Labor

Washington – A pilot program that provides prison workers with pepper spray as a safety measure has been expanded to six additional correctional facilities.

Minneapolis – Longer work tenure and higher exposure to certain particles put Minnesota iron miners at an increased risk of a rare form of lung cancer, according to a new study from the University of Minnesota.

Most people taking opioid painkillers for long-term treatment are prescribed additional medications that could lead to a fatal drug combination, according to a report by prescription management company Express Scripts.

Washington – Portable radios used by firefighters may fail when exposed to high temperatures, putting firefighters at risk, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Washington – An online training resource from NIOSH aims to help emergency responders who work long hours in demanding situations.

Washington – The rate of work-related injuries and illnesses in private industry declined in 2013, continuing a nearly unbroken downward trend spanning more than a decade, according to the latest estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Washington – A new OSHA fact sheet provides guidance on selecting personal protective equipment for workers who may be exposed to Ebola.

Indianapolis – The Indiana Department of Labor is reminding employers to protect workers from cold weather risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning.

Washington – OSHA may not be effectively targeting employers, while the Mine Safety and Health Administration struggles with maintaining experienced enforcement staff, the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General claims in its semiannual report to Congress, released Dec. 1.

Washington – NIOSH has released a publication intended to help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among grocery store employees and other retail workers.