Health Care Workers

Washington – Emergency medical services workers have higher rates of work-related injuries than the general workforce and three times the lost workday rate of all private-industry workers, according to a new fact sheet from NIOSH.

Toronto – Standing for long periods of time at work may double your risk for developing heart disease, according to researchers from the Institute for Work and Health and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.

Boston – Women who work the night shift as young adults may have an increased risk of breast cancer, according to a study of nurses conducted by the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Houston – Despite an increase in sharps injuries and exposure to blood and bodily fluids, many health care workers are not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, recent data from the International Safety Center shows.

Washington – An improved organizational safety climate – including increased management commitment – may help prevent exposure to liquid antineoplastic drugs among nurses who administer the medications, a recent NIOSH study suggests.

Edmonton, Alberta – Shift workers and people who work indoors may be at an increased risk for vitamin D deficiency, suggests a recent study from the University of Alberta.

Washington – Although most dental professionals use a scavenging system to prevent nitrous oxide gas from escaping during dental procedures, adherence to other recommended practices – such as checking equipment for leaks – is lacking, according to a new study from NIOSH.

Washington – In response to a spike in the number of police officers killed in the line of duty in 2017, the House on May 18 passed a bill that seeks stricter penalties for people who harm or attempt to harm first responders.

Chelmsford, MA – America’s nurses are feeling the effects of fatigue, and 90 percent have considered leaving their current hospital for a position with better work-life balance, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by Kronos Inc., a provider of digital workplace solutions.

Alexandria, VA – The American Association of Poison Control Centers and American Humane are urging first responders to call the 24-hour Poison Help Hotline if they or their canine partners are exposed to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin.