Hazards

Washington – Following a Federal Aviation Administration announcement that obese pilots may have to be screened for obstructive sleep apnea, the House passed a bill Feb. 11 that would require such a policy to go through a formal rulemaking process.

Los Angeles – Pesticide exposure may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, and individual risk varies based on a person’s genetic makeup, according to a new study from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Washington – Many industry stakeholders used a public comment period, which closed Feb. 11, to voice opposition to OSHA’s proposed rule on reducing the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica.

Des Plaines, IL – Culture change and training are needed to help prevent violence against nurses, according to a recent study from the Emergency Nurses Association.

Washington – OSHA is proposing to extend the compliance date for crane operator certification to Nov. 10, 2017, in response to concerns raised during a series of stakeholder meetings.

Washington – Rest breaks used to “restart” truck drivers’ duty cycles are more effective at reducing fatigue when they include two periods of nighttime sleep, according to a study released Jan. 30 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Montreal – Most construction workers exposed to crystalline silica dust are at risk of developing occupational diseases over the long term, a new report from scientific research organization IRSST suggests.

The Federal Aviation Administration recently updated its requirements for commercial pilot qualification and training. But new scheduling requirements aimed at reducing fatigue have some pilot associations, safety advocates and lawmakers questioning why cargo pilots have been excluded.

Humanity is capable of doing many great things. Unfortunately, we also are capable of causing many horrifying things.

Guildford, England – Shift work may throw off the daily rhythm of the body’s genes, according to a new study from the University of Surrey.