Hazards

After investigating a series of recent fires, explosions and toxic leaks at chemical plants, the Chemical Safety Board has emphasized the need for Inherently Safer Design. What does the term mean, and how can employers use the principles of ISD to create safer workplaces?

Violence from patients, families and visitors is a common hazard for nurses and other health care workers. Although several states have recently strengthened penalties for assaults on health care personnel, worker advocates are calling for additional action.

Washington – OSHA is delaying by three years its certification requirements for crane operators, the agency announced in a final rule published Sept. 25.

Madison, NJ – For the first time in more than a decade, the percentage of positive drug tests among U.S. workers has increased, according to a report from lab services provider Quest Diagnostics.

Helsinki, Finland – Sleeping between seven and eight hours a night can decrease the possibility of missing work because of illness, a recent study from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health indicates.

Chicago – More than 1 out of 4 full-time workers have felt bullied by a co-worker in the office, according to a recent Harris Poll study for CareerBuilder.

Washington – Workplace programs on alcohol and drug abuse might not reach many of the people who need the services most, according to a pair of reports from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Washington – The number of pilots involved in fatal crashes who tested positive for potentially impairing drugs has nearly doubled in a 23-year span, according to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board.

Washington – Watchdog group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility has filed a lawsuit intended to prompt the Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen its corrosive dust standard to better protect first responders.

Washington – A proposed OSHA rule that would update the permissible exposure limit for beryllium is under review by the Office of Management and Budget.