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In a study that spanned two and a half decades and looked at data from more than 4,700 participants, Johns Hopkins researchers have added to evidence that abnormal blood pressure in midlife persisting into late life increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Although not designed to show cause and effect, the study suggests that maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout life may be one way to help decrease one’s risk of losing brain function.

Two speakers will address the topics of product installation and plant safety at the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Fall Conference (Sept. 30-Oct. 3). Richard Hawk, motivational safety speaker and trainer for Make Safety Fun, will give a keynote presentation entitled, "The Future of Safety in Manufacturing Plants." Matt Risinger, owner of Risinger & Co., specializes in architect-driven projects and will discuss installation techniques.

One of the biggest wake-up calls I had recently was when I realized the detrimental impact biases have in the world of safety. Most people recognize that biases exist in “the other guy” but fail to see these preconceived notions in themselves. SPOILER ALERT: We all have them, and they are putting all of us at risk.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has found Altor Inc. - a construction company based in Washington Township, New Jersey and its president Vasilio Saites in contempt of court for failing to pay $412,000 in penalties assessed by OSHA. The agency cited Altor for numerous safety violations, including multiple willful violations of OSHA’s fall protection standards.

Leaders may not be at the “front line of safety,” but they must have an ability to “see safety” - to understand how visual bias impacts safety programs and how those biases influence not only their operating staff, but also themselves. By understanding their own visual literacy gaps, and those of others, leaders can develop a higher degree of empathy for the reality of getting work done safely.

A fatality that occurred when an Atlanta transit train struck equipment that was on the train tracks was the result of a flagperson moving the on-track equipment (OTE) outside of the restriction area without authority and on-track protection. That’s the conclusion of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which investigated the incident.

In 1970, the Occupational Safety Health Act created a government body tasked with nothing more or less than helping ensure safe workplace conditions for all. The most recent report from OSHA shows that the organization is struggling in that mission. There are several reasons for the downturn in workplace safety OSHA describes in its most recent report on inspections and fatalities in U.S. workplaces. But first, we need the details:

If you’re seeing the hashtag #SafeHands a lot these days, it’s because the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) has launched an awareness and education campaign to help workers and employers focus specifically on the safety of hands, the second mostly commonly injured body part in the workplace.

All firefighters need a Basic Operation Firefighter Certification, but now the Illinois State Fire Marshal is looking to make completing it a little easier. "This is a game-changing opportunity," said Illinois Fire Service Institute Director Royal Mortenson. It’s an opportunity that could very well save your life.

MetroNet Inc. has announced Chuck Muller as the company’s new Safety Manager. With more than 30 years of experience in damage prevention, Muller will be spearheading all safety and damage prevention efforts in each state that provides MetroNet services. He joins the team after serving on Indiana 811 as the Director of Member/Public Relations where he served as the subject matter expert on all Indiana 811 legislative issues.