Workplace Exposures

Boston – Workers who are exposed to paint, glue or degreaser fumes may experience cognitive issues such as memory loss during retirement, according to a recent study from the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration on April 23 released a final rule intended to lower miners’ exposure to coal mine dust and help end the prevalence of deadly diseases collectively known as black lung.

Washington – The Office of Management and Budget has begun its review of an OSHA proposal to address outdated permissible exposure limits.

OSHA requires employers to have a hearing conservation program for construction workers whose noise exposure exceeds 90 dBA – but does not provide specifics. Taking into account challenges such as a transient workforce and outdoor environments, what are the most important elements of a hearing conservation program for construction workers?

Washington – OSHA’s nearly three-week-long series of hearings on its proposed rule on crystalline silica continued this week, with both opponents and supporters voicing their opinions.

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.

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

Washington – NIOSH has launched an initiative aimed at better protecting responders before, during and after a large disaster.

Cincinnati – Handling receipts may expose cashiers to a chemical that has been linked to reproductive problems, according to a new study from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.