Labor

Houston – More than 70 percent of U.S. firefighters are overweight or obese, and many may not be receiving weight management advice from their health care provider, according to recent research from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Washington – The Office of Management and Budget is reviewing a controversial U.S. Department of Agriculture final rule that would speed up poultry-processing lines, a move safety advocates warn could lead to more worker injuries.

Washington – Industrial safety in the United States has fallen behind other countries, putting workers’ lives at risk, according to a report from Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

Washington – Implementation of the Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention Initiative in 1996 has helped reduce the number of agricultural injuries suffered by children, according to a recent report from NIOSH.

Washington – New legislation that would eliminate the use of food and beverage containers made with bisphenol A (commonly known as BPA) received praise from labor groups, who claim the chemical is hazardous to workers.

London – Some people may be genetically predisposed to suffer from musculoskeletal pain and other chronic pain syndromes, according to a recent study from King’s College London.

Salem, OR – A new comprehensive guide from Oregon OSHA intends to help small-business owners and managers develop respiratory protection programs.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released materials for its annual campaign to address roof and rib (wall) falls in underground coal mines.

Washington – NIOSH is looking to hear from companies with established lockout/tagout programs to help small businesses and employees in the food and beverage processing industry.

Washington – NIOSH is seeking input on its program that investigates firefighter line-of-duty deaths.