Archive for NIOSH
Scientific Peer Review During the Pandemic and Beyond: Changes, Benefits, and Impacts
The COVID-19 pandemic began significantly impacting the operations of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in March 2020. Travel restrictions were implemented, and CDC employees ordered to work from home. The Office of Extramural Programs (OEP) Review Team had a confirmed in-person peer review meeting for World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) research applications occurring within a week. Suddenly it was impossible to convene this, or any, in-person panel to Read more [...]
Taking Action on Health Equity: A Tale of 2 Clinics
It was the best of timing, it was the worst of timing. As an Occupational Medicine physician, my patients describe their work to me every day. Through these descriptions, I learn a lot about their health and well-being. Managing health in the work environment is important to overall health; yet work information is not captured in a standardized way in most medical encounters. Timely interventions to address hazardous work exposures are an actionable component of ensuring health equity, where everyone Read more [...]
Workplace Lead Exposure Trends
What do home renovations, bullet manufacturing, and battery recycling have in common? You could be exposed to lead while working with materials used during these activities.
Keeping Manufacturing Workers Safe: National Manufacturing Day/Month and Beyond
The blog content expands on information presented in the NIOSH Manufacturing Mondays series. Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is celebrated on the first Friday of October and has expanded in some states and organizations to Manufacturing Week or Month. In addition to being an opportunity to showcase modern manufacturing, it’s also an opportunity to inspire the next generation of workers to begin careers in manufacturing. The observance is recognized through a series of focused events throughout Read more [...]
A Case Study to Demonstrate Noise and Ergonomic Issues in the Workplace
October is National Protect Your Hearing Month and National Ergonomics Month. Lacey is a veterinary technician who recently started working at a local veterinary clinic that cares for small pets. The clinic sees animals for routine visits but also provides specialty services like general surgery, dental care, grooming, and boarding services. Lacey loves working hands on with the animals but, lately, she’s experiencing some concerning symptoms. One part of Lacey’s job is assisting Read more [...]
The Evolution of Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirators and Exhalation Valves
Interest in using elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs) as an alternative to N95®* filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) in healthcare settings is growing because of their ability to be cleaned, disinfected, and reused. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the high demand for N95 FFRs caused national supply shortages, leading organizations to rely on other types of respiratory protection such as EHMRs. However, at that time, all NIOSH Approved® EHMRs had exhalation valves Read more [...]
NIOSH News for National Nanotechnology Day!
Every year on October 9th we celebrate National Nanotechnology Day. The date 10-9 pays homage to the nanometer scale: 10–9 (one billionth of a meter). Anything that can be measured in nanometers is extremely small! For instance, the width of a strand of human hair is about 90,000 nanometers, bacteria are between 300–5,000 nanometers, viruses are 5–300 nanometers, the diameter of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is 2.5 nanometers, and a single atom is 0.1–0.5 nanometers. Read more [...]
Reflecting on the NIOSH Education and Research Centers’ Continuing Education and Outreach
In recognition of the 45th anniversary of the Education and Research Centers (ERCs), we reflect on the Centers’ four decades as a NIOSH-funded grantee. This blog, which is the last in a 3-part series on the ERCs, focuses on the Centers’ effectiveness in serving as a resource to our nation’s workforce through continuing education and outreach. We encourage you to also check out the previous two blogs on ERC training and research. Background Continuing education and outreach are a Read more [...]
What Is Employment Quality? How Can We Study It for Occupational Health Equity?
Full-time, permanent employment that offers benefits and protection has been considered the standard work arrangement, but certain jobs are moving away from this standard. Precarious employment, for example, is characterized by insecurity, short-term contracts, and limited access to workers’ rights and protection [NIOSH Strategic Plan, 2022]. These aspects of work represent employment quality (EQ). Employment Quality takes into account employment stability (e.g., the type and length of Read more [...]
Algorithms and the Future of Work
An algorithm is a series of precise, step-by-step instructions used by a machine to perform a mathematical operation.[1] The use of algorithm-enabled systems and devices will bring many benefits to occupational safety and health but, as with many new technologies, there are also risks to workers. A new commentary in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine focuses on new sources of worker risk that algorithms present in the use of worker management systems, advanced sensor technologies, and robotic Read more [...]
World Trade Center Health Program — More Than a Decade Providing Health Monitoring and Treatment
In 2022, over 14,000 members of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program self-identify as Hispanic. This blog is dedicated to our Spanish-speaking audience as a message of outreach and as an overview of the WTC Health Program and research over the last decade. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the many survivors and responders of 9/11, who require care in the WTC Health Program. This blog post is also available en español. Origins of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Read more [...]
Programa de Salud del World Trade Center: Más de una década de proveer monitoreo y tratamiento médico
En el 2022, más de 14 000 miembros del Programa de Salud del World Trade Center (WTC) se identificaron como hispanos. Este blog está dedicado a nuestra audiencia de habla hispana, como mensaje de alcance comunitario con una descripción general del Programa de Salud del WTC y de las investigaciones realizadas en la última década. En el Mes de la Herencia Hispana de este año, honramos a los muchos sobrevivientes y miembros del personal de respuesta de los ataques Read more [...]
