Hazard Communication


The combined effects of chemicals that seem safe in isolation but may present health risks when absorbed together were identified by Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas in June 2009 as a large future challenge.

Multiple Chemicals Concern EU Environment Ministers

Endocrine disruptors may be addressed this year, but comprehensive action on combined chemicals as a whole probably is two years away, according to the EU.

The alternative butter flavoring 2,3-pentanedione causes airway epithelial damage similar to the damage caused by diacetyl, according to NIOSH and NIEHS research.

Diacetyl Substitutes Also Harmful

NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard has informed OSHA's assistant secretary that NIOSH and NIEHS research on the alternative butter flavoring 2,3-pentanedione "suggests that, in rats, 2,3-pentanedione causes airway epithelial damage similar to that produced by diacetyl."

Ireland's HSA Readying New Three-Year Strategy

Late last year, the Health and Safety Authority's chief executive marked the agency's 20th anniversary, saying it has made workplaces in Ireland safer and healthier. Occupational illnesses and the safe and sustainable use of chemicals are new challenges to be faced, he said.

An image of a mine worker

Mining Fatalities Fell to All-Time Low in 2009

Preliminary data from MSHA indicates that mine fatalities in 2009 fell for the second straight year for a combined total of 34 mining deaths nationwide, a significant drop from last year's total of 52 deaths.

FDA, Health Organizations Study Safety of Medications Taken During Pregnancy

A new research program called the Medication Exposure in Pregnancy Risk Evaluation Program (MEPREP) will fund research to study the effects of prescription medications used during pregnancy. The program is a collaboration among the Food and Drug Administration and researchers at the HMO Research Network Center for Education and Research in Therapeutics (CERT), Kaiser Permanente's multiple research centers and Vanderbilt University.

USFA Offers Home Heating Safety Tips

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternative home heating sources such as wood burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces. Heating is one of the leading causes of residential fires. Over one-quarter of these fires result from improper maintenance of equipment, specifically the failure to clean the equipment.

DHS to Host Free Webinar on Critical Infrastructure Resiliency

Presenter Rand Beers, under secretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate, will discuss the infrastructure protection mission and “The Next Frontier in Homeland Security.”



Study Suggests Single Dose of H1N1 Provides Sufficient Protection for Children

One dose of vaccine may be effective to protect infants and children and reduce transmission of the H1N1 virus, according to a study in JAMA, which was published online on Dec, 21, 2009, because of its public health implications. The study will appear in the Jan. 6 print edition of the journal.

EPA Tallies ’09 Enforcement Results; Polluters Paid $5 Billion+

The agency has developed a new Web-based tool and interactive map that allows the public to get detailed information by location about the enforcement actions taken at approximately 4,600 facilities.

Crimes Were Down in '09, FBI Reports

The number of reported arsons, which are tracked separately from other property crimes, declined 8.2 percent nationwide during the first half of 2009 when compared with data from the first half of 2008, according to the agency’s preliminary statistics.

Fire Safety

Ensuring Industrial Lone Workers' Safety

This article focuses on the issue of lone worker safety in the industrial workplace in industries both large and small. The first point of order is to define just what is meant by a "lone worker."

Achieving conformance with GHS in the United States is expected to be quite cumbersome.

OSHA, GHS, and Your MSDSs and Labels

The clock is ticking. Companies will have three years from promulgation to come into compliance with the final rule and two years to implement training requirements.

Robert Augeri

Safety Tips for Roadway Work Zones

June 3, 2008, turned into a nightmare for Chris and Janet Augeri. Instead of celebrating their son Rob's 31st birthday, they were making plans for his funeral.

NSC: 2009 Traffic Deaths on Track to Hit a Record Low

The United States is on track to achieve its lowest annual rate of traffic deaths ever recorded. The National Safety Council reports a 10 percent decrease in motor vehicle deaths during the first 10 months of 2009. An estimated 29,450 motor vehicle deaths occurred from January through October 2009. The annual population death rate from motor vehicle crashes also is down 10 percent at 11.5 deaths per 100,000 people.

ASSE's 8th Annual Kids' Safety-on-the-Job Poster Contest Deadline Near

During the holiday season, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is encouraging youth aged 5-14 years old to enter its 8th annual kids' "Safety-on-the-Job" poster contest. To win, children simply have to draw an example of being safe at work on a poster. The contest is open not only to ASSE members' children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, but also to children and schools sponsored by ASSE members.

CPSC Urges Caution with Heating as Winter Weather Arrives

As families look for ways to save money in tough economic times, there is an increased risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings and fire deaths associated with the use of alternative heating and power sources. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to check all home heating systems from fireplaces to furnaces, including any back-up power systems.

Diving Equipment Recalled Due to Drowning Hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Lamartek Inc., dba Dive Rite of, Lake City, Fla., announced a voluntary recall of Dive Rite Wings.

ASSE Offers Tips for Preventing Slips, Trips, Falls at Work

According to the society, four factors can contribute to slip, trip, and fall hazards: 1) workers; 2) machines/equipment; 3) work environments; and 4) management.

EPA Settles Clear Lam Packaging Hazardous Waste Violations

Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has settled with Clear Lam Packaging Inc. for alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requirements for treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. The Elk Grove, Ill., company will pay a $20,750 penalty and perform an environmental project costing at least $221,000.

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