S+H Staff

Washington – Use of two pesticides – rotenone and paraquat – is linked to a significant increase in the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease, indicates a study from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Washington – Alcohol ignition interlocks used to prevent impaired driving can decrease re-arrest rates, according to a study released Feb. 22 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Arlington, VA – The American Trucking Associations on Feb. 23 announced support for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s proposed rule to ban commercial truck and bus drivers from talking on a handheld cell phone while driving, yet urged the agency to allow use of hands-free devices.

Washington – A bill cutting OSHA’s current budget by nearly $100 million for the remainder of fiscal year 2011 passed the House Feb. 19 in a 235-189 vote.

The Value of Operational Sustainability

Washington – The Federal Communications Commission is seeking comment until April 11 on a new proposal for the creation of a nationwide public safety broadband network. The proposal is the latest FCC has published on a technical framework for the long-sought interoperable safety network.

Elk Grove Village, IL – Proposed cuts to NIOSH education and research centers would reduce the number of physicians trained in occupational medicine, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine cautioned in a Feb. 17 letter to legislators.

Washington – The Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently issued guidance to medical licensees discouraging patients from staying in hotels following iodine treatment for thyroid conditions.

Tumwater, WA – Workplace fatalities in the state of Washington increased roughly 32 percent in 2010, according to a Feb. 17 report from the state’s Department of Labor and Industries.

Washington – Joseph A. Main, head of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, will testify next week before the House Education and the Workforce Committee’s Workforce Protections Subcommittee.