Labor

Sacramento, CA – Occupational injuries among nurses in California decreased by one-third after a 2004 state law implemented nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in acute care hospitals, according to a new study from the University of California, Davis.

Sacramento, CA – A new California law intended to improve the state’s access to petroleum companies’ safety records has drawn the ire of some free-speech activists, who claim employers can use the law to limit public access to certain documents.

Atlanta – Influenza vaccination rates among health care workers increased slightly during the 2013-14 season, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Morgantown, WV – The prevalence of a severe form of black lung disease has increased recently to levels not seen in about 40 years, new NIOSH data shows.

Atlanta – Emergency medicine practitioners have an up-close view of the deaths and injuries that can result from texting while driving. Yet when they are not working, physicians, nurses, residents and other emergency health care providers often engage in the same dangerous driving habits, according to a study from Emory University School of Medicine.

San Diego – In a rebuke to behavior-based safety theories, OSHA administrator David Michaels said occupational injuries are not the result of workers’ personal choices, and that blaming workers for their own injuries must stop.

Indianapolis – In 2013, 123 Indiana workers died – an increase from 115 in 2012 – but it was still the third lowest number recorded, according to the Indiana Department of Labor.

Springfield, IL – With National Farm Safety and Health Week (Sept. 20-27) approaching, the Energy Education Council’s Safe Electricity program is reminding farmers and other agriculture workers to practice safety when working near overhead power lines.

Washington – With the current Ebola outbreak spreading throughout West Africa, OSHA is providing resources to help protect workers from the disease.

Washington – President Barack Obama has designated Patrick Nakamura as acting chairman of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.