Hazards

Saint Paul, MN — Minnesota OSHA will establish a working group to assist the state’s Department of Labor and Industry in revising regulations on lead exposure for both general industry and construction.

What can be done to prevent excessive lead exposure to keep utility workers safe?

Washington — Clouds of anhydrous ammonia – which is toxic when inhaled – may not be visible “if the cloud does not condense sufficient atmospheric moisture,” the Chemical Safety Board warns.

Fort Collins, CO — A team of researchers from Colorado State University is recruiting 100 active male wildland firefighters for a two-year study of the reproductive health effects of wildfire smoke.

New York — Nearly 4 out of 5 retail workers have completed workplace violence prevention training, but only about half are confident they could deescalate a potentially violent situation, results of a recent survey show.

Denver — After bird flu is detected on dairy farms, collaboration between public health agencies and the impacted farm – as well as early distribution of personal protective equipment – may help protect farmworkers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

How can I best protect workers from extreme weather events?

Washington — Although oral fluid drug testing is a federally approved alternative for truck drivers and other transportation workers in safety-sensitive positions, a key hurdle stands in the way.

Washington — Offshore oil and gas workers should be mindful of potential hazards – and maintain frequent communication with co-workers – when helicopters operate near cranes at offshore facilities.

Tumwater, WA — Washington state has begun the development process for a rule to address work-related musculoskeletal disorders among airline ground crews.