News

Elk Grove Village, IL — The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine is calling on Congress to make workplace safety “a primary consideration” when considering federal legislation that would legalize marijuana use.

Maui, HI — More than 30 organizations have joined to form the Space Safety Coalition, with the goal of developing and maintaining “a set of ‘living’ space-safety best practices.”

Washington — A new virtual toolkit from NIOSH is intended to help protect first responders from exposure to illicit drugs, including fentanyl – a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin.

Washington — The National Sleep Foundation is stressing the importance of being alert and well-rested behind the wheel, as road safety advocates prepare to recognize Drowsy Driving Prevention Week Nov. 3-10.

Philadelphia — The Chemical Safety Board will begin “looking more closely” at hydrofluoric acid in the refining process, CSB interim Executive Authority Kristen Kulinowski said during an Oct. 16 news conference on a June 21 explosion and fire at a Philadelphia refinery.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on separate draft risk assessments for the toxic herbicide paraquat and its impact on human and ecological health, according to a notice published in the Oct. 16 Federal Register.

Birmingham, England — Even if you’re older and haven’t worked out in years – or ever – resistance exercises can help you build muscle on par with highly trained athletes of similar age, results of a recent study from the University of Birmingham show.

Are you exposed to lead at work? You may be if you make or fix batteries or radiators; make or paint ceramics; melt, cast or grind lead, brass or bronze; tear down or remodel houses, buildings or bridges; or work with scrap metal, the California Department of Public Health says.

Washington — The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would close loopholes to provide the reasonable accommodations needed by employees “whose ability to perform the functions of a job are limited by pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition,” supporters of the legislation contended during an Oct. 22 House hearing.

San Diego — For the second straight year, a driver shortage and hours-of-service rules are the top two issues affecting the trucking industry, according to the results of an annual survey conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute.