Occupational Illnesses

Washington — Construction workers exposed to noise on the job face a higher risk of hearing loss than noise-exposed workers in all other industries do, results of a recent NIOSH study show.

Worcester, MA — Workers in marijuana processing facilities must be informed about the hazards of exposure to ground cannabis dust, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission reminds employers in a recently published safety bulletin.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency will begin the risk management process to “address the unreasonable risk presented by legacy uses and associated disposal of asbestos,” which includes publishing a proposed rule to “protect people from the identified risks.”

Washington — OSHA has extended until Jan. 14 the comment period on a proposed rule aimed at protecting indoor and outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses.

Los Angeles — A recent study out of the University of California, Los Angeles could accelerate the identification of the riskiest cancer-causing chemicals for firefighters and other people exposed to fires.

Atlanta — OSHA’s Atlanta regional office recently renewed a pair of Regional Emphasis Programs.

Washington — OSHA’s proposed rule on infectious diseases in “health care and other high-risk environments” has been submitted to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for final review.

Washington — Workers in private industry experienced fewer injuries and illnesses on the job last year than in 2022, according to Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data released Nov. 8 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Washington — OSHA has unveiled the winners of its inaugural “Beat the Heat” photo contest, a national competition aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of heat exposure.

Washington — Employers can help prevent the spread of common respiratory viruses indoors by ensuring proper workplace ventilation and limiting the use of small, shared spaces, the Environmental Protection Agency says.