Workplace Exposures

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency once again has extended the comment period for a proposed rule that would create stronger standards for workers who handle “restricted use” pesticides.

Chicago – “Moderately cold” work conditions pose health and safety risks for employees, and employers should take steps to improve worker comfort, according to NIOSH.

Chicago – Surgical smoke is a serious and preventable hazard that affects thousands of health care workers every year, according to a NIOSH study presented Nov. 3 at the American Public Health Association’s annual meeting.

Cincinnati – Rates of occupational injury and illness from pesticides are much higher among agricultural workers than workers in other industries, according to NIOSH research.

Cincinnati – The prevalence of employed adults with high levels of lead in their blood has fallen since the mid-1990s, according to a new NIOSH report.

Workers who use vibrating tools such as jackhammers, chain saws, grinders and riveters are at risk for developing hand-arm vibration syndrome. Experts say preventive measures can help reduce the risk.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule updating its Agricultural Worker Protection Standard intended to safeguard farmworkers against pesticide exposure.

Nail and hair salon workers are routinely exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals that can cause respiratory issues, skin disorders and other health problems. As recent reports bring attention to the hazards these workers face, safety advocates are calling for stronger protections.

Arlington, VA – One year after a respirable coal dust rule went into effect, sampling results are showing that mines are complying with reforms and better protecting coal miners from black lung disease, the Mine Safety and Health Administration recently announced.

Silver Spring, MD – Almost one-fifth of progressive lung diseases among construction workers may be attributable to workplace exposures to vapors, gases, dusts and fumes, according to a study from the Center for Construction Research and Training (also known as CPWR) and Duke University.