Worker Health and Wellness

Atlanta – Among workers younger than 55, employees in service and blue-collar jobs are more likely to report a history of coronary heart disease or stroke, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Gladstone, MO – Bacterial toxins in hen houses can lead to airway irritation, inflammation and decreased lung function among workers in the egg industry, according to a report from the Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply.

Washington – A rule that aims to reduce miner exposure to harmful coal dust went into effect Aug. 1.

Aberystwyth, U.K. – Fist-bumping transmits significantly fewer bacteria between people than either handshaking or high-fiving, according to a recent study from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University.

Washington – Coal miners seeking benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act wait hundreds of days for their cases to be heard, despite government efforts to speed up the process, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) claimed during a July 22 hearing of the Senate Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee.

Houston – More than 70 percent of U.S. firefighters are overweight or obese, and many may not be receiving weight management advice from their health care provider, according to recent research from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Washington – NIOSH recently launched an affiliate program for its Total Worker Health initiative.

DeKalb, IL – Workers who conceal unseen disabilities may be risking their safety and health, according to a report from Northern Illinois University.

Elk Grove Village, IL – Employees at small businesses are less likely to have access to workplace wellness programs, according to a study from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Atlanta – Workers in the construction and mining industries are among those most likely to smoke cigarettes and use smokeless tobacco products, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.