Hazards

Washington – OSHA’s final rule on silica could come as early as February, according to the fall regulatory agenda released Nov. 19.

Washington – The American Industrial Hygiene Association has published a fact sheet that aims to improve safety for workers in the nanotechnology industry.

Toronto – Workplace training programs that emphasize stretching and resistance can help prevent and manage upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders, according to a recent report.

Chicago – “Moderately cold” work conditions pose health and safety risks for employees, and employers should take steps to improve worker comfort, according to NIOSH.

Penalties for OSHA violations are about to get steeper. Much, much steeper.

Sacramento, CA – The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has proposed a new regulation that aims to protect health care industry employees from workplace violence.

Chicago – Surgical smoke is a serious and preventable hazard that affects thousands of health care workers every year, according to a NIOSH study presented Nov. 3 at the American Public Health Association’s annual meeting.

Dallas – Citing the increased risk of injury and illness among poultry workers, OSHA has launched a Regional Emphasis Program focusing on the poultry industry in four southern states.

Cincinnati – Rates of occupational injury and illness from pesticides are much higher among agricultural workers than workers in other industries, according to NIOSH research.

Morgantown, WV – Despite robbery-related violence being the leading cause of death in the retail industry, many Texas convenience store owners fail to take precautions that could prevent robberies and protect workers from violence, according to a new NIOSH study.