Workplace violence affects more than two million workers in the United States every year and accounts for about 20 percent of all violent crime. That's according to "Preventing Gun Violence in the Workplace," a Connecting Research in Security to Practice Report commissioned by the ASIS Foundation.
Laboratories that perform pre-employment drug screening are fighting back -- against hundreds of products now on the market that promise to mask evidence of illicit drug use.
EPA and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality encourage residents in hurricane-affected areas to collect trash and debris and place them curbside for proper disposal.
One piece of legislation signed last week requires site safety managers to include in their plans a statement that workers have successfully completed a 10-hour OSHA course on construction safety and health within five years of working on the site.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Safety Award For Excellence (SAFE), which provides recognition for home builders who develop outstanding work site safety programs.
"I am confident that the creation of the Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management, and the support of the talented OSHA team we already have, will further enhance the agency's leadership in protecting the working men and women of this country, whether they are engaged in their normal work or involved in the challenging tasks of response and recovery," said OSHA head Edwin G. Foulke Jr.
The agency is asking lead-detection kit merchants to apply to have their test kits reviewed, and plans to recognize the accurate kits.
In addition to the enforcement activities, Cal/OSHA has conducted more then 649 heat illness seminars, onsite consultations, and outreach events throughout the state this year.
"We can't take chances with public health," said EPA's Mike Bussell. "Preventing a release of something as potentially dangerous as anhydrous ammonia protects the lives of workers, responders, and nearby residents."
According to the group, most Americans are not focused on planning for long-term care and are not taking appropriate steps to protect their retirement savings should they need long-term care services.
"We want people, especially those caring for children and older adults, to understand that making a few simple behavioral changes and inexpensive home modifications can protect their loved ones against falls," said Home Safety Council President Meri-K Appy. "This is critical from early childhood to later in life--and all the years in between."
"Instead of reaching for a pill when a headache comes on, people should consider alternatives," says Consumer Reports medical adviser Orly Avitzur, M.D. "Relaxation techniques, exercise, and acupuncture can all help ease headache pain. People who suffer from frequent or severe headaches should see their doctors."
In response to requests from groups representing manufacturers and users of the pesticides, the agency is extending the public comment period by an additional 45 days, closing on Oct. 30.
A current or recently retired federal official will receive the award next February in recognition of extraordinary contributions to the safety of the nation's roadways.
"Injury rates in trucking are far above the state average for all industries combined," said Barbara Silverstein of L&I's Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP).
The safety and health community saw her in action this summer when the popular NIOSH director wasn't reappointed.
Possible reversal of hearing loss may be possible, the researchers say.
A panel formed by the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council also said the Traumatic Injury Research Program should study impact of changes in the nature of work.
After a follow-up investigation, the company also was cited with serious and repeat violations. In all, OSHA proposed penalties of $40,600. The company is contesting the citations.