Workplace Exposures

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.

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.

Washington – NIOSH is requesting feedback on a draft update to its criteria for a recommended standard on occupational exposure to heat.

Bilbao, Spain – Lack of safety data and information is one of the largest challenges facing the wind turbine industry, according to a new report from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.

Atlanta – Stronger regulations and early-detection efforts are necessary to prevent and diagnose occupational lung illnesses related to silica exposure, according to a new research review from Emory University and the American Cancer Society.

Washington – Screening data for nearly 2,000 chemicals is available through the Environmental Protection Agency’s new Interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability Dashboard.

New York – As part of an effort to reduce potential exposure to a toxic chemical found in some older fluorescent light ballasts in schools, the Environmental Protection Agency has issued guidance on the proper maintenance and management of the ballasts.