Hazards

Heat stress can be deadly, and employers need to protect their employees from the dangers of hot environments. Here’s one tool to give you a better picture on how to do just that.

Aberystwyth, U.K. – Fist-bumping transmits significantly fewer bacteria between people than either handshaking or high-fiving, according to a recent study from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University.

St. Paul, MN – Minnesota OSHA is advising the state’s employers and employees to prepare for severe weather this summer.

Washington – The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is considering changes to its radiation protection regulations.

A British employer recently was confronted by a government workplace safety inspector, and his reaction to the visit has landed him behind bars.

Atlanta – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a publication that focuses on infertility issues, including the role of workplace exposures, in men and women.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has reissued a warning to home improvement contractors and air-conditioning technicians about using flammable refrigerants.

Washington – Coal miners seeking benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act wait hundreds of days for their cases to be heard, despite government efforts to speed up the process, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) claimed during a July 22 hearing of the Senate Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee.

Charleston, WV – A number of combustible dust-related incidents, injuries and deaths over the past decade might have been prevented had OSHA promulgated a standard covering the hazard, according to a Chemical Safety Board report released July 16.

Washington – Careful planning is needed to help new employees adapt to working in hot environments, NIOSH stressed in a July 14 blog post.