Research/Studies

Villejuif, France — Frequent use of common cleaning products and disinfectants at work may increase female nurses’ risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by up to 38%, results of a recent study led by researchers from France’s National Institute of Health and Medical Research suggest.

Birmingham, England — The use of immersive virtual reality systems could help enhance workplace safety and health training and preparedness for fire evacuation and other emergencies, results of a recent study out of the United Kingdom suggest.

New York — Written drug policies and programs are strongly needed in the construction and extraction industries, researchers from New York University are saying after their study revealed that workers in these industries are more likely than those in other industries to misuse prescription opioids and use cocaine.

Atlanta — Drivers of passenger vehicles have a considerable misunderstanding of the safety performance of commercial motor vehicle operators, results of a recent survey show.

Boston — People who are “strivers” at work but struggle with job-related anxiety may face a heightened risk of burnout, a recent analysis shows.

Silver Spring, MD — The rate of nonfatal, work-related musculoskeletal disorders requiring days away from work in the construction industry has continued to decline, while the median DAFW for such injuries remains on the rise, according to a recent report from the Center for Construction Research and Training – also known as CPWR.

Eighty-two firefighters died while on duty in 2018, six fewer than the previous year, according to an annual report recently released by the U.S. Fire Administration.

Dallas — Work demands that get in the way of family life and family obligations that hinder work performance both can cause chronic stress that may increase workers’ risk for cardiovascular disease, especially among women, warn researchers from Brazil.

San Diego — For the second straight year, a driver shortage and hours-of-service rules are the top two issues affecting the trucking industry, according to the results of an annual survey conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute.

London — Professional drivers in congested cities should take measures to lower their exposure to air pollution, a team of British researchers is warning after its recent study showed that these workers, particularly taxi drivers, are exposed to elevated levels of black carbon – an indicator of diesel engine fumes.