Study: Muscle Biofeedback Assessment Reduces Injuries, Improves Worker Productivity
According to a new study, surface electromyography (SEMG), a biofeedback instrument used to measure muscle tension, can help create an ergonomic analysis of worker behavior, posture and movement to determine how injuries occur and how to prevent them in the future...
Researchers Debunk Myth that Motorcycle Helmets Can Increase Injury Risk in Crashes
Motorcycle helmets, long known to dramatically reduce the number of brain injuries and deaths from crashes, also appear to be associated with a lower risk of cervical spine injury, new research from Johns Hopkins suggests...
All in the Family: Lower Back Disease May be in Your Genes
Symptomatic lumbar disc disease, a condition caused by degeneration or herniation of the discs of the lower spine, may be inherited, according to a new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS)...
The Importance of Ergonomics for the Safety Professional
It is a new year and as a safety professional, you already have a full plate. Dealing with identifying risk, maintaining compliance and regulatory standards, developing training, keeping budgets and ergonomics too?...
OSHA Withdraws Proposed MSD Column on Injury/Illness Logs
On Jan. 25, OSHA announced that it has temporarily withdrawn its proposal to restore a column for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) on employer injury and illness logs, citing concerns from small businesses. Some safety stakeholders, however, expressed disappointment over the withdrawal...
Study: Shoveling Snow is Risky Business
In addition to being a dreaded wintertime chore, shoveling snow can be hazardous and is associated with many serious, even fatal events among both adults and children. A recent study found that an average of 11,500 snow shoveling-related injuries and medical emergencies were treated in U.S. emergency departments each year from 1990 to 2006...
AIHA: Workplace Exposures Should Be Included in National Prevention Strategy
In a Jan. 11 letter to the National Prevention Council, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) commented on the National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy, raising “deep concerns” about the lack of consideration for medical conditions caused by workplace exposures...
Report: We Spend More Time Sick Now Than A Decade Ago
Increased life expectancy in the United States has not been accompanied by more years of perfect health, reveals new research published in the December issue of the Journal of Gerontology...
OSHA Releases Fall Regulatory Agenda
OSHA’s fall semi-annual regulatory agenda was published in the Federal Register Dec. 20, featuring updates on regulatory actions including the Injury and Illness Prevention Program, modernizing recording and reporting requirements, infectious diseases, hazard communication, combustible dust and more...
At-Home Safety: Study Highlights Dangers of Exertional Heat-Related Injuries
According to a new study, nearly a quarter of exertional heat-related injuries – injuries occurring as a result of exercise or physical activity during warm or hot temperatures – are sustained during everyday activities such as yard work, home maintenance or moving furniture...
At-Home Safety: Risk of Recreational Shoulder Injuries Common Around the Holidays
Around the holidays, even the friendliest game of flag football can lead to injury. According to sports medicine doctors at Hospital for Special Surgery, older and newly active recreational athletes particularly are at risk for shoulder injuries...
AIHA Unveils Top EHS Public Policy Issues for 2011-2012
The American Industrial Hygiene Association’s (AIHA) biennial membership survey revealed the most pressing public policy issues within the EHS profession over the next 2 years, with PELs and OSHA’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program topping the list...
Material Handling: What You Need to Know to Move Those Heavy Loads Safely
Choosing the best material handling product doesn’t have to be a back-breaking job. Use these pointers to get a move on your decision...
EEOC Explores Plight of Older Workers in Current Economic Climate
In a Nov. 17 meeting, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) heard testimony that age discrimination is causing the nation’s older workers to have a difficult time maintaining and finding new employment, a problem exacerbated by the downturn in the economy...
Study Reveals Important Fitness Measures for Firefighters
Two physical fitness measures – aerobic fitness and resistance to muscle fatigue – are key to firefighters’ ability to pass a standard test of firefighting skills, according to a study published in the November issue of The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research...
Study: Employees Who Retire Early Often Pressured To Do So
Workers who agreed to take early retirement were likely to not have considered that option if it hadn't been for pressure at the workplace to do so, according to a new study from the University of Haifa in Israel...
Falls Are the Leading Injury-Related Cause of ER Visits
If you or someone you know has been treated in the emergency department recently after suffering a fall, you are not alone. Unintentional falls are the leading injury-related reason for why people seek emergency care, with almost 9 million visits occurring each year, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...
ASSE: Ergonomics Programs Save Money, Prevent Injuries
Workplace musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most significant occupational safety and health problems in the United States, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) Ergonomics Branch is providing tips to help reduce MSDs at work and at home as part of October’s National Ergonomics Month...
NSC: Busting the “Safety is Boring” Myth
During the closing session of the National Safety Council (NSC) Congress and Expo on Oct. 6, Richard Hawk discussed the future of safety and encouraged EHS professionals to lighten up their safety training – and improve worker productivity, safety and well-being in the process...
NSC: Demonstrating the Business Value of Ergonomics
In an Oct. 6 session at the 2010 National Safety Council (NSC) Congress and Expo, Deepesh Desai, CPE, ergonomics engineer with Humantech Inc., shared tips for demonstrating the value of ergonomics programs to management and evaluating return on investment (ROI)...
Is the One-on-One Office Assessment Dead?
In the office, the science of ergonomics commonly is applied to the design, selection and setup of equipment to ensure a proper fit and an engaging work environment....
OSHA, Shipbuilding Group Alliance Set Goals to Ensure Workers’ Safety
Educating workers about their rights and job hazards, with an emphasis on developing materials and programs for limited- and non-English speaking workers, are among the goals of a recent alliance between OSHA and the Shipbuilding Group. The alliance will provide shipyard workers and employers with informational tools and access to training resources to help prevent worker injuries and illnesses...
PA Governor Rendell Proclaims ‘Employ Older Workers Week’
Gov. Edward G. Rendell proclaimed this week as “Employ Older Workers” week in Pennsylvania to recognize the significant contributions of older workers across the state...
Use It or Lose It: NIOSH’s Howard Addresses Aging Work Force Issues
At the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP) National Conference in Atlanta, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Director John Howard, M.D., discussed how the aging work force and employee demographic shifts will affect safety and productivity in the future. EHS Today caught up with Howard after the conference on Sept. 15 to learn more about the aging work force, nanotechnology, the agency’s priorities and more...
Former CSB Chairman Discusses Deepwater Horizon Investigation, Board Priorities
John Bresland, former chairman and current board member of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB), spoke with EHS Today about the board’s investigation into the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion, the board’s priorities, combustible dust regulation and more...
