One of three swine-flu clinics canceled in Erie area Nov 10, 2009
By JIM MARTIN About 100 high-priority patients were scheduled for flu shots Monday at Hamot Occupational Health, where another 65 people were expected to roll up their sleeves today ... Vaccine will be available for children and pregnant women at a clinic for high-priority patients being offered through Friday at Hamot Occupational Health, 5035 Peach St. Those immunizations, which are available to both pregnant women and people between the ages of 3 and 24, are available on an appointment-only... (Erie Times-News, PA)
Pitt project examines environmental threats Nov 10, 2009
"It's a big deal and this is the first piece of the puzzle in determining how the region stacks up on environmental threats versus environmental standards and other regions," said Dr. Conrad Dan Volz, assistant professor for Environmental & Occupational Health at Pitt's Graduate School of Public Health and the director and principal investigator for the threat analysis project. "We want to know what key informants and the public thinks and we'll be asking questions about threats, sources and... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Expectant moms, babies subjects of new Singapore study to prevent obesity and diabetes in adults Nov 10, 2009
" The prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Singapore is one of the highest in the world and has increased dramatically over the past three decades, from 1.9% of adults in 1975 to 8.2% in 2004. The prevalence of obesity is also rising in Singapore and increased from 5.1% of adults in 1992 to 6.9% in 2004 with almost double the prevalence of school children at over 12%. ### MEDIA CONTACTS: Dawn Sim Manager, NUHS Communications Tel: 6516 1954, Email: Peh Lay Koon Assistant Manager, NUHS... (EurekAlert!)
Monday 'common for sickness' Nov 9, 2009
Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health psychologist at the University of Lancaster, said: "People are doing more work under more demanding conditions so are under more stress and need more rest and recuperation. "Some employees may feel the weekend is not enough so they take the extra day. "But I suspect what is happening is people are lying about their reason for sickness absence. "It is more believable to use back pain as a reason as often stress is seen as a four letter word. (BBC News -- UK)
Highmark pilots workplace medical clinics Nov 7, 2009
Workplace medical clinics may, in fact, be the latest tool in taming health care costs as their design shifts to prevention from occupational health. Highmark expects the clinics to save $5 million in medical costs over five years, Little said, and the return on investment for workplace clinics for employers ranges between two-to-one and four-to-one, Hotz said. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
HCA profit jumps on admission increases Nov 6, 2009
Its West Florida division, based in Palm Harbor, includes 15 hospitals, 17 ambulatory surgery centers, numerous diagnostic imaging facilities and occupational health sites, and a regional lab. Most Read Stories. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Flu shots for workers hit sticking point Nov 6, 2009
"When you educate health care workers they will get the flu vaccine. The problem is it's not being done," said Bill Borwegen, SEIU's occupational health and safety director. The Infectious Diseases Society of America this fall called for mandatory flu shots for health workers, citing studies indicating worker vaccination protects patients from catching the virus. (USA Today)
Petty bureaucracy is creeping totalitarianism Nov 5, 2009
You become so caught up in solving the human resources issues or occupational health and safety concerns or constructing risk analysis that the original problem is rendered meaningless. Take the consultant called in recently to define the "strategy and objectives" of a big metropolitan rail network project. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Ill health 'costs economy 100bn' Nov 5, 2009
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS GPs - Current sick note system should be reformed to create fit notes, spelling out what the patient can do Employers - Should offer more support to staff including healthy lifestyle promotion, such as subsidised gym membership, as well as access to occupational health teams NHS - Call to pilot fit for health scheme, which will work via GP referral ... Firms, especially the big employers, should also establish their own occupational health and rehabilitation teams and promote... (BBC News -- Health)
PHOTO GALLERY: A new beginning for MMR Nov 4, 2009
Gen. Joseph Carter, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Tad Davis, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy Mike McGhee, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles, and US Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Ira Leighton. Carter said the event signaled the official beginning of the new era in the use and management of the Massachusetts Military Reservation. (Upper Cape Codder, MA)
Lisa Clinton Nov 3, 2009
Created:Monday, November 2, 2009 9:16 p.m.CSTFONT SIZE. The IPEM was established to provide an education and training standard for those involved in the emergency management field. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Smokers with common autoimmune disorder at higher risk for skin damage Nov 3, 2009
" ### Dr. Christian A. Pineau is a researcher in the RI-MUHC Musculoskeletal Disorders Axis, as well as co-director of the Lupus and Vasculitis clinic at the MUHC. He is also the Rheumatology Program Director and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the McGill University Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Sasha Bernatsky is a researcher in the RI-MUHC Musculoskeletal Disorders Axis, a physician in the Rheumatology Division and a member of the Clinical Epidemiology Division at the MUHC. She... (EurekAlert!)
