Hazards

Washington – Labor regulations issued during the Obama administration’s final year create a “significant burden” on industries and workers, and will lead to about $80 billion in compliance costs over the next decade, according to a recent report from the National Association of Manufacturers.

Tucker, GA – The U.S. Poultry Foundation, part of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, is seeking proposals on a study to monitor worker exposure to antimicrobials used during poultry processing.

Washington – A chemical compound used to make high-tech products such as flat-panel displays, solar panels and energy-efficient windows may put workers at risk of developing a potentially fatal respiratory condition called indium lung disease, according to a recent study from NIOSH.

Washington – Should first-year medical residents be allowed to work shifts longer than 16 hours? The vast majority of respondents to a recent poll say “no.”

Olympia, WA – The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has issued a hazard alert for workers who use thermal cutting tools to de-tension cables embedded in concrete structures such as bridges and freeway overpasses, warning them of the dangers of lead exposure.

Albany, NY – New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) has signed legislation that will elevate assaults on the state’s utility workers, transit station and terminal cleaners, and process servers – formerly misdemeanors – to Class D felonies.

Washington – OSHA has published an amendment to correct typographical errors in the formulas in its final rule aimed at protecting workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Arlington, VA – An advisory committee has concluded that the Environmental Protection Agency’s draft document on health risks involving the chemical 1-Bromopropane is “a good risk assessment document” overall but could be improved.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the two most dangerous heat-related illnesses, according to OSHA.

East Lansing, MI – Lack of civil behavior in the workplace can cause employees to experience mental fatigue and respond in a similar manner, which can negatively affect an organization’s bottom line, according to a recent study from Michigan State University.