Hazards

San Francisco – First responders who were exposed to particulate matter at Ground Zero during and after 9/11 may be at higher risk for sleep apnea and post-traumatic stress disorder, suggest two new studies presented March 20 at the American Heart Association's EPI/NPAM 2014 Scientific Sessions.

Washington – Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez went before lawmakers March 26 and defended recent regulatory actions taken by OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

In 2011, nearly 135,000 nonfatal fall-on-same-level incidents occurred in private industry, in addition to 111 all-industry fatalities, according to the 2014 edition of the National Safety Council’s “Injury Facts.”

Workers who operate equipment such as cutting saws, pumps and generators in buildings or semi-enclosed spaces are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning – even in areas that appear well-ventilated.

Although the type of garment/fabric is a contributing factor, research indicates that garments play a relatively minor role in reducing heat stress – especially when compared to work practices regarding proper hydration and rest breaks.

Washington – OSHA recently published four letters of interpretation regarding its revised Hazard Communication Standard.

Pensacola, FL – The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine will be working together on a task force to study the safety and health issues associated with marijuana and other drug use among workers.

Washington – Three weeks of informal hearings regarding OSHA’s proposed crystalline silica rulemaking are set to kick off on March 18.