'Fit notes' for back pain concern Nov 2, 2009
" A Department of Health spokesman said: "We recognise that GPs are not experts in occupational health, but they and their patients are experts in their patients' health. "We believe that GPs are well placed to provide appropriate advice, which the employer, who understands the demands of their workplace, can then use to decide whether or not they can safely facilitate the employee's return to work.". (BBC News -- UK)
BP Gets Record $87 Million Fine Nov 1, 2009
In a statement, the company said most of the alleged violations relate to an ongoing disagreement between OSHA and BP that is already pending before the Occupational Health and Safety Review Commission, a body that is independent of OSHA.. "We are disappointed that OSHA took this action in advance of the full consideration of the Review Commission," said Keith Casey, BP's manager of the Texas City refinery. (Click2Houston, TX)
OSHA fines BP $87m for failing to fix refinery Oct 31, 2009
The company said most of the alleged violations relate to an ongoing disagreement between OSHA and BP that is already pending before the Occupational Health and Safety Review Commission, a body that is independent of OSHA.. Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe)
After Age 55, Workplace Stress Seems to Decline Oct 31, 2009
"Work-related stress is thought to be responsible for more lost working days than any other cause, and it is becoming clear that it is also one factor affecting older workers' willingness and ability to remain in the labor force," the report's lead author, Amanda Griffiths, a professor of occupational health psychology, said in a university news release. "Therefore, protecting tomorrow's older workers, as well as today's, will pay dividends as older workers will form a major part of tomorrow's... (MEDLINEplus)
Labor Gains Obama Policies Rued by Companies From Cooper Tire to Walmart Oct 30, 2009
These include measures barring workers from getting fired because of their sexual orientation, stiffening penalties for violations of Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations, and requiring companies to provide workers with a week of paid sick leave. Obama also has scrapped a number of Bush rulings opposed by unions. (Bloomberg)
H1N1: 'pushing hospitals to their limit' Oct 27, 2009
Vaccine is in such demand, says Deborah Dooley, clinical manager of occupational health, that the hospital pharmacy treats it like a controlled substance. "I'm one of two people who can take it out," says Dooley, presiding over the triage desk where health workers learn whether they're cleared for vaccination. (USA Today)
Is the venue really to blame for Rudd no-show? Oct 27, 2009
At the caucus meeting last week, the State Labor President Bernie Riordan questioned what sort of reception Gillard would get, thanks to her changes to occupational health and safety and industrial relations laws as Federal IR minister. Source. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Asbestos risk in new code Oct 26, 2009
But the council says the code allows the demolition of dwellings with no specific requirement for proper asbestos removal and no protection for owner-builders who are not covered by occupational health and safety laws. There was also the ''potential for asbestos to be dumped or buried in yards or disposed of inappropriately. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Superstition, main cause of maternal morbidity in Ghana - NGOs Oct 22, 2009
Mr Bruce called on government to expedite action on the passage of the Mental Health Bill, occupational Health Bill and the Allied Health Bill to ensure efficient and effective health care delivery in the country. He said government on reviewing legislations governing the National Health Insurance Scheme, should create adequate avenues for the contributions and input of Civil Society and include clients in the National Health Insurance Authority. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
County fears delay in getting H1N1 flu vaccine Oct 22, 2009
Brian Blom, director of occupational health and safety at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby, said the hospital experienced heavier than normal ER use over the weekend but not all cases were influenza-related. "We are seeing a little increase in the number of patients presenting with influenza-type illnesses but we're able to handle the amount of cases we're seeing," said Debra Anderson, director of nursing at Central Lakes Medical Clinic in Crosby. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
New department chair has expert seated comfortably Oct 22, 2009
School of Occupational Health appoints new leader ... D., will become the chair for the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, a new position created for the expert himself ... "That supports tuition and stipends and some research efforts of about 30 grad students and doctors training to become occupational health specialists, explained Newman. What s unique about this department is the other areas in which the faculty works; some professors work at CU Boulder, some at UC Denver,... (UCD Advocate, CO)
Solantic offers pre-paid cards Oct 21, 2009
