Sarah Trotto

ARTICLES

WIDESPREAD CONDITION, PREVENTION MEASURES LIMIT EFFECTS

Hand-arm vibration syndrome

Workers who use power tools may be at risk

October 25, 2015

Workers who use vibrating tools such as jackhammers, chain saws, grinders and riveters are at risk for developing hand-arm vibration syndrome. Experts say preventive measures can help reduce the risk.

DRUG USE AMONG WORKERS

Prescription painkillers and the workforce

Experts say policies and education can help combat opioid abuse

September 27, 2015

Sarah Trotto

No Comments

The number of Americans dying from prescription painkiller overdoses has quadrupled since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Injured workers are often prescribed narcotics to help relieve their pain. The National Safety Council has launched an initiative aimed at preventing overdoses.

STRONGER PROTECTIONS NEEDED

Dangerous beauty: Salon worker health is in the spotlight

September 27, 2015

Sarah Trotto

6 Comments

Nail and hair salon workers are routinely exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals that can cause respiratory issues, skin disorders and other health problems. As recent reports bring attention to the hazards these workers face, safety advocates are calling for stronger protections.

WORKER HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Diabetes and worker safety

Managing the condition is crucial

August 23, 2015

Sarah Trotto

5 Comments

About 29.1 million Americans have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say that an individual who has diabetes can work safely if he or she can effectively control the condition and perform the job’s essential duties.

Workplace housekeeping safety, house keeping

11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping

Every worker plays a part

July 1, 2015

Sarah Trotto

119 Comments

Good housekeeping is crucial to safe workplaces. Experts agree that all workplaces – from offices to manufacturing plants – should incorporate housekeeping in their safety programs, and every worker should play a part.

SAFETY CULTURE

Improving academic lab safety

Guidance focuses on safety education, incident reporting

May 22, 2015

Sarah Trotto

One Comment

In the wake of severe injuries – including a death – involving laboratory researchers at U.S. universities, the Chemical Safety Board and the American Chemical Society are exploring the issues of education and training, near-miss reporting, and safety culture in university labs.

In the works: A noise exposure matrix that includes every job and industry

April 10, 2015

Sarah Trotto

No Comments

When University of Michigan professor Richard Neitzel proposed the idea of a job noise exposure matrix to NIOSH several years ago, he hoped to gather half a million samples of data. He now has about 1 million, and he’s not done yet.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Avoiding arc flash

Electrical events can severely injure – or kill – workers

March 29, 2015

Sarah Trotto

4 Comments

NIOSH estimates that five to 10 arc flash incidents occur every day – each with the potential to cause serious injury or death. The National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 70E standard provides guidance on arc flash safety, and its newest edition aims for further clarity while focusing on risk assessment.

Research to explore link between heavy lifting, detached retinas

March 2, 2015

Sarah Trotto

16 Comments

A four-year study funded by a $1.4 million grant from NIOSH will examine the connection between heavy physical activities and retinal detachment, which occurs when the retina pulls away from its nourishing layer of blood vessels, resulting in potential vision loss.

Avoiding dog bites

Man’s best friend can be an occupational hazard for outdoor workers

February 21, 2015

Sarah Trotto

One Comment

Outdoor workers occasionally encounter animals when they’re on the job. The Humane Society and U.S. Postal Service provide guidelines on how to avoid dog attacks and bites.