Public Administration

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 – Prompted by the 2013 fire and explosion that killed 12 firefighters at a Texas fertilizer facility, as well as other recent incidents, OSHA is considering the development of a standard on emergency response and preparedness.

Baltimore – Traditional risk-factor assessments might not be enough to detect cardiovascular disease in firefighters, according to a study from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Washington – Firefighters who work for federal agencies and contract certain diseases on the job would be ensured federal workers’ compensation coverage under newly introduced bipartisan legislation.

Research Triangle Park, NC – The second phase of a study to evaluate the health of cleanup workers who responded to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is beginning, and researchers are encouraging participants to stay involved with the project.

San Francisco – First responders who were exposed to particulate matter at Ground Zero during and after 9/11 may be at higher risk for sleep apnea and post-traumatic stress disorder, suggest two new studies presented March 20 at the American Heart Association's EPI/NPAM 2014 Scientific Sessions.

Washington – State and local government workers accounted for one-fifth of injuries and illnesses in 2011, and the incidence rate was highest among state hospital workers, according to a new analysis from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Washington – NIOSH has launched an initiative aimed at better protecting responders before, during and after a large disaster.

Emmitsburg, MD – The U.S. Fire Administration recently issued a report summarizing its research on emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety.

Washington – Despite an overall increase in paid sick leave for private-sector employees in the past three years, about 41 million workers still lack access to it, according to a new analysis from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.