'Room-and-pillar' method often turns deadly Aug 7, 2007
Three of the nine roof fatalities in 2001 were from retreat mining, according to a 2003 NIOSH paper ... A NIOSH study six years earlier found the same thing ... NIOSH said that during retreat mining nearly half of those fatal accidents happened during the removal of the final pillar, which miners call the "suicide pillar," said J. Davitt McAteer, former head of the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration and now vice president of Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia. (USA Today)
Lab workers, volunteers put safety equipment to the test Jul 22, 2007
Manufacturers run many of the same tests on their respirators before submitting them to the NIOSH lab. "The [NIOSH] tests are very expensive if you don't pass, so we want to have a very high confidence level that we have something that is going to pass," says George Blank, manager of protection products for Draeger Safety in Findlay ... Based on recent scans of 3,400 human heads, NIOSH hopes to help the industry produce "designer" respirators fitted to the size of the user. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Surgery Is More Effective Than Other Treatments For Common Back Problem, Study Shows Jul 3, 2007
Additional support was provided for this research by the NIH Office of Research on Women s Health and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (Science Daily)
Proposal for tax rebate to firms using certain safety devices Jun 26, 2007
BANGI: Companies providing goggles, gas masks, respiratory devices and others for their workers may get a tax rebate if a proposal by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) is given the nod by the Finance Ministry ... Niosh chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said a memorandum was submitted to the Treasury during a pre-Budget meeting recently proposing for a tax rebate ... Often, small and medium industries cite high cost as the reason for not using protective personal... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Nanotechnology: consumers must be convinced risks outweigh benefits Jun 26, 2007
In his remarks, Maynard proposed a significant increase in research funding for agencies responsible for oversight and related researchthe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food Administration (FDA), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety h (NIOSH), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). He called for creation of a better decision-making and coordination mechanism among government agencies to implement a strategic... (EurekAlert!)
Major increase in federal research needed to determine size of US coal reserves Jun 21, 2007
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) should lead an initiative involving the Mining Safety and Health Administration and industry -- an effort that will require additional federal funds of approximately $35 million annually, the committee said ... DOE's Office of Fossil Energy should lead this initiative, with participation by the National Science Foundation, Office of Surface Mining, NIOSH, academic institutions, and industry. (EurekAlert!)
Buttery flavor might be harmful to your health Jun 2, 2007
If there are exposures in Connecticut, which seems likely based on the 50 Connecticut businesses that received the NIOSH alert, those workers will remain unprotected. There are concerns by consumers about exposure, as well. (Orange Bulletin, CT)
Shepard Medical Products Introduces CareMates Infection Protection Product Line -- Consumer Health Products Help Protect from Communicable Diseases Li Jun 1, 2007
"When families are in the position of taking care of ill family members at home, or when travelers are on long flights, there seemed to be a gap in what consumers had available in infection protection. Shepard Medical is filling that gap with the same types of the best products available to medical facilities, meeting or exceeding the top standards set by NIOSH, ASTM International, and the CDC". " * Shepard Medical Products' Infection Protection Line includes the following products: CareMates... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Obesity Increases Risk Of Injury On The Job May 17, 2007
Association between Body Mass Index and Acute Traumatic Workplace Injury in Hourly Manufacturing Employees was supported by grants from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the NIOSH Education and Research Center for Occupational Safety and Health at the JHSPH, the Donaghue Foundation and the Network on Socioeconomic Status and Health of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Support was also... (Science Daily)
Safety agency can do better, report says May 3, 2007
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, the reports rated NIOSHs mining research arm as a 4 for both the relevance and impact of its work on the coal industrys safety performance. Despite a sharp decrease in available funds between 1998 and 2005, the NIOSH Mining Program has made major contributions to the engineering control of hazards in the workplace and the development and transfer of new knowledge to the mining industry, the academys report said ... But the 235-page report... (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
OSHA and NIOSH Jointly Publish a Safety and Health Information Bulletin to Help Protect Surgical Personnel From Needle Stick Injuries Apr 12, 2007
WASHINGTON, April 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have jointly published a Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) designed to help protect surgical personnel from needle stick injuries while using suture needles. "Surgical personnel are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne... (PR Newswire)
