Labor

Washington — NIOSH will offer a series of free, confidential health screenings for coal miners through its Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program.

Washington — NIOSH has unveiled a beta version of an interactive, PC-based simulation software tool aimed at improving hazard recognition in mines.

Phoenix — Workers are far less likely to take time off for mental health reasons than for physical ailments because “negative stereotypes and barriers still exist that keep people from taking time off for mental health,” according to the results of a recent Harris Poll survey commissioned by the University of Phoenix.

Cambridge, MA — Injured workers who are older, employed by organizations with smaller payrolls and in counties where more people have health insurance are more likely to receive opioid prescriptions, according to a recent study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

West Sussex, England — Nearly 3 out of 4 plumbers in the United Kingdom say they experience knee problems, yet only 41 percent report discussing the issue with a health care professional, according to the results of a recent survey.

Washington — OSHA is reminding employers to take precautions to protect workers from the potentially fatal effects of carbon monoxide exposure during the operation of portable generators and other equipment in enclosed spaces.

Washington — The National Employment Law Project and two other labor advocacy groups have filed a complaint against the Department of Labor, claiming DOL violated the Information Quality Act in its move to roll back child labor laws to allow unsupervised teens to operate powered patient lifts in health care settings.

Toronto — Handling receipts may boost cashiers’ exposure to bisphenol A and bisphenol S – two chemicals with possible links to cancer and other adverse health effects – results of a recent study from Canadian advocacy group Environmental Defense shows.

Tumwater, WA — The Washington state Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention Program has released a Hazard Brief warning logging industry employers and workers of the dangers of cellphone-related distractions.

Washington — OSHA has released a Safety and Health Information Bulletin warning employers and workers of potential fire and explosion hazards stemming from lithium batteries used to power small or wearable electronic devices.