Respiratory


Asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer and other types of serious lung disease in workers when inhaled.

NIOSH Issues Asbestos Roadmap, Recommends More Research

"The NIOSH roadmap outlines a strategic framework for designing, conducting, and applying the research that will best serve the need to address persistent scientific uncertainties about occupational health and elongate mineral particles," said Director Dr. John Howard.

Repeat, Health Violations Add Up to $95,240 in Fines for Georgia Manufacturer

Three violations are health-related, including failing to provide a hearing conservation program, exposing workers to airborne styrene that exceeded the permissible exposure limit, and not providing suitable protective clothing and gloves for employees whose skin was exposed to styrene-containing resin.

CPSC, HUD Issue Updated Remediation Protocol for Homes with Problem Drywall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Department of Housing and Urban Development are issuing an updated remediation protocol for homes with problem drywall. A study conducted on behalf of CPSC by Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico, finds no evidence of a safety hazard to home electrical systems.

Among the 300 codes and standards for which NFPA is responsible is the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13).

NFPA Revises Standards Development Process

Effective for standards reporting in the Fall 2013 revision cycle are significant changes that include a new website to be the centralized entry point for participants in the process and also a single comment stage.

Robot System to Test 10,000 Chemicals for Toxicity

Several federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, recently unveiled a new high-speed robot screening system that will test 10,000 different chemicals for potential toxicity.

Worker's Fatal Fall Leads to Cotton Manufacturer's $62,337 Fine

OSHA cited the company with 16 safety and health violations that include allowing explosive dust to accumulate and exposing workers to 1.2 times the permissible exposure limit for unwashed cotton dust.

Fatal Accidents Falling, But Lost Workdays Rising in Germany

A new report from the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says workdays lost to injury and illness rose from 98.4 per 100 workers in 2006 to 114.3 in 2009.

About 12 percent of the Asian elephants living in North America are thought to be infected with M. tuberculosis.

CDC Investigation Pinpoints Elephant-to-Human TB Outbreak

Several employees at a Tennessee elephant refuge were infected in 2009, including some who had no close contact with the animals. Air flow tests indicated bacteria that were aerosolized during routine pressure washing of a quarantine barn entered an adjacent administrative building.



Alabama Company Cited for Ammonia Leak that Sickened 152 Workers

In August 2010, anhydrous ammonia leaked out of a 12-inch pipe located on the roof of a Millard Refrigerated Services facility, due to hydraulic shock within the pipe.

Lead Exposures at Gun Range Bring Citations

OSHA has proposed a total of $201,000 in penalties against Miami, Fla.-based E.N. Range Inc.

Health Care Workers' Input on Hazardous Chemicals Sought

Results of the survey will help NIOSH better understand the extent to which health care workers may be exposed to chemical agents such as antineoplastic agents, anesthetic gases, surgical smoke, high-level disinfectants, chemical sterilants, and aerosolized medications.

Asbestos Abatement Firm Fined $437,300 for Willful Violations

In August, L&I began an inspection at the company's worksite and found multiple safety problems, including open removal of dry asbestos with no containment and piles of bags containing chunks of dry asbestos materials.

No Substitute for Safety

Following the diacetyl hazard scare, many food manufacturers turned to flavor alternatives -- only to find out their problems had followed them.

The U.S. infrastructure needs top $2 trillion, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Lead Exposure in Road Construction

Researchers' findings have confirmed there is increased risk for those who work on roads in highly populated areas.

Fabrication Firm Fined $71,000 for Hazmat, LOTO Violations

"This employer has continued to endanger its workers by failing to correct hazardous conditions," said Roberto Sanchez, OSHA's area director in Birmingham.

AOHP Says Sharps Injuries Underreported

A new position statement based on a survey of members placed bloodborne pathogens at the top of the association's agenda.

MSA's Fourth Quarter Sales Up, Profits Down

The company’s fourth quarter profit dropped by 8 percent to $12 million, and year-end profit decreased by 12 percent to $38 million. Costs related to the October 2010 acquisition of General Monitors and $10 million in restructuring charges offset revenue growth.

Many construction activities, including masonry and concrete work, can expose workers to crystalline silica, OSHA says.

Crystalline Silica Rule Pending at OIRA

The Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica proposed rule was received by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on Feb. 14. If the NPRM is published in April as planned, the agency will be trying to lower its PELS for general industry, construction, and maritime.

NIOSH to Offer Free Black Lung Screening for Coal Miners Next Month

The screening will include a work history questionnaire, a chest X-ray, and blood pressure testing.

NIOSH Publishes Beryllium Alert

The document explains in English and Spanish what workers and employers should do to prevent sensitization and diseases related to beryllium exposure.

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