Setting Objectives for Fatigue Detection Technologies
This is the third blog in the series on fatigue detection technologies. Work-related fatigue can have serious consequences for worker health and safety if not properly managed. One effective option for mitigating work-related fatigue is a well-designed fatigue risk management plan, which can be informed by many approaches and tools, such as fatigue detection technologies (FDTs). However, part of using any tool is understanding the capabilities and limitations of what it can do, and FDTs Read more [...]
Seasoned Employees in the Landscaping Services Industry
As in many other industries, the average age for workers in the landscaping services industry* has been rising, from 38.1 in 2011 to 40.9 in 2019. While knowledge and skills generally improve with age, physical abilities such as strength, reaction time, and balance may decline. Typically, the injury rate for older workers is lower than for younger workers. When older workers get injured, the injuries are more likely to be severe and expensive and lead to more lost time from the workplace. The NIOSH Read more [...]
Highlights from a New Report on Indicators of Workplace Violence
Federal agencies recently published a joint statistical report on workplace violence entitled Indicators of Workplace Violence, 2019. The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) examined incidents of fatal and nonfatal violence that occurred against persons at work or on duty, or violence that was away from work but over work-related issues from 1992 to 2019. The report includes data for Read more [...]
Labor Day 2022: A Statement by NIOSH Director, John Howard, MD
On the first Monday of September, we have an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the incredible contributions and achievements of American workers. Labor Day is an important reminder of the impact of the U.S. workforce and of our vision for safer, healthier workers. Sometimes, the greatest threats to workers are ones we cannot see. Work stress can negatively impact workers’ mental and physical health. We know that increased negative mental health symptoms among workers are linked to increased Read more [...]
NIOSH Miner Health Program Addresses Substance Use and Work
Drug overdoses have accelerated over the past two decades, and in 2017, the United States Department of Health and Human Services deemed the opioid crisis a public health emergency. In April of 2021, the U.S. surpassed 100,000 drug overdose deaths for the preceding 12-month period, marking a nearly 29% increase from the previous 12-months. This milestone is 80% higher than the number of deaths for the same period five years prior.[1] The overdose epidemic has been fueled by the rapid Read more [...]
Pre-pandemic Mental Health and Well-being of Healthcare Workers
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers faced substantial work-related stress. Most research on the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers has focused on physicians and nurses, with less attention paid to other healthcare occupations. Recent research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated the pre-pandemic mental health and well-being of a broad range of healthcare workers, including lower-wage healthcare support workers with patient Read more [...]
Students Making Their Mark at NIOSH
Training the next generation of occupational safety and health specialists is a critical part of the NIOSH mission. Most training is done through the NIOSH supported Education and Research Centers (see related blog). In addition to these formal programs, each year NIOSH is fortunate to host student interns within the Institute. NIOSH staff give students a glimpse into the type of work conducted at NIOSH and the students’ work provides real benefit to NIOSH researchers. Summaries of many of Read more [...]
Risk-Based Model to Resume Field Research and Public Health Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many workplaces across the world strictly limited or ceased in-person activities, including parts of the Federal government. While much work continued remotely, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) needed to make decisions about allowing employees to travel to conduct workplace safety and health field research and public health service work. To assist with these decisions, NIOSH developed a risk-based model to conduct fieldwork, balancing Read more [...]
Are Insurer Risk Control Services Effective?
Workers’ Compensation Risk Control Workers’ compensation insurance systems provide medical care and lost-time wage payments for workers who are injured or become ill due to work. Workers’ compensation insurers also provide employer risk control services including: Onsite risk assessment visits Video-based safety and ergonomic job analyses Industrial hygiene air/noise sampling, and physical hazard assessments Safety program development Training The main purpose of risk control service Read more [...]
NIOSH Education and Research Centers: Research
As discussed in a previous NIOSH Science Blog, NIOSH Education and Research Centers: Training, there are 18 NIOSH-funded Education and Research Centers (ERCs) that engage in meaningful research, training, and outreach activities across 17 states. In honor of the 45th anniversary of the ERCs, this blog will highlight research activities conducted by the ERCs. The interdisciplinary nature of the centers gives rise to a broad spectrum of research priorities that range from mechanistic studies investigating Read more [...]
Strategies for Advancing Occupational Safety and Health: Examining Health Inequities
How can we improve occupational safety and health research to better address health inequities? The United States has a long history of occupational safety and health (OSH) research, policy, and intervention. Despite this, long-standing occupational health inequities continue, with underserved workers experiencing higher rates of injury and illness. Occupational Health Equity Program researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently wrote a commentary published Read more [...]