The Solantic Card was developed as a mechanism to supplement high-deductible health insurance plans, cover co-pays and fund occupational health and wellness services, but also provides an attractive option for employers who don t provide traditional health benefits, said Karen Bowling, president and CEO of the Jacksonville-based company, which has 29 Florida clinics. With the many changes that have occurred in the health care arena in recent years, it simply made sense to offer the broad range... (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Mercury Levels In Children With Autism And Those Developing Typically Are The Same, Study Finds Oct 21, 2009
"We looked at blood-mercury levels in children who had autism and children who did not have autism," said lead study author Irva Hertz-Picciotto, an internationally known MIND Institute researcher and professor of environmental and occupational health. "The bottom line is that blood-mercury levels in both populations were essentially the same. However, this analysis did not address a causal role, because we measured mercury after the diagnosis was made.". (Science Daily)
Mercury Levels Not Abnormal in Autistic Children Oct 21, 2009
"Not only do we not see differences, but the values are pretty close to national averages," said study author Irva Hertz-Picciotto, chief of environmental and occupational health and a faculty member at the MIND Institute at the University of California, Davis ... D., chief, environmental and occupational health, and faculty member, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis; Patricia Manning-Courtney, M.D., associate professor, clinical pediatrics, and medical director, The Kelly O'Leary... (MEDLINEplus)
BREAKING: Florida, Alabama, Texas lead BCS standings Oct 19, 2009
Florida, Alabama, Texas lead BCS standings 101809 - The Augusta Chronicle. Florida, Alabama, Texas lead BCS standings Associated Press Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 6:14 p.m.. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Florida takes top spot in first BCS standings Oct 19, 2009
NEW YORK - Florida, Alabama and Texas hold the top three spots in the first BCS standings and control their fates in the national championship race. 988) are in first, just ahead of the Crimson Tide. (The Augusta Chronicle)
JoRae Jenkins Oct 19, 2009
Newcomer Jenkins stresses teamwork 100409 - The Augusta Chronicle. That's not necessarily an advantage. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Scot emerges from playoff with first win Oct 19, 2009
LAS VEGAS - The higher the stakes, the calmer Martin Laird became. The 26-year-old Scot won the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open on Sunday for his first PGA Tour title, beating George McNeill with a birdie on the third hole of a playoff in the Fall Series event. (The Augusta Chronicle)
For a healthier retirement, work a little Oct 17, 2009
The findings held true even after controlling for age, sex, financial status, education level and physical and mental health before retirement, according to the study in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology. "There are tons of reasons why working is good for you," said study co-author Mo Wang, an associate professor in the department of psychology at the University of Maryland. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Swine flu 6 months later: Relief, but winter looms Oct 16, 2009
Aaron Kalinowski receives a dose of the swine flu vaccine in the Occupational Health Clinic at Wishard Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis on Oct. 5, 2009. . (MSNBC -- Health)
Thursday, October 15, 2009 Oct 15, 2009
Occupational Health Coordinator Augusta, GA Manufacturing Plant This position is responsible for. (). (The Augusta Chronicle)
Total retirement 'bad for you' Oct 15, 2009
The University of Maryland study appears in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology ... " Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health psychologist at the University of Lancaster, said: "All the evidence suggests that if your mental wellbeing is depleted it will affect you physically. (BBC News -- Health)
Study: Working past retirement boosts health Oct 14, 2009
Those who continue to work in their original field also have better mental health than those who change fields, according to a study published in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology published by the American Psychological Association. The researchers interviewed 12,189 participants, aged 51 to 61, every two years over a six-year period beginning in 1992 about their health, finances, employment and retirement. (MSNBC -- Health)
Snake Handling 101 Oct 14, 2009
SOUNDBITE (English) Sonia Dewdney, Reptile Researcher and Breeder: "Under the occupational health and safety regulations in Australia, if a person is going to be in a situation in their workplace where they are likely to encounter a snake, then they need to be trained appropriately how to deal with that situation.". Students are taught how to catch a snake using a canvas bag so that it can be relocated to a safer area. (National Geographic)
School cash 'wasted' on fees Oct 14, 2009
The fee percentage in the preliminary cost estimate is the cost of site supervision, which includes working-with-children checks, the management of occupational health and safety, and trade licence checks, reviewing and assessing safe working statements,'' Mr Coutts-Trotter said. Join the conversation. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
People Who Work After Retiring Enjoy Better Health, According To National Study Oct 14, 2009
