Labor

Washington – NIOSH has issued a draft document on improving workplace health and safety through tobacco policies, and the agency is requesting stakeholder feedback.

Washington – Noting the high number of farm-related deaths involving vehicles and equipment, OSHA on Aug. 15 released two QuickCards intended to educate employers on protecting agricultural workers from these hazards.

Washington – In light of stakeholder concerns that a proposed rule on injury reporting could lead to employer tactics that result in inaccurate data, OSHA is asking for feedback on possible amendments to the proposal.

Oxford, England – Drugs taken by shift workers to help them stay awake on the job or go to sleep after work offer few benefits, according to a study from the Cochrane Occupational Safety and Health Review Group.

Atlanta – Among workers younger than 55, employees in service and blue-collar jobs are more likely to report a history of coronary heart disease or stroke, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Gladstone, MO – Bacterial toxins in hen houses can lead to airway irritation, inflammation and decreased lung function among workers in the egg industry, according to a report from the Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply.

Washington – NIOSH and the National Hearing Conservation Association are seeking self-nominations for the Safe-in-Sound Excellence and Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards.

Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council has released a guide and toolkit to help employers understand what they can do to fight prescription painkiller abuse by workers.

Sacramento, CA – California is requesting public comment on proposed revisions to the state’s Heat Illness Prevention Standard (Section 3395).

Atlanta – A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that some employers have not developed complete heat illness prevention programs despite OSHA’s widely publicized campaign on the topic.