips

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has recommendations to help you carry your baggage safely as holiday travel season gets underway.

DuPont Recalls Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner Due to Leaking Cap

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with DuPont, of Wilmington, Del., has announced a voluntary recall of DuPont's Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner bottles. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

OSHA Cites Florida Transportation Services Following Employee Deaths

OSHA has cited Florida Transportation Services for one willful and four serious safety violations. In May, three employees died after entering a cargo hold filled with argon gas.

Spanish-Language Health Guides Aimed at Workers Older Than 50

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released two new checklists to help Spanish-speaking men and women older than age 50 keep track of when they should have potentially life-saving screening exams done.

NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Deploys Bar Code Scanners for Security

The commission describes the new POS as a modern-day cash register system similar to those found in major retail stores that provides for more secure transactions and improved financial monitoring capabilities.

Underwriters Laboratories Offers Safe Shopping Tips

Underwriters Laboratories, a leading product safety organization, is urging families to focus on safety when purchasing gifts this holiday season. Although families may spend less this year, consumers shouldn't skimp on safety.

A Word of Caution Concerning Leftovers

Today carries more significance than Black Friday shopping, it is also is the first day to enjoy Thanksgiving Day leftovers. But first a word of caution. Whether you plan to enjoy a cold turkey sandwich or a slice of pumpkin pie be sure to take appropriate steps to keep foodborne bacteria at bay.

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