Occupational Illnesses

OSHA should not proceed with a proposed rule that would regulate infectious disease exposure in health care and related work settings, unless the agency can show risks justifying a new standard, a small-business panel has concluded.

Workers with a history of tinnitus (ringing in the ear) in conjunction with high-frequency hearing loss are more likely to be injured, according to a study from Yale University.

Firefighters face higher rates of prostate cancer and melanoma than the general public, according to a study from Monash University.

Minneapolis – Longer work tenure and higher exposure to certain particles put Minnesota iron miners at an increased risk of a rare form of lung cancer, according to a new study from the University of Minnesota.

Washington – A new OSHA fact sheet provides guidance on selecting personal protective equipment for workers who may be exposed to Ebola.

Washington – Congressional Democrats have introduced legislation intended to strengthen a federal benefits program for miners suffering from black lung disease.

We all work in a close work environment. When one person becomes ill, we all seem to get sick. Are there any safeguards we can put in place to minimize the spread of viruses and infections among co-workers?

Sacramento, CA – National Nurses United is urging OSHA and state governments to help protect nurses and other health care workers from Ebola by adopting safety standards issued by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Missoula, MT – Salon workers are frequently exposed to products that contain harmful chemicals linked to conditions such as cancer, reproductive issues and asthma, concludes a new report from environmental health advocacy group Women’s Voices for the Earth.

Washington – To help protect health care workers and other first responders against Ebola virus exposure, the InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability has released a new set of recommendations for using personal protective equipment.