Research identifies occupations with breast cancer risk
A nonprofit organization has released a report identifying more than 20 occupations associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Among them:
- Nurses – 50 percent greater risk
- Teachers – Up to double the risk
- Librarians, lawyers, journalists and other professionals – 4 times the risk
- Radiological technicians – Up to double the risk
- Lab technicians, factory workers and workers who use chemical solvents – Up to 3 times the risk.
Smoking not the only cause for COPD among construction workers: study
Almost one-fifth of progressive lung diseases among construction workers may be attributable to workplace exposures to vapors, gases, dusts and fumes, according to a study from the Center for Construction Research and Training CPWR) and Duke University.
Researchers said the findings highlight the need to protect workers by focusing on all respirable irritants regardless of the source. Smoking cessation programs, although important, should not be the lone strategy for employers to reduce COPD cases among workers. The study was published online June 29 in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.
New York tightens reigns on construction
The city has announced the formation of a Construction Fraud Task Force to tackle what Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance described as the “hazardous lapses” in safety accompanying what he called New York’s “historic building boom.”
‘Everyone has a part to play’ in underground utility safety, video says
A new video from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers stresses the importance of planning, training and communication in keeping underground utility workers safe.
NIOSH releases best practices on reducing diacetyl exposure
Employers whose workers are exposed to diacetyl can obtain guidance from a new NIOSH document. The resource recommends best practices such as engineering controls, work practices and exposure monitoring to help reduce worker exposure to the organic compound, which is commonly used as an artificial butter flavoring.
NIOSH webpage for finding publications in multiple languages
NIOSH has also created a new webpage compiling all the agency’s documents in languages other than English and Spanish. These include Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Indonesian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Turkish and Vietnamese.
State warns on use of hydrofluoric acid in car washes
A chemical used to wash commercial vehicles can seriously endanger the people who work with it, according to new research by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Commonly used in car and truck wash products to brighten aluminum and break down roadway grime, hydrofluoric acid is “insidiously toxic,” according to research by the department’s Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention, or SHARP, program.
Database now includes details on more than 1,000 worker deaths in 2015
A new database, U.S. Worker Fatality Database, features a map, timeline and table of industries to categorize worker deaths. The resource is aimed at providing insight into worker deaths, which have totaled more than 4,500 each of the past five years.
Newly licensed nurses at greater risk of injury: study
Newly licensed nurses are more likely than experienced nurses to suffer sprains, strains and needle sticks, according to a study from New York University. The study was published online June 29 in the International Journal of Nursing Studies.
Failure to thoroughly complete form I-9 paperwork has led to a fine of $605,250
Failure to thoroughly complete form I-9 paperwork has led to a fine of $605,250-the largest amount ever-for an events-planning company, serving as a reminder that employers need to be taking I-9 compliance very seriously. The Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO), which has jurisdiction to review civil penalties for I-9 violations, ordered Hartmann Studios to pay the fine for more than 800 I-9 paperwork violations, most of which involved a repeated failure to sign section 2 of the I-9 form.
MSHA releases training tool on reporting requirements
A new, free training module from the Mine Safety and Health Administration aims to aid employer compliance with incident and injury reporting requirements.
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