Manufacturing

Melbourne, Australia — Cases of silicosis among workers in Australia’s stone countertop industry spiked over a recent eight-year period, according to researchers from Monash University.

Washington — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued updated interim guidance on protecting workers from exposure to bird flu to include employees at zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, fur farms, aquariums and wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

Washington — The Chemical Safety Board’s YouTube channel was recently recognized with a Silver Play Button award from the online video sharing platform for exceeding 100,000 subscribers.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comment on a proposed rule requiring respiratory protection and cleaning plans to help reduce worker exposure to the chemical substance Pigment Violet 29.

Washington — Citing technological advancements, a recent NIOSH policy update calls on employers to use “individual, quantitative fit testing” to assess the effectiveness of workers’ hearing protection devices.

Salem, OR — Avoiding unprotected direct or close physical contact with sick/dead animals and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment are two key ways workers can limit their risk of contracting bird flu.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is taking several actions, including a partial ban, to protect workers against exposure to ethylene oxide, under a new interim registration review decision.

Washington — A new video from the Chemical Safety Board calls on chemical facility owners and operators to ensure emergency response equipment is ready for extreme weather.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency says formaldehyde poses “unreasonable risk” in some work situations and requires the agency to “initiate risk management actions,” although a trade association that represents chemical manufacturers disagrees.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency won’t regulate the manufacture, processing and distribution of lead wheel weights, citing “extremely low risk” of lead exposure and an ongoing phaseout of the equipment.