The findings are reported in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, published by the American Psychological Association ... Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 2009; Vol. 14, No. 4. (Science Daily)
Worker dies in Philly after 125-foot fall Oct 13, 2009
Investigators want to know whether James Wilson, 40, of Glassboro, N.J., was strapped into the bucket of the boom lift as he worked on a church roof. He may have free-fallen to the ground, they said. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Workplace wellness progs really work! Oct 13, 2009
Regular physical activity Stress management/reduction Early detection/screening Smoking/tobacco cessation and prevention Nutrition education and promotion Weight management Disease management Cardiovascular disease education, including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator training Work environment changes that encourage healthy behaviours and promote occupational health and safety. Read business stories in. (India Times)
Common herbicides and fibrates block nutrient-sensing receptor found in gut and pancreas Oct 10, 2009
Using an interdisciplinary approach, scientists collaborate in the programmatic areas of sensation and perception; neuroscience and molecular biology; environmental and occupational health; nutrition and appetite; health and well-being; development, aging and regeneration; and chemical ecology and communication. For more information about Monell, visit. (EurekAlert!)
There's gold in them thar steppes Oct 8, 2009
Both Blewitt and Bailey believe that Australia has a good reputation and is well regarded in terms of our standards - especially in occupational health and safety and mine regulation. There used to be a lot of 'cowboy miners' here'' - described by a local Mongolian economist Altantsetseg Shilegmaa as ''Ninja miners'' - ''but fortunately Australia was not amongst them'', added Blewitt. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Crane topples toward rail tracks in Wellesley Hills Oct 7, 2009
Wellesley Police and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration are investigating the incident. Staff Photographer Jim Walker contributed to this report. (Wellesley Townsman, MA)
Your best resource Oct 6, 2009
Brainwave HRs main focus is management coaching; help on hiring, terminations and provision of employee job descriptions and performance indicators; and HR policy manuals, including occupational health and safety. The business has grown over eight years, and doubled in revenue this year. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld Oct 6, 2009
So vast, it's housed in a shed a quick dash across the highway from the art deco hotel (occupational health and safety inspectors please disregard that statement). It comprises some 2200 labels, including what they say is Australia's best collection of burgundy and bordeaux. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
The best of the fest Oct 4, 2009
Audiences are free to wander through the dark among the spinning objects, which might be an occupational health and safety officer's nightmare but has had well-received runs in other parts of the world. Send us your reviews - the good, the bad, the also-ran. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
The Pres' Palouse Park Bench - An Open Letter Oct 3, 2009
OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) says you should only be exposed to that amount of noise for 15 minutes. In short, it's loud as hell. (Washington State Sports -- Rivals.com)
Green, but in the pink financially Oct 3, 2009
For one thing, International Power has to abide by both the national electricity rules, licence conditions and state laws on, for example, occupational health and safety. The Australian Energy Regulator monitors energy generators compliance with technical standards such as any voltage fluctuations and dips which might compromise the secure, safe operation of the electricity system. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Workplace Wellness Seems to Really Work Oct 2, 2009
Work environment changes that encourage healthy behaviors and promote occupational health and safety. The policy statement was published Sept 30 in Circulation. (MEDLINEplus)
'Failed' treasurer Costa warns on health budget Oct 1, 2009
The Federal Government needed to cover key areas, Mr Costa said, calling for national industrial relations and occupational health and safety systems. States should avoid areas such as consumer affairs that could be handled on a uniform basis nationally. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Town earns insurance rebates Sep 30, 2009
Workers' Compensation Attended seminars, participated in Occupational Health Connect Program, had a very active Safety Committee and conducted extensive in-house safety training with employees. The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) is the non-profit insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). (Chelmsford Independent, MA)
Bracing for unusual flu season Sep 25, 2009
Businesses can also contact Sonoma Valley Hospital's Occupational Health Department to set up a flu shot clinic for employees. "All we ask is that there are at least 10 people there," said Dawn Kuwahara, director of professional services for Occupational Health. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Tri-States Escalante Station earns prestigious status Sep 25, 2009
