S+H Staff

Tumwater, WA – The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries on Jan. 3 adopted a rule to protect health care workers from exposure to hazardous drugs.

Greenbelt, MD – The percentage of obese or overweight firefighters has risen to “alarming levels,” and has surpassed the percentage of the general public that is obese or overweight, according to a report released by the National Volunteer Fire Council.

Hopkinton, MA – The overall workers’ compensation cost of all injuries and illnesses has fallen to a 12-year low, but costs associated with certain causes of injuries have risen sharply in the same period, according to a new report from the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety.

Uppsala, Sweden – Mild to moderate physical activity during work and any level of physical activity during leisure time may reduce the risk of heart attack, although heavy physical labor during work may not provide the same benefit, according to a study published in the European Health Journal

Sacramento, CA – Occupational injuries and illnesses cost the country $250 billion in 2007, according to new research from the University of California, Davis. This represents a $33 billion increase (adjusted for inflation) since the last similar analysis in 1992.

Washington – The National Transportation Safety Board has issued new railroad recommendations for safe train speed levels.

Elk Grove Village, IL – Genetics and upbringing may play little to no role in whether an individual may be at risk for long-term disability, according to a new Swedish study.

Washington – The Federal Highway Administration recently launched a webpage featuring nine safety countermeasures it considers most effective for establishing roadway safety.

Washington – The National Transportation Safety Board has fully implemented all of the Government Accountability Office’s recommendations set for the agency between 2006 and 2008, according to a GAO report) released in January.

Santa Monica, CA – A special issue of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society journal Ergonomics in Design pulls together assorted research on new technologies, educational programs and policies addressing driver distraction.