Workplace Exposures

Arlington, VA — Miners exposed to lead dust or fumes at work need to be wearing an air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters, the Mine Safety and Health Administration says in a recent health alert.

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration will “engage in limited rulemaking to reconsider” portions of a final rule on miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica that’s being challenged in ongoing litigation.

Los Angeles — Exposure to a common chemical used in dry cleaning and certain consumer products may increase the risk for severe liver issues, researchers are cautioning.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comment on a proposal that would scale back reporting requirements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

College Station, TX — The vast majority of astronauts on the International Space Station battle sinus problems and congestion, which can compromise sleep quality and decision-making, a recent study shows.

Watertown, SD — Workers who encounter droppings from birds or pests such rodents and insects should stop work immediately, leave the area and wash any exposed skin with soap and water, a new safety resource states.

National Harbor, MD — A new policy adopted by the American Medical Association is aimed at bolstering protections for health care workers who are exposed to ionizing radiation.

Washington — In response to a string of preventable carbon monoxide poisonings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service has begun equipping inspection workers with wearable CO detectors.

Storrs, CT — The University of Connecticut’s Korey Stringer Institute recently opened a research center dedicated to studying how extreme heat affects workers.

What are the proper procedures and safety protocols for cleaning combustible dust, flammable liquids and reactive powders in industrial facilities?