CIBOLA COUNTY - Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, owner and operator of the Escalante Generating Station in Prewitt, was awarded the special Zia Star Voluntary Protection Program status on Sept. 22 from the New Mexico Environment Department Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, in conjunction with the federal Occupational Safety and health Administration. (Use arrows above to view more photos). (Grants Cibola County Beacon, NM)
Twice bitten but definitely not shy - snake handlers in demand Sep 25, 2009
Australia has 19 of the world's 23 most venomous snakes, and the country's all-pervasive occupational health and safety regulations are stretching even to them ... Mr Burns's personal occupational health and safety might suggest a new line of work. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Less than best not acceptable on worker safety Sep 24, 2009
Unions want to see our occupational health and safety laws improved. A new national system gives workers and their families an opportunity to have the best laws from around our country. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
California's successful health care reform Sep 24, 2009
Daniel D. Crowley is CEO of U.S. HealthWorks, the largest operator of occupational health clinics in California. The privately held company is based in Valencia (Los Angeles County). (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
11 great tips for start-ups Sep 23, 2009
Occupational Health & Safety policies will vary according to your sector; ensure you cover off the requirements. 5. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Piedmont out of flu vaccine Sep 16, 2009
Officials did not order that much vaccine because only about 42 percent of employees typically take the vaccination, said Talei Akahoshi, director of occupational health at Piedmont Healthcare. Donna Cary, a spokeswoman for Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine division of French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis, can t speak specifically about Piedmont. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Bisbee council moves forward on street work Sep 15, 2009
The council members also will discuss contracting with Copper Queen Community Hospital to provide occupational health services for employee physicals, breath tests, drug screens and hepatitis immunizations. Dan Cavanaugh, Freeport McMoRan Inc. manager of southern Arizona government relations, will present a flag to the city that was flown at the U.S. Capitol Building on President Barack Obama s Inauguration Day to honor Constitution Week. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
2009 Heinz Award recipients Sep 15, 2009
D., 61, Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental and Occupational Health, Augusta, for her research yielding new understanding about exposure to toxicants during human development. Dr. Ricke's research into neurotoxicology, the study of the interactions has demonstrated that early exposure to major environmental pollutants -- lead, methylmercury and PCBs -- can plant the seeds for later deficits in cognitive, sensory and motor function. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Unions launch ad blitz against workplace laws Sep 14, 2009
Radio advertisements across Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne stations will warn that workers' ''lives are at risk'' if ''big business gets its way'' with changes to occupational health and safety laws. The ACTU would not disclose how much it had spent on the advertising campaign across major east coast cities. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Labor in a flap as Senate plays game of chicken Sep 14, 2009
In contrast, the Opposition did not try again to stop the Safe Work Australia bill to get a national harmonised regime for occupational health and safety. That would have fallen into the double dissolution basket which is still empty. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Uravan lawsuit: Health hazards from the past versus today Sep 13, 2009
Cotter also violated Colorado occupational health standards 24 times in 2002, directly resulting in a plant shutdown, had significant deficiencies in 2003, was cited in 2004 and 2005 for worker exposure to over the twice the federal standard for soluble uranium ... Mining occupational health exposure, including that at current uranium mines, is difficult to control for ionizing radiation or gamma and beta radiation that results from worker drilling and blasting surrounding concentrated veins of... (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Common sense the best approach to avoiding H1N1 Sep 12, 2009
Covering your cough, washing your hands and disinfecting commonly used objects, such as door knobs or computer keyboards, can help keep the virus at bay, said Toni Pint-Burke, director of Allen Hospital's Occupational Health division. Tissues and hand sanitizer also should be readily available, she added. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Harry Winston Diamond Corporation Announces Second Quarter Fiscal 2010 Results Sep 11, 2009
The operation of the Diavik Diamond Mine, exploration activities at the Diavik Project and the manufacturing of jewelry and watches are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment, exploration, development, production, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, mine safety, manufacturing safety and other matters. New laws and regulations, amendments to existing laws and regulations, or more stringent implementation or changes in... (PR Newswire)
