Hazards

Philadelphia — Overuse injuries on the job can lead to elevated inflammation levels, mood changes and chronic pain, results of a recent study suggest.

Washington — Confined and concentrated combustible dust can ignite and generate secondary dust explosions “powerful enough to destroy buildings,” the Chemical Safety Board warns.

Arlington, VA — Good worksite housekeeping can significantly reduce miners’ exposure to respirable dust and silica, the Mine Safety and Health Administration says in a recently published health alert.

Marietta, GA — Up to 80% of hazardous chemicals found in classrooms may be linked to emissions from 3D printers, a recent study from the Chemical Insights Research Institute suggests.

Washington — Employers of nonagricultural workers operating near farmland can reduce the risk of pesticide exposure by notifying farms about their work, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises.

Secaucus, NJ — The percentage of U.S. workers who tested positive for fentanyl in random on-the-job drug tests was seven times greater than the percentage of people whose preemployment tests came back positive, according to Quest Diagnostics’ annual Drug Testing Index for 2024.

Toronto — A free guide from the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association highlights best practices for safely using mast climbing work platforms.

Washington — More than 40% of frontline workers say they “sometimes,” “rarely” or “never” have the proper ergonomic tools and equipment to do their jobs, according to a new report from the National Safety Council.

We asked PPE manufacturers: What are some of the biggest challenges safety pros face when it comes to protecting workers from extreme temperatures?

Worker advocates are encouraging employers to create a supportive environment for employees in recovery from a substance use disorder.