Labor

Philadelphia – Women who work with organic solvents before their first full-term birth may be at an increased risk for breast cancer, concludes a study from the epidemiology branch of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Tokyo – Office workers who spend long hours in front of computer screens experience changes in their tear fluid similar to people who have dry eye disease, according to a study from the Keio University School of Medicine in Japan.

Lubbock, TX – An expected population boom caused by an increase in oil and gas operations has prompted OSHA to expand its Lubbock district office to an area office.

The Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General has requested to meet with Chemical Safety Board officials to discuss the board’s potential management challenges and internal control weaknesses.

Quincy, MA – In 2013, 97 U.S. firefighters died on the job – an increase from 64 the previous year and the most since 105 were recorded in 2008, according to a new report from the National Fire Protection Association.

Washington – A new OSHA brochure lays out how to implement a safe patient-handling program to help reduce or prevent musculoskeletal disorders among nursing home and residential care workers.

Atlanta – Workers in the construction and mining industries are among those most likely to smoke cigarettes and use smokeless tobacco products, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released a document with answers to frequently asked questions about the agency’s recent final rule on coal dust.

Fairfax, VA – Fire departments are being encouraged to suspend non-emergency activities and focus on safety and health training and education during International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week, which takes place June 15-21.

Washington – OSHA has unveiled an online game intended to help workers and employers identify hazards in the manufacturing and construction industries.