Compensation board's credibility questioned Feb 26, 2007
"There are definitely problems with the way Nevada Test Site workers are being handled by NIOSH," Reid spokesman Jon Summers said, referring to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. That is why Reid is working to expand special exposure coverage "and to also take this out of NIOSH's hands," Summers said ... Summers said Reid is aware of the conflict-of-interest association with Poston and other board members and has talked about it to officials with the Centers for Disease... (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Nevada News)
Understanding Occupational Safety & Health Issues of Nanotechnology: A Progress Report Feb 23, 2007
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is mandated by law to conduct research and develop guidance on worker safety and health. With limited resources over the past two years, NIOSH -- working in collaboration with partners in other federal agencies, countries, academia, industry, labor and NGOs -- has been conducting research and developing guidance to address the occupational safety and health of workers exposed to nanomaterials ... Webcast LIVE at *** What: NIOSH... (PR Newswire)
Niosh: Industrial accidents down, but don't be complacent Feb 20, 2007
PETALING JAYA: There is no room for complacency despite a significant reduction in reported industrial accident cases, said National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye ... "Niosh has introduced a safety passport programme to cater for the safety induction of workers engaged by various industries and to improve the safety practices and standard among workers, especially the workers of contractors," he added. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
MSHA urged to act quickly on mine seals Feb 14, 2007
In last weeks report, NIOSH said that sealed-area explosions could carry forces of 640 pounds per square inch or more. NIOSH experts recommended a three-tier approach to toughening mine-seal rules. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
Government calls for stronger mine seals Feb 10, 2007
The new standard may have to be significantly revised if NIOSH is correct. "If we want to design a seal for a worst case condition, we should design the seal for 640" pounds per square inch, said Jeffrey Kohler, associate director for Mine Safety and Health Research at NIOSH. ... Currently, mines must check methane levels behind seals weekly, but NIOSH is suggesting continuous monitoring, Kohler said. (Bakersfield Californian -- Nation)
Mine seals must improve Feb 10, 2007
NIOSH releases draft safety report ... But in some instances where large areas are being sealed and not closely monitored by mine operators seals need to be able to withstand far larger blasts with forces greater than 640 pounds per square inch, the new NIOSH report recommends ... Jeffrey Kohler, director of NIOSHs mining research programs, said that coal operators who dont want to closely monitor sealed areas, or gobs, need to be prepared to build much stronger seal walls. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
More of this story Feb 9, 2007
NIOSH has determined that Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is potentially carcinogenic to occupationally exposed workers. Research on the toxicity and carcinogenic qualities of tobacco smoke has demonstrated that the health risk from inhaling tobacco smoke is not limited to the smoker, but also includes those who inhale ETS in the work environment. (LaGrange Oldham Era, KY)
Bird flu: Your questions answered Feb 8, 2007
A disposable mask that bears a label from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and is rated N-95 or higher and that fits tightly over your nose and mouth can prevent inhalation of virus-bearing droplets from a cough or sneeze. Packages of them are available in hardware and building-supply stores and cost about $12 to $25. (Consumer Reports)
Fire investigations face long wait Feb 7, 2007
"An investigation by MSNBC.com shows that the CDC routinely takes as long as a month and sometimes as long as nine months to visit the scene of firefighter deaths. The CDC also:Doesn't investigate a death at all if the fire department or fire union raises an objection.Has cut back in the past three years on the number of investigations.Destroys information that could help identify patterns of hazards with firefighting equipment, training and tactics."Frankly I think the American... (MSNBC -- International)
New CDC ombudsmen busy Jan 23, 2007
We are scheduled to visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Morgantown and Pittsburgh the week of January 22. Additional visits to other Atlanta and non-Atlanta CDC facilities are planned for the months ahead. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Radiation-related compensation hard to come by Jan 22, 2007
The e-mail from Larry J. Elliott, director of compensation analysis and support for NIOSH, urged him to sign a form confirming that he has no more information to offer ... As for flaws in the test site's profile, Hatchett, the Labor Department spokeswoman, said NIOSH "is responsible for the site profiles, and if changes are made to the site profile that would affect the dose reconstruction, DOL would send the case back to NIOSH for a new dose reconstruction." ... A NIOSH spokeswoman in... (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Nevada News)
New quartz references for workplace safety Jan 20, 2007
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has estimated that at least 1 ... NIOSH has identified calibration errors as a significant factor in inconsistent results from different laboratories. (EurekAlert!)