Día Mundial contra el Cáncer 2020. Reflexiones acerca de una década de investigación de NIOSH sobre el cáncer
Este blog se publicó originalmente en inglés en el 2020. Contiene una gran cantidad de recursos que todavía son relevantes hoy en día; por eso estamos publicando el blog en español, para compartir esta información con una audiencia más amplia. El 4 de febrero del 2020 es el Día Mundial contra el Cáncer, y estamos reflexionando acerca de las investigaciones sobre el cáncer ocupacional que se están realizando Read more [...]
National Marble Day: A Look at the Manufacturing of Glass Marbles
The blog content comes from the NIOSH Manufacturing Mondays series. July 23rd is National Marble Day. There is much more to these little spheres than you might think. Although the game of marbles was originally played by children, it grew into a fun pastime for adults as well. There are treasure hunts to find special marbles; collectors seek out old marbles as well as the beautiful creations of modern glass makers. Marbles have been used for play for thousands of years. In ancient Rome, Read more [...]
Exposure Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Refined Coal Tar Sealant Applications
Coal tar sealants are applied as a protective coating for paved surfaces. Many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are found in these sealants. Several of these PAHs are known or suspected to cause, or increase the risk of developing cancer, but to date there has been no published research on workplace exposures to coal-tar-based sealant. Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) undertook the first occupational exposure assessment study for PAHs Read more [...]
Education and Training Concerning Masks and Respirators for Construction Workers
Various types of masks and respirators are receiving increased attention in many workplaces, including on construction sites. Use of masks is part of a multi-layered prevention strategy for COVID-19, and many workplaces require or encourage employees to wear them. Masks are designed to cover a person’s mouth and nose to help contain large droplets or airborne particles when a person exhales, coughs, or sneezes. Respirators provide crucial respiratory protection by filtering out small airborne Read more [...]
ERCs Partner to Offer Webinar Series on Human Factors and Ergonomics and Industrial Hygiene
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the NIOSH Education and Research Centers (ERC) which are extramurally funded university-based centers that carry out multidisciplinary education and research training activities and offer graduate and postgraduate training in the core and allied fields of occupational safety and health. The ERCs serve as a resource for our nation’s workforce through continuing education[1] and outreach. Together, the 18 ERC Continuing Education Programs provide critical Read more [...]
What Measures Can Companies Use to Evaluate Safety Management Practices and Identify Opportunities for Improvement?
What measures can companies use to evaluate safety efforts and identify opportunities for improvement? The most commonly used measures of safety performance are lagging indicators such as injury counts and costs.1,2 While lagging indicators can be beneficial, using them as the only measure of safety can be a barrier to safety improvement. For example, companies with few injuries may not have enough information to identify trends3, as is often the case for smaller companies. In Read more [...]
Fireworks
The blog content comes from the NIOSH Manufacturing Mondays series. The Fourth of July is the quintessential American holiday. Not only are we celebrating the birth of our nation, but we take a break in the heat of summer to participate in parades, cookouts, swimming, and FIREWORKS! While many of us enjoy the exhilaration of a professional fireworks display: the flashes of light, bright colors, and explosive noises, most of us have probably never thought much about what goes into Read more [...]
Workplace Medical Mystery Solved: What Is Making This Roofer Sick?
Ray worked as a roofer and started feeling sick during work. His symptoms started halfway through the first day and, by the end of the second day, he felt even worse with a headache, cough, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. At the doctor’s office, his tests came back normal. Read more about his case here. When Ray and his coworkers got sick, the roofing company ordered an investigation. On the days crew members got sick, they were placing a rubber membrane on the roof using a Read more [...]
Workplace Medical Mystery: What Is Making This Roofer Sick?
Ray drove to his work site on Monday morning, sipping coffee along the way. Spring was almost over, and everything was in full bloom. He was thankful for a cloudy day and cranked up the air conditioning, he knew he would start sweating once he got to work. Today Ray and his crew were working on a rubber roofing membrane installation. Ray parked and walked over to where the crew was setting up. Everyone was sharing stories from the weekend, but Ray hadn’t left the house since his kids came home Read more [...]
Climatologic Conditions, Chronic Disease and Work: Emerging Evidence and Implications
As concerns about climatologic conditions (CC) are rising globally they remain poorly addressed in many settings such as the workplace. Climate-related hazards such as heat exposure and extreme weather events are and will continue to shape workers’ work experiences, risks for chronic disease, other health outcomes, and productivity. As such, central goals for occupational safety and health (OSH) need to include a better understanding of and targeted approaches to prevent and reduce the Read more [...]
Pausas para ir al baño
Aunque los trabajadores pueden suponer que tendrán acceso a baños en el trabajo, muchos que laboran en una amplia gama de sectores comerciales y ocupaciones dicen que no pueden hacer las pausas que necesitan para ir al baño mientras están trabajando.1-6 Las pausas insuficientes para ir al baño son algo importante que hay que considerar en lo que a la salud y la seguridad se refiere en muchos puestos de trabajo, como los que incluyen la atención de pacientes