Hazards

Volatile organic compounds are common chemical contaminants found in offices and workplaces and are a source of odors, some of which can be a health hazard for workers.

Washington – For the second time, OSHA has extended the public comment period on proposed updates to its crystalline silica rule, the agency announced Jan. 24.

Bloemfontein, South Africa – Anatomy and mortuary workers may be in danger of contracting tuberculosis because a certain type of bacteria can remain in dead bodies for up to 36 days, according to a new study from the University of the Free State.

Ottawa – Repeated exposure to heat stress on the job may cause experienced firefighters to become more tolerant to its effects, suggests a new study http://oeh.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15459624.2013.821574 from the University of Ottawa.

Washington – OSHA on Jan. 15 launched a web resource to help prevent injuries among hospital workers.

Washington – A new NIOSH publication describes how the agency’s Health Hazard Evaluation Program works with employers to investigate possible dangers in the workplace.

Washington – OSHA’s current rule on silica is based on obsolete analytical data, and exposure at the current permissible exposure limit results in “significant risks of death” from cancer and other diseases, the agency said during a Jan. 14 webchat that discussed proposed updates to the rule.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has addressed all of the 100 corrective actions recommended in its 2012 internal review following the Upper Big Branch mine explosion in April 2010, the agency announced Jan. 13.

Washington – OSHA has scheduled a webchat for Jan. 14 on the agency’s proposed rule on respirable silica.

Washington – Results of a NIOSH study of workers at a former IBM plant could not establish a definitive link between chemical exposures and cancer risk.