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9/11 victim’s fund slow to pay on claims

Delay angers advocates, but administrators point to missing documentation

November 26, 2013

Only 112 of the tens of thousands of claims submitted to the 9/11 fund established by Congress for victims of 9/11 have been resolved, meaning determinations have been made and money awarded to the claimants. The $27 million paid out so far amounts to less than one percent of the $2.8 billion fund.

Company fined $2+ million for failing to tell workers about chemical risks

The issue: Hexavalent chromium exposure

November 20, 2013

One of the largest manufacturers of chromium chemicals in the world has been ordered to pay a $2,571,800 for failing to disclose information about the health risks of hexavalent chromium exposure to its workers.

OSHA launches new local emphasis program for industries that use hazardous chemicals

EPA release data will be used to select participants

November 19, 2013

OSHA is launching a local emphasis program in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri for programmed health inspections of industries known to use hazardous chemicals and who have reported release of such chemicals to the Environmental Protection Agency. The goal is to reduce occupational illnesses and deaths.

Controversial asbestos bill draws fire from victims’ group

“One more bureaucratic hurdle that delays compensation”

November 19, 2013

An asbestos victims’ group says a bill passed recently by the U.S. House of Representatives would make it more difficult for those harmed by asbestos to get compensation.

A NIOSH Science Blog post

Women in science

Alyssa Llamas B.S.

November 15, 2013

“When I grow up, I want to be an industrial hygienist.” Hearing a ten-year-old girl say those words would probably warrant a double take. While there might be some little girls out there dreaming about one day conducting research and working in a laboratory, studies suggest that more often, it’s a ten-year-old boy who will have the dream and will realize it when he grows up.

2014 Annual NHCA Conference - "Stop Gambling with Your Hearing"

Attendee Registration Now Available!

November 14, 2013

Schedule includes: ANSI Meeting, CAOHC Training, Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament, workshops, Meet & Greet (Reserved for new members, students, first time attendees, Executive Council), Exhibitor's Reception & "Meet the Authors" Poster Presentations and more.

Sick miners denied black lung benefits due to Johns Hopkins' x-ray findings

Doctor fails to find black lung disease in more than 1,500 cases

November 11, 2013

A physician at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions who is paid – by coal companies – ten times the amount to interpret x-rays that other doctors charge for the service has not found a single case of severe black lung disease in more than 1,500 x-rays – findings used to deny miners black lung benefits.

W.V. history museum to feature NIOSH Black Lung exhibit

November 8, 2013

“Black Lung Research in Morgantown: Impact on a Nation of Miners,” a special exhibit by NIOSH, opened at the Morgantown Museum in Morgantown, West Virginia, on October 22 and will run until December 14.

Hand/finger safety programs

Dennis Truitt

November 8, 2013

Regardless of the situation, it is always important to protect your hands and fingers. This is the part of the body that is most likely to be injured at work. Even with glove improvements and campaigns to increase hand and finger safety, it is still essential to have a hand and finger safety program readily accessible and widely distributed.

Calif. passes bill to protect health care workers from toxic drugs

Chemotherapy drug handling linked to higher cancer risk

November 6, 2013

Starting January 1, 2014, health care workers in California will have new protections in the form of legislation that establishes workplace safety practices for the safe handling of chemotherapy drugs.