Research advances on nanotech workplace health and safety Jan 17, 2007
Before he joined the Wilson Center in 2005, Dr. Maynard worked at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he was instrumental in developing NIOSH's nanotechnology research program. Dr. David Y.H. Pui is a well-known researcher and Distinguished McKnight University Professor at the University of Minnesota's Department of Mechanical Engineering. (EurekAlert!)
What Makes Natural Gas Smell? Methyl Mercaptan Jan 9, 2007
The American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommend an occupational exposure limit of 1 mg/m for methyl mercaptan. The federal recommendations have been updated as of July 1999. (CBS New York, NY)
Audio assault Jan 8, 2007
Sources: FDA, OSHA, DOE, NIOSH, League for the Hard of Hearing, dB Engineering, Noise Pollution Clearinghouse and Union-Tribune news sources. Clubs are loud. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Nanotech safety needs specific government risk research strategy and funding Jan 4, 2007
"Far harder is getting the federal government to take action in three critical areas: first, documenting what relevant risk research exists; second, ensuring that agencies responsible for oversight and related research--the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food Administration (FDA), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety h (NIOSH), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)--are adequately funded; and third, developing a... (EurekAlert!)
Exposing the 'Phantom Epidemic' in Silica Litigation Dec 29, 2006
"[G]iven the sheer volume of claims -- each supported by a silicosis diagnosis from a physician one would expect the [Centers for Disease Control] or NIOSH to be involved, examining and responding to this enormous epidemic. One would expect local health departments and physician groups to be mobilized. One would expect a flurry of articles and attention from the media, such as what happened in 2003 with SARS. But none of these things happened." Id. at 572. (Law.com)
Truckers' long hours, high stress take toll Dec 12, 2006
NIOSH ramped up its study of transportation workers' health after Dr. Belzer's 2003 conference. And he hopes that such research will shed light on the cost-benefits of healthier drivers. (FOX 11, AZ)
A fight for freedom Dec 10, 2006
When scientists at NIOSH want to test an idea, they turn to him ... At NIOSH, she helped conduct research on sensitivity to chemicals in the workplace. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
Cleanliness and safety checks at all NS training camps Dec 1, 2006
"Health officers at the districts where the camps are located will carry out thorough inspection two weeks before the trainees enter the camps and twice more after the intake. "The officers will look at all safety and cleanliness-related aspects, including living quarters, kitchens, food, and even water pools used for water exercises," he said when visiting the Nasuha National Service Camp here on Friday. Lee said besides, the council had also asked the National Institute of Occupational Safety... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
UC to host nanotechnology conference Dec 1, 2006
"For scientists," said Dr. John Howard, director of NIOSH, "this is a rare opportunity to meet in a dedicated forum to discuss new information, research strategies and pathways." ... Conference sponsors include the University of Cincinnati NIOSH Education & Research Center, U.S. Air Force Office for Scientific Research, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the National Science Foundation, Ohio State University, Ohio University and TSI.. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Scientists set 'Five Grand Challenges' for nanotechnology risk research Nov 16, 2006
Dr. Maynard formerly served at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he was instrumental in developing NIOSH's nanotechnology research program. He also was a member of the U.S. government's Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology (NSET) subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council, and co-chaired the Nanotechnology Health and Environmental Implications (NEHI) working group of... (EurekAlert!)
