Labor

Chicago — Low wages, insecure employment contracts, irregular hours and lack of union representation may play a role in worker weight problems, researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago say.

Planning and protection will help workers stay safe when working in or near a trench.

Regular practice keeps workers prepared for emergencies.

Minneapolis — The ability to continue working may prove a key factor in quality of life for people with brain or spine cancer, researchers from the National Cancer Institute say.

Toronto — Middle-aged and older shift workers are more likely to be considered frail – particularly women who work rotating shifts, a recent study out of Canada suggests.

Tumwater, WA — Employers in Washington state would be prohibited from barring workers’ voluntary use of personal protective equipment, under a recently proposed rule from the Department of Labor & Industries.

Washington — Oregon OSHA is one step closer to having full oversight over temporary labor camps, after federal OSHA published a proposed final approval in the March 13 Federal Register.

Washington — OSHA has certified a revised State Plan for Maine that covers state and local government workers.

Washington — The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health’s work group on heat injury and illness prevention is set to meet virtually in April.

Toronto — The Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool from the Institute for Work and Health is intended to help workers with chronic health conditions – including depression, anxiety and multiple sclerosis – work safely.