Columns

Phoenix — Workers are far less likely to take time off for mental health reasons than for physical ailments because “negative stereotypes and barriers still exist that keep people from taking time off for mental health,” according to the results of a recent Harris Poll survey commissioned by the University of Phoenix.

Annapolis, MD — Maryland Del. Cheryl D. Glenn (D-Baltimore) has reintroduced legislation that would require contractors seeking to work on certain state projects to submit safety plans and would direct the state to ensure the plans are being followed.

Salem, OR — Oregon OSHA is inviting all employers in the state to take part in its 16th annual “Safety Break for Oregon” to help raise awareness and promote “the value of keeping people safe and healthy” on the job.

Menlo Park, CA — Nearly three-quarters of office workers take into account potential employers’ health and wellness offerings when looking for a job, according to the results of a recent survey.

Dallas — Smoking bans in workplaces and public places may help promote lower systolic blood pressure among people working in or living near these settings, suggests a recent study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University and the University of Minnesota.

Oxford, England — Employees who are bullied or experience violence at work may face an additional stressor – an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, a recent study of Scandinavian workers suggests.

“Confirmation, overconfidence, sunk cost and optimism biases all are the results of the pleasure we feel when we’re right and the pain we feel when we’re wrong,” says Michael Mangan of DEKRA Organizational Safety and Reliability. So what can leaders do to overcome them?

Chris Goodgion shares how he got into the EHS field.

Pamela Poe shares how she got into the EHS field.

Editor Melissa J. Ruminski discusses the studies on the adverse health effects of both sitting too long and standing too long at work.