Respiratory


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.

Firm Fined $214,550 for Excessive Noise Levels, Lead Exposure

OSHA initiated an inspection of the facility in August 2010 in response to a complaint and alleges three willful, 18 serious, and two other-than-serious violations of health and safety standards.

NTP Draft Reports to Be Reviewed April 5

The public meeting where a National Toxicology Program Peer Review Panel will review three draft Technical Reports, including one for acrylamide, will be webcast.

Welders Can Breathe Easier with Chromium-Free Alloy, Research Suggests

"We came up with an alloy that is compatible with stainless steel from a corrosion perspective, and a welding process that results in high quality welds,” said John Lippold, professor of materials science and engineering at Ohio State University.

OSHA Video Highlights Respirator Use for Health Care Workers

The 33-minute video explains the major components of a respiratory protection program including fit-testing, medical evaluations, training, and maintenance.

Employer payment is required for chemical-resistant gloves, aprons, and clothing when it is used to comply with an OSHA standard.

OSHA Updates Enforcement Guidance for PPE

The new document is sure to help employers because it lists and links to the standards that require them to provide PPE and links to a list of relevant OSHA interpretation letters.

Combustible Dust Exposure Leads to Georgia Company's $55,250 Fine

Serious citations were issued for violations that included exposing workers to explosion hazards resulting from inadequate dust control, exposing workers to dust without respiratory protection, and failing to clean up thick dust accumulations.

Individual compounds in corrosive drywall emissions are at low ppb levels.

No Link Between Problem Drywall and 11 Reported Deaths: CDC

A review provided to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Environmental Health finds that there is no evidence linking exposure to problem drywall and 11 reported deaths.

Combination Unit Rulemaking Planned

A NIOSH regulation for CBRN combination unit respirators is coming in FY2012 and is being timed to coincide with the 2013 edition of NFPA 1981.

Silica Failure-to-Abate Notices Highlighted in Syracuse Case

OSHA announced that it has proposed a total of $220,000 in fines against Oberdorfer LLC, which manufactures aluminum castings.

Chicago really is sunny and warm in June, making it a great location for a big ASSE celebration this year.

Portland and Atlanta in May, Boston and Chicago in June

This year's conference season includes many exciting stops, starting with AAOHN's national conference in Atlanta. The National Safety Congress opens in Philadelphia just in time for Halloween.

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