As we enter a new decade, occupational safety and health professionals have a lot to consider. From demographic changes and new regulations to innovative technology and medical advancements, there is a lot to explore. Examinetics worked with 20 of our client partners and other industry thought leaders to present their thoughts on the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping occupational health. We wanted to know what these industry leaders think are the issues and innovative solutions that will make an impact on our profession in 2020 and beyond.

Have suggestions for making OSHA’s online training classes more affordable? Want tips on preventing cold stress among your employees? Here are updates from OSHA:

ISHN recently visited Honeywell’s Industrial Life Safety Training Center/Customer Experience Center in Pasadena, TX, to get some first-hand fall protection training and updates on the company’s hearing protection and gas detection lines.

Although smoking rates have dropped dramatically in the U.S. - from 42% in 1965 to 14% in 2017 - some groups continue to have high prevalence of cigarette smoking. That’s according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), which is using the upcoming Great American Smokeout as an opportunity to highlight this “hidden epidemic.”

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) bestowed its 2019 Robert B. Hurley Distinguished Service Award on Abby Ferri, CSP at its Award Dinner on Nov. 18 at the Ritz Carlton Pentagon City, Arlington Va. “The Distinguished Service Award is reserved for an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement and promotion of workplace safety and health,” said Charles Johnson, President of ISEA.

Help your employees protect themselves. Online training is now available 24/7/365. Phylmar Academy's 45-minute online course, Protect Yourself: Wildfire Smoke Employee Training, is now live.

The National Safety Council (NSC) and OSHA have renewed their commitment to continue working together to promote workplace health and safety. Lorraine M. Martin, NSC president and CEO, and Loren Sweatt, deputy assistant secretary of labor for OSHA, yesterday signed an Alliance Program Ambassador relationship. The two organizations have been in an Alliance since 2003.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi cause more than 2.8 million infections and 35,000 deaths in the United States each year, according to a report released recently by the CDC. That means, on average, someone in this country gets an antibiotic-resistant infection every 11 seconds and every 15 minutes someone dies.

The winter holiday season is a festive and eventful time, yet statistics show that home fires and electrical incidents increase during this time of year. In the spirit of the season, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is reminding homeowners of safety tips and providing free resources to help them prevent household fires and accidents caused by improper cooking and heating practices.