Respiratory


American Lung Association Calls for Tougher Soot Limits

Soot is generated by coal-fired power plants, diesel and other vehicles, agricultural burning, wood stoves, and industrial combustion.

Saying Violations Widespread, South Africa's DOL Expands Silicosis Inspections

The inspections in non-mining industries are considered crucial to achieving the Department of Labour's goal of eliminating the lung disease by 2030.

Two Chicago Construction Firms Fined $280,200 for Asbestos Hazards

T2 Construction oversaw the activities of demolition contractor Gramek Construction, including the removal of floor tile and pipe insulation that allegedly contained asbestos.

Regs Piling Up at OIRA

AIHA recently sent a letter urging release of OSHA's crystalline silica proposed rule, which the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs received in February 2011. It's now one of 23 pending rules under extended OIRA review.

Metal Finishing Firm Hit with $151,400 in Fines for Physical, Chemical Hazards

OSHA opened an inspection after receiving a report that employees were performing small parts plating operations without protection against chemical and physical hazards.

Animal Feed Processor Penalized Following Worker's Fatal Engulfment

The company was cited for 21 violations of workplace safety standards following the May 11 death of an employee who was fatally engulfed by cotton seed stored in a silo. Proposed penalties total $155,200.

Smoke-Free Workplaces Reduce Heart Attacks, Study Says

Research suggests that the incidence of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths was cut in half among Olmsted County, Minn., residents after a smoke-free ordinance took effect.

Fight for Air Climbs Coming to City Near You?

Scheduled in early 2012 in some of the tallest downtown buildings in America, these competitive athletic events raise money for the American Lung Association.



Double Fatality at Texas Oil Rig Leads to $93,700 Fine

About five employees were performing drilling operations in the area when the kelly bushing came apart and fatally struck two employees working on the drill floor.

Firefighter Injuries Down Eight Percent from 2009: NFPA

The report takes a look at the number of 2010 firefighter injuries, injuries by type of duty, exposures to infectious diseases, and how a community’s size affects the number of injuries within a fire department.

NIOSH Releases New Fact Sheet on Diacetyl Exposure

NIOSH recently compiled a fact sheet on lung disease that can result from exposure to flavoring chemicals containing diacetyl.

Styrene Industry Touts Its Safety

The new www.YouKnowStyrene.org from the Styrene Information & Research Center includes a section about exposure limits and health studies.

NIOSH Updates Infectious Disease Exposure List for Emergency Response Workers

The resources include a list of potentially life-threatening infectious diseases, including emerging infectious diseases, and specifying those diseases routinely transmitted through airborne or aerosolized means.

Pet Food Plant Cited with $758,000 in Fines

The case includes nine per-instance willful citations for failing to require respirator use by six workers exposed to dust above the permissible exposure limit and failing to adequately protect three dust collection units which collect dusts such as starch, potato base, cellulose fiber, and pea protein.

Filling the Manager's Toolkit

Jim Johnson, past chairman of AIHA’s Respiratory Protection Committee, said he hopes training modules will be ready by the 2012 AIHce conference in Indianapolis.

Study Pegs Construction Workers' Career Risks

Data presented Oct. 31 at the American Public Health Association's 139th Annual Meeting showed nearly all construction workers will experience one or more work-related injuries or illnesses over a lifetime, plus a greater risk of premature death.

American Lung Association Takes Aim at COPD, Lung Cancer

Two new web pages are dedicated to raising awareness of both year round, and particularly during November, which is both Lung Cancer Awareness Month and COPD Awareness month.

Joint Commission Taking Comments on Emergency Drill Change

The revision in the emergency management drill requirements in Standard EM.03.01.03 for the home care accreditation program would allow some organizations to use annual tabletop exercises rather than functional ones.

MSHA Warns Mining Industry about Dangers of Cold Weather

Low barometric pressure and low humidity, combined with the seasonal drying of many areas in underground coal mines, have been key factors in past mine explosions.

OSHA Blasts W.Va. Welding Firm for 25 Safety Violations

"Workers at this welding shop are left vulnerable to hazards that could cause serious injuries or even death," said Prentice Cline, director of OSHA's Charleston Area Office.

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