Workplace Solutions

Washington — In an effort to learn more about long COVID-19 in workplaces, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, along with the Department of Labor and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is asking the public to weigh in via a national online dialogue.

Imagine for a moment that you’ve lost your ability to see, or that your sight has been significantly impaired. It’s a scary thought. However, you can take simple steps – starting today – to help keep your vision healthy, the National Eye Institute says.

Many people claim they “don’t work energized,” and so they don’t need NFPA 70E or personal protective equipment. Is this accurate? What do OSHA and NFPA 70E consider “energized work?”

When it comes to protecting workers in confined spaces, what are some monitoring best practices?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of overhead rigid rail systems compared with those of overhead cable-based systems?

Silver Spring, MD — The rate of nonfatal illnesses in the construction industry jumped 81.4% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the annual average for the previous four years, according to a new report from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training.

Washington — NIOSH will offer a series of free, confidential health screenings for current and former coal miners as part of the agency’s Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program.

Washington — The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is seeking input as it considers implementing electronic hazard communication as an alternative to paper-based documents.

East Lansing, MI — A recent study of workers at sand, gravel and stone mines in Michigan found a higher number of doctor visits for shortness of breath compared with workers in other production industries.

In Episode 29, the S+H editorial team discusses the prevention of serious injuries and fatalities, or SIFs, as well as hazard communication with consultant and expert Chandra Gioiello, a vice president and senior consultant at Industrial Health and Safety Consultants.