First Comprehensive Survey of Nanotechnology Safety Practices Released UCSB, Nov. 13 Nov 14, 2006
"The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is pleased to see the ICON report, which we will review with great interest in our ongoing efforts to further scientific research and provide interim recommendations on safe approaches to nanotechnology," said NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard. "We appreciate UCSB's partnership, early in their process, in inviting us to participate in the planning and design of the survey. This work will give researchers a better understanding of... (University of California Newswire, CA)
RAVES, RANTS & ROSES, NOVEMBER 7 Nov 7, 2006
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established an exposure limit for NOx at 25 ppm or 46 milligrams (1/1,000th of a gram) per cubic meter of air. Of course you're also producing a lot of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but I think I've made my point. (Tyler Morning Telegraph, TX)
Edward Peeks Oct 24, 2006
West Virginia mine regulators and others in Central Appalachia are critical of NIOSH for sitting on the report a copy of which was obtained just the other day by The Associated Press and made public ... MSHA experts are reviewing the NIOSH studies, and it is premature to comment at this time on NIOSHs results, MSHA spokesman Dirk Fillpot told the AP. ... The exposed NIOSH report confirms problems with air packs found by West Virginia and Kentucky tests, among others, since Sago. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- Business)
Nanotechnology: Next Big Thing, or Much Ado About Nothing? Oct 23, 2006
While initiatives such as the ORC Worldwide(TM) Nanotechnology Consensus Workplace Safety Guidelines, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) "Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology," and the International Council on Nanotechnology (ICON) "Review of Safety Practices in the Nanotechnology Industry," provide invaluable resources for working as safely as possible with engineered nanomaterials, Maynard believes we still have a long way to go ... Dr. Maynard joined the National... (PR Newswire)
Cabbies, clerks put lives on line Oct 9, 2006
" Three years after the federal guidelines took effect, the Department of Labor's inspector general said that OSHA did not know whether businesses were following them or even the figures on the level of violence in the workplaces. Recent studies by OSHA's research arm show that many businesses, especially small ones, have not embraced even the simplest measures, and Rosemary Erickson, a safety expert who has examined the issue for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health... (Chicago Tribune)
Maker of air packs used in mine disaster says products are safe Oct 7, 2006
Reports on earlier testing from 1982 through August 2000 indicate NIOSH found high breathing pressure and high carbon dioxide levels with CSE air packs, making it difficult for users to breathe ... CSE criticized NIOSH for testing units that it said would not have passed the company's own inspection criteria ... NIOSH obtained air packs for all the tests from mines. (NEPA News, PA)
Tests find 30% failure in oxygen packs for miners Oct 7, 2006
"I think what this points to is the importance of doing those daily inspections and doing them in the proper manner, adhering to the manufacturer's instructions," said Les Boord, director of NIOSH's National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory in South Park, which oversaw the tests. The report, available on the NIOSH Web site, is based on evaluations of more than 400 SCSRs made by four different companies ... It was in the second phase that NIOSH investigators found that 30 percent of the... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Feds find Sago Mine air packs deficient Oct 6, 2006
NIOSH said the company addressed the problems by adding a test that can detect damage and indicators that show whether air packs have been exposed to extremely high temperatures, which can damage them ... "MSHA experts are reviewing the NIOSH studies and it is premature to comment at this time on NIOSH's results," said MSHA spokesman Dirk Fillpot ... NIOSH also tested air packs made by three other manufacturers: Pleasant Prairie, Wis. (Bakersfield Californian -- Nation)
Test blast to exceed current federal standards Sep 30, 2006
While NIOSH laboratories mortared the seals to the floor, and applied Bloc Bond mortar to all sides of the block as they stacked it, workers at Sago testified that they poured dry mortar onto the mine floor, stacked the blocks atop it, and at points squeezed mortar into joints after stacking. Bennett Hatfield, president of ICG, the mine's owner, later insisted that designs did not call for the blocks to be cemented to the floor, but both MSHA and NIOSH engineers later said that the approved plan... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Lodge report on money politics Sep 12, 2006
"It doesn't have to be Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad). Any of the delegates can lodge the complaint," he told reporters on Tuesday after opening the Niosh 9th conference on Occupational Safety and Health. He added that the complaint should also be supported by evidence or facts that could be the basis of an investigation. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Najib: Make safety and health a workplace culture Sep 12, 2006
