News

Washington – Although most dental professionals use a scavenging system to prevent nitrous oxide gas from escaping during dental procedures, adherence to other recommended practices – such as checking equipment for leaks – is lacking, according to a new study from NIOSH.

Boulder, CO – Researchers are calling on Colorado to require reporting of all fires and explosions in the state’s oil and gas industry, after an analysis showed an incident rate significantly lower than that of neighboring Utah, where reporting is mandatory.

Washington – Any long-awaited update to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is not forthcoming, an agency official said June 20.

Washington – In response to a spike in the number of police officers killed in the line of duty in 2017, the House on May 18 passed a bill that seeks stricter penalties for people who harm or attempt to harm first responders.

San Francisco – More than 40 percent of commercial motor vehicle drivers may have obstructive sleep apnea, potentially increasing their risk of being involved in a crash, according to a review conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco.

Washington – In an effort to prevent fatalities stemming from the ignition of vapors by vehicles and motorized equipment in the oil and gas industry, OSHA; NIOSH; and the National Service, Transmission, Exploration & Production Safety Network have partnered on a hazard alert.

Chelmsford, MA – America’s nurses are feeling the effects of fatigue, and 90 percent have considered leaving their current hospital for a position with better work-life balance, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by Kronos Inc., a provider of digital workplace solutions.

Alexandria, VA – The American Association of Poison Control Centers and American Humane are urging first responders to call the 24-hour Poison Help Hotline if they or their canine partners are exposed to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin.

Washington – Twenty-eight percent of private dental practices have not fulfilled OSHA’s requirement for a written, site-specific bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by NIOSH and the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention, an oral health care advocacy group.

Washington – A new fact sheet from OSHA is intended to protect shipyard workers from hazards associated with spray painting.