Occupational Illnesses

Sacramento, CA — A new California law aimed at curbing cases of silicosis among workers who cut, grind, polish and drill stone countertops is now in effect.

Washington — Should the stone slab industry be protected from “abusive litigation” or should it substitute engineered stone with a product that creates less silica dust?

Washington — Employers can help prevent cases of welder’s anthrax – an often-fatal respiratory illness – by using safe work practices that limit exposure to “harmful metal fumes that might predispose welders” to the condition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Washington — Prompted by evaluations that identified “unreasonable risks” to worker health, the Environmental Protection Agency says it will regulate various industrial exposures to five phthalate chemicals used in plastics.

Phoenix — The Industrial Commission of Arizona has published guidelines on how employers can protect workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries.

Washington — Legislation recently introduced in the House would preemptively end any attempt by OSHA to finalize a proposed rule aimed at protecting indoor and outdoor workers from heat-related injuries and illnesses.

Cincinnati — Up to 1.4 million U.S. workers may have hearing issues attributable to job-related chemical exposure, results of a recent study suggest.

Washington — Legislation aimed at easing access to health care and other benefits for coal miners who have black lung disease has been reintroduced in both the House and Senate.

Washington — Employers can help reduce the safety risks of long COVID in the workplace through a multifaceted approach that focuses on the physical, cognitive and mental health challenges that affected employees face, according to a recent National Safety Council report.

Lansing, MI — Workers who pick, grind and package cannabis are developing job-related asthma, researchers are warning.