Its not just to make pronouncements but to put guidelines into practice and day-to-day actions that can save the lives of workers, he told a press conference on Tuesday after opening the Niosh 9th Conference on Occupational Safety and Health. We have to strengthen the culture. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Large Study Of World Trade Center Responders Finds Persistent Health Problems In Many Sep 7, 2006
"We are continuing our monitoring and treatment program with support from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). We encourage anyone who worked at Ground Zero, especially in the early days after September 11, who has not yet been screened, to come for an evaluation. It is important that those who gave so heroically in the aftermath of the disaster be assured that they will be able to get all the medical care they need.". Supported with ongoing federal funding from... (Science Daily)
Reducing Illnesses and Injuries in the Agricultural Workplace UCD, Sep. 05 Sep 6, 2006
Themed "Health and Safety in Western Agriculture: Research to Practice," the conference is co-sponsored by the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (WCAHS), Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (PNASH) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). At the center of the two-day conference is the new NIOSH initiative, Research to Practice (r2p), which "focuses on the transfer and translation of research findings, technologies and information... (University of California Newswire, CA)
Potential hazards to consumers from flavoring agent unchecked Aug 30, 2006
NIOSH documented that diacetyl gave off toxic vapors when it was heated and, in some of the plants, found the highest incidence of disease among workers in the quality-control areas, where the packaged corn, ready for market, was popped in microwaves and sampled. NIOSH repeatedly informed OSHA of the hazard it identified and urged a broader investigation of workplaces throughout the country that either manufacture flavorings with diacetyl or use it in thousands of consumer products. (SunSpot.net)
Nanotech's tiny revolution raises caution Aug 20, 2006
"This is a whole new category of substances," said Paul Schulte, who heads a nanotechnology research center for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH. ... Based on what's known about the damage caused by very small airborne particles, NIOSH is recommending against inhaling nanomaterials in the workplace, although no U.S. regulations require respiratory protection ... The Davis team and another at NIOSH have been trying aggressively to set up mouse inhalation tests... (Sacramento Bee)
Agency hit on worker lung ailment Aug 3, 2006
Representatives of NIOSH and OSHA were among the officials meeting Wednesday. The National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver hosted the daylong discussion that brought health investigators together for the first time to share findings on workers' health and working conditions. (Sacramento Bee)
House members fault agency for inaction on flavoring peril Aug 3, 2006
NIOSH has investigated at least six Midwest popcorn plants where hundreds of workers contracted bronchiolitis obliterans ... NIOSH investigators are concerned that workers' exposure to diacetyl in butter flavoring goes far beyond popcorn plants and that tens of thousands of workers might be at risk in food-processing plants making such items as bakery goods, candy, frozen dinners and beer ... The letter faults the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for not acting in... (SunSpot.net)
Investigative Report: Flavoring agent destroys lungs Jul 31, 2006
Some of the same NIOSH doctors found a strong link between diacetyl and the lung disease a few years ago among workers at microwave popcorn factories in the Midwest. The disease permanently disabled dozens of popcorn workers and killed at least three, according to the doctors. (Sacramento Bee)
NIOSH prepares to seek proposals for new mine air packs Jul 27, 2006
NIOSH official John Kovac said the agency wants proposals for hybrid air packs, or self-rescuers, that combine the oxygen-generating devices used today with filter self-rescuers that scrub toxins but do not provide oxygen ... NIOSH also wants proposals for air packs that allow miners to swap out chemical cartridges that generate oxygen and remove carbon-dioxide ... Kovac also said NIOSH is close to proposing new standards for certifying self-rescuers for use in coal mines. (NEPA News, PA)
Federal measures sought to combat flavoring peril Jul 26, 2006
The Sun reported in April that some NIOSH and OSHA scientists wanted to intensify investigations into illness caused by flavorings and want the government to issue regulations to protect workers. The emergency temporary standard sought by the unions and public health leaders would have OSHA set exposure limits; immediately issue a bulletin to all employers and employees stating that exposure to diacetyl might result in severe illness; and conduct inspections where workers are exposed to diacetyl... (SunSpot.net)
Report on Sago Mine disaster urges big safety changes Jul 20, 2006
