Safety Tips

Laws and attitudes are changing rapidly regarding medical marijuana, which has been legalized by nearly half of the states in the country. But each state’s law varies, leaving more questions than answers when it comes to employers with safety-sensitive positions.

Observing and abating hazards before someone gets hurt is vital to ensuring worker safety, and a near-miss program can help. Learn what near misses are, how they work, and how to collect reports on them.

Chicago – Working near a window could improve an employee’s sleep and overall quality of life, suggests a study from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

St. Paul, MN – Veterinary technicians may be at greater risk of sustaining a work-related injury if they have less experience or a heavier workload, according to a recent study from the University of Minnesota.

Washington – At least 83 workers in the United States died between 2003 and 2010 because of incidents involving insects, arachnids and mites, according to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Washington – A new notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service outlines procedures for agency inspection personnel on notifying OSHA when they observe workplace hazards.

Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council has released a guide and toolkit to help employers understand what they can do to fight prescription painkiller abuse by workers.

Washington – A proposed rule from the Federal Railroad Administration would expand the scope of alcohol and drug regulations to cover employees who perform maintenance-of-way activities, which include the inspection, installation, repair and maintenance of track or roadbed.

Washington – A recent report from NIOSH is intended to help safety professionals assess and improve worker posture and prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Washington – A deadly metal dust explosion in China offers a fresh reminder of combustible dust hazards, which the United States should address through an OSHA standard, Chemical Safety Board Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso said in a statement released Aug. 5.