Workplace Exposures

Los Angeles — Nearly a quarter of the fast-food workforce in Los Angeles County tested positive for COVID-19 during the first 18 months of the pandemic, a likely result of adverse working conditions and shaky compliance with safety measures, a recent report from the University of California, Los Angeles and UC Berkeley suggests.

Montpellier, France — Long-term exposure to formaldehyde may contribute to cognitive impairment in older age, according to a recent study out of France.

Washington — Proposed legislation would create funding for health care and other benefits for coal miners who have black lung disease by extending, for 10 years, a recently expired excise tax rate increase on coal production.

New York — More than half of nurses in a recent survey say they had trouble sleeping during the first six month of the COVID-19 pandemic – a risk factor for increased feelings of anxiety and depression.

Washington — In an effort to provide “more confidence and certainty” about risks and exposures related to occupational pesticide seed treatment, the Environmental Protection Agency has developed a calculator and released updated worker exposure data.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has launched a pilot program intended to “encourage and facilitate coronavirus vaccinations for America’s miners and their families.”

This white paper contains valuable tips and insights from J. J. Keller’s experts to help employers build strong hazard communication training programs, covering requirements for labeling, Safety Data Sheets and more.

Arlington, VA — Adding a brace or wearing a cloth facemask over a medical mask increases protection against aerosols carrying viruses – including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, results of a recent NIOSH study suggest.

Washington — OSHA is withdrawing its emergency temporary standard on COVID-19 vaccination, testing and masking, the agency announced Jan. 25.

Galveston, TX — The Biden administration can’t enforce its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal employees, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled in a decision issued Jan. 21.