In remarks to reporters prior to the report's release, Mr. McAteer reiterated his call for Omega Block not to be used, and said the investigation has so far concluded that the seals at Sago were not constructed according to plans approved by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, which based its approval on testing done by NIOSH.. Mr. McAteer's report calls for immediate reinforcement of any seals using "alternative" materials, notably the Omega Blocks that were used in the Sago... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Nanotechnology Report Calls for New Government Risk Research Strategy & Funding Jul 19, 2006
This research effort must be led by federal agencies with a clear mandate for oversight and for research of environmental, health and safety (EHS) risk -- for example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety h (NIOSH). Maynard estimates that oversight and EHS research agencies need a minimum budget of $50 million per year over the next two years to devote to highly relevant, targeted nanotechnology risk-based research, if critical knowledge... (PR Newswire)
Sago Mine seals were poorly built Jul 18, 2006
The description for building the NIOSH test seal diverges substantially from the standard for an approved Omega block seal, but matches descriptions of the construction given by witnesses, including Mr. Scott, before the investigating panel. The NIOSH test wall will be built atop a 11/2-inch-thick layer of dry mortar, called BlocBond, with no mortar between the vertical joints in the first row. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Mine Safety Tests Called Inadequate Jul 14, 2006
Now, NIOSH officials are re-examining the policy, months after fatal disasters in coal mines in West Virginia and Kentucky raised questions about the safety of the devices. "We've been looking for a long time at questions of the testing and certification standards," said NIOSH spokesman Fred Blosser, who confirmed the proposal was being reviewed again ... NIOSH certifies air packs by putting the devices on people who perform a series of activities. (CBS News)
One Sago air pack was past expiration date Jul 14, 2006
Federal regulators didn't act on the engineer's suggestions to change the tests, but NIOSH officials are now re-examining the policy. Years of government tests show CSE air packs require users to breathe far harder than other brands and tend to leave high levels of carbon dioxide in the air users are breathing. (NEPA News, PA)
Farming can be deadly business Jul 9, 2006
Through it, NIOSH aims to inform the public about farm safety. Other goals include retiring older tractors and replacing them with ROPS-equipped models. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Tests reveal potential problems with mine air packs Jul 6, 2006
His account corroborates what government scientists have uncovered: As many as 13 years ago, NIOSH found CSE air packs require users to work harder to breathe than similar devices by rival manufacturers ... But Les Boord, director of the NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, says the air packs meet performance standards specified in federal regulation ... A 2002 report on the MSHA-NIOSH study, the latest available, shows nearly 30 percent of CSE air packs, especially those... (NEPA News, PA)
Flavoring perils get harder look Jun 3, 2006
Last week, more than 60 physicians, toxicologists and other medical specialists from a dozen states, Baltimore and NIOSH took part in a conference call to discuss ways they can track and assess the health of workers exposed to the flavoring chemicals ... In Washington, investigators from the Democratic side of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce are collecting information on diacetyl, the flavoring industry and the way NIOSH and other agencies are handling worker illness ... NIOSH... (SunSpot.net)
Many complaints, fewer recalls of breathing packs for miners May 24, 2006
These aren't the first instances when NIOSH has been called in to check miners' SCSRs ... According to NIOSH spokesman Fred Blosser in Washington, D.C., only eight of those reviews resulted in recalls or replacement of the SCSRs involved ... Mr. Blosser said most of the units tested by NIOSH are done the request of the user. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Nanotech Raises Worker-Safety Questions May 2, 2006
"We have very little data to make any kind of informed societal decisions about how to deal with nanomaterials in the workplace," said Paul Schulte, the director of education and information at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). That is why a swarm of NIOSH scientists recently spent the better part of a week at Altair with nearly a ton of equipment for measuring worker exposures to nanoparticles. (Yahoo News -- Nanotechnology)
Health Highlights: April 25, 2006 Apr 27, 2006
MedlinePlus: Health Highlights: April 25, 2006. Health Highlights: April 25, 2006. (MEDLINEplus)
Fatal Disease From Flavoring Raises Flags Apr 26, 2006
Recent cases that NIOSH scientists have learned about include a man who worked at a small Baltimore-area flavoring company, a man who worked at a North Carolina potato chip plant, and an employee at a Chicago candy maker, and workers at a Cincinnati flavoring plant ... But while scientists at NIOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration want to intensify investigations, agency leaders say they don't plan to act because they believe enough is being done now. (Newsmax)
