Labor

Washington — NIOSH has unveiled a beta version of an online software tool designed to provide post-shift assessments of mine worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Lowell, MA — The Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace, one of NIOSH’s Total Worker Health Centers of Excellence, has introduced a free online continuing education program intended to help nurses prevent musculoskeletal injuries during clinical care.

Washington — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service will allow poultry-processing plants to increase line speeds if they meet certain criteria, even as critics claim the move will expose workers to injuries and was made without public input.

Alexandria, VA — The American Staffing Association, through an alliance with OSHA, is set to host a webinar on Nov. 9 to discuss how to protect temporary workers from exposure to airborne contaminants.

Washington — The Chemical Safety Board is emphasizing the importance of preparing for the “unique safety challenges” posed by cold weather at refineries, chemical plants and other facilities that handle hazardous materials in a new Safety Digest and corresponding video.

Kansas City, MO — OSHA has launched a Regional Emphasis Program addressing hazards stemming from exposure to fertilizer-grade ammonium nitrate and agricultural anhydrous ammonia.

Mississauga, Ontario — 3M Fall Protection has issued a global stop use and recall field service action for a “small quantity” of its DBI-SALA 16 Foot Talon Self Retracting Lifelines because of an assembly error.

Brough, England — The United Kingdom’s National Workboat Association has launched a campaign aimed at curbing fatigue among crew members of offshore energy support vessels.

Washington — In response to a recent increase in trench-related worker deaths, OSHA has updated its National Emphasis Program on trenching and excavation safety, effective Oct. 1.

Richmond, British Columbia — More Canadian oil and gas workers in the drilling sector are showing signs of job-related hearing loss, according to a recent study from WorkSafeBC.