The reasons behind the aging workforce, a grisly wood chipper accident and an initiative to encourage young people to choose occupational safety and health careers were among the top stories featured this week on ISHN.com.

OSHA has levied more than $150,000 in fines against a Louisiana contractor after two of his employees lost consciousness and collapsed in a sewer system.

As the U.S. moves to replace some of its aging passenger train fleet with high-speed trains that can travel up to 220 miles per hour, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is moving to update safety standards for passenger trains in order to account for the speedy newcomers.

There were no apparent mechanical problems with the Boeing 737 that slid on a runway at LaGuardia Oct. 27th, veering to the right before coming to a stop on the turf about 200 feet from the end of the runway. The 11 crew and 37 passengers deplaned via the airstairs. There were no injuries.

Anyone whose blood pressure is 140/90mmhg or more for a sustained period is said to have high blood pressure or hypertension. A study shows that long-term exposure to both air and noise pollution can make the hypertension of a person high.

I'm 61 and have noticed my hearing is not what it used to be. Do I need to see my doctor, or is it OK to wait until I think I need hearing aids? Don't wait. Make an appointment to have your hearing evaluated now. Most health care providers recommend a baseline hearing check at 50 and then regularly scheduled follow-up assessments after that based on your individual needs.

St. Petersburg, Florida this week became the 20th U.S. city to commit to transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy – and is using oil spill settlement funds to do so. The city council voted unanimously on the change, allocating $250K of BP Oil Spill settlement funds to an “Integrated Sustainability Action Plan” (ISAP), which will chart a roadmap to the complete use of renewable energy in Saint Petersburg.

As winter approaches and cooler temperatures hit most of the nation, workers unpack coats and boots, and workplaces adjust thermostats. However, one climate that should stay the same year-round, no matter where a workplace is located geographically, is the safety climate. Safety climate—defined as the perception among workers about the value of safety—correlates to improved health and safety in the workplace.

It’s a fact: our workforce is aging. By 2024, nearly 1 in 4 people in the labor force are projected to be age 55 or over. This is a big change from 1994, when people ages 55 and older represented only 11.9 percent of the labor force – a share smaller than those held by other age groups: 16-24, 25-34, 35-44 and 45-54. But by 2024, their projected share will be the largest among these age groups.