OSHA has cited Nemak USA Inc. – based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin – for exposing workers to metalworking fluids used on aluminum after three employees were diagnosed with occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a debilitating lung disease. The company faces penalties of $26,520 for two serious health violations, the maximum penalty allowed by law.
OSHA has put together a new set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and training videos on the agency’s standard for respirable crystalline silica in construction.
Working together shapes community. This summer Midwest Special Instruments (MSI) hosted Kendra Palmer Anderson and Lance Anderson from Palmer Associates, who taught a NIOSH spirometry course in Savage, MN.
New research findings could turn perceptions of the already despised bed bug from nuisance pest into medically important threat. A study from North Carolina State University shows that histamine levels are substantially higher in homes infested by bed bugs than in pest-free homes and that these histamine levels persist for months – even if the bed bugs have been eliminated from the home.
A USC study that tracked Southern California children over a 20-year period has found they now have significantly fewer respiratory symptoms as a result of improved air quality.
3M Peltor X Series Earmuffs offer unparalleled noise reduction and comfort
March 14, 2013
3M™ Peltor™ X Series Earmuffs are the first earmuffs on the market from 3M to provide workers with Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) values up to 31 decibels (dB). Built with innovative foam cushion technology and ear cups that tilt for optimum comfort and efficiency, the Peltor X Series earmuffs offer a new standard in design, comfort and protection.
Respiratory PPE for Wet Well Applications white paper presents an overview of wet well types and related potentially hazardous situations. Topics discussed include site assessment, regulatory requirements, respirator types, and recommended respiratory PPE (personal protective equipment).
As we enter another influenza season, one question continues to vex medical and public health professionals: How do you stop people from catching the flu? The best way to prevent the flu is by getting an influenza vaccine every year. However, in the event of a large-scale influenza outbreak of a new virus strain or a pandemic, when influenza vaccine may not be promptly available, we will see tremendous demands on the health care system and its workers.
As part of its ongoing efforts to educate workers and employers about hazards associated with cleanup work in the aftermath of weather calamities, OSHA has issued a new fact sheet highlighting the need for employers to provide their workers with appropriate personal protective equipment and the training to properly use that equipment.
U.S. manufacturers of industrial respiratory protection equipment, including respirators, masks and accessories, gas masks, respiration air supplying self-contained breathing apparatus and accessories, respirator filters and accessories, protective films, and powered air-purifying respirator systems (PAPRs) and accessories generate annual revenues of $1 billion, according to market researcher IBISWorld.