Worker Health and Wellness

Washington — Bipartisan legislation to establish and maintain a voluntary registry intended to improve research into firefighters’ risks of cancer was passed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on April 24.

Washington — More than 20 percent of workers are obese, don’t get enough physical activity or are short on sleep, according to a recent study from NIOSH.

Irvine, CA — Have you ever had a disagreement with a co-worker that had you fretting for days? New research claims lingering feelings of stress may negatively affect your future health.

Ann Arbor, MI — As Elle Woods said in the movie “Legally Blonde”: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” A new study from the University of Michigan supports that sentiment.

Washington — The health care and social assistance industry has the highest percentage of workers with asthma among major industry groups, according to a recent study from NIOSH’s Respiratory Health Division.

Cincinnati — Workers exposed to loud noise on the job are at increased risk for hypertension and high cholesterol – key risk factors for heart disease – according to a recent study from NIOSH.

Rochester, MN — A consortium of medical groups has published a framework intended to minimize and manage burnout among U.S. physicians.

Washington — NIOSH is seeking comment on a draft of its first National Occupational Research Agenda for Musculoskeletal Health. The agenda incorporates knowledge about injuries and illnesses, the state of the science, and the likelihood that new information and approaches will make a difference in preventing musculoskeletal disorders.

Norwich, England — Managers need to “foster a supportive culture between colleagues” to help workers returning from sick leave feel they’re being treated fairly, according to researchers from the University of East Anglia and Stockholm University.

Cambridge, MA — A Workers Compensation Research Institute study of workers with low-back injuries shows those who receive longer-term prescriptions for opioid painkillers take significantly longer to return to work than those who are not prescribed opioids.