Worker Health and Wellness

In some organizations, the safety team consists of one person. What challenges does this create? How does a safety professional avoid feeling isolated and keep up with important trends when he or she is all alone? Three safety pros weigh in.

Workers with arthritis often experience symptoms such as pain, stiffness and fatigue. But experts say accommodations from employers can help people with arthritis stay on the job.

Boston – Health experts are calling for OSHA to regulate the fashion industry to prevent the hiring of models who are “dangerously underweight.”

Hopkinton, MA – “Overexertion involving outside sources” remains the leading cause of disabling injuries in the United States, according to the annual Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, which ranks serious, nonfatal workplace injuries.

Philadelphia – Financial incentives are ineffective at encouraging obese workers to lose weight, according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania.

Washington – Three recent studies suggest companies that excel at worker health and safety also thrive in stock market value.

Boston – Elected heads of government may face an increased risk of early death compared with runner-up candidates who did not go on to serve in government, according to a study from Harvard Medical School.

Boston – A flavoring chemical linked to severe respiratory disease in food manufacturing workers has been found in some flavored electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, according to research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Columbus, OH – Workers with pre-diabetes who participate in workplace intervention programs may lose more weight and consume less fat, according to new research from Ohio State University.

Workers who witness a co-worker’s injury or death may be traumatized – and distracted from working safely – after the incident. What can safety professionals and employers do to help workers regain their composure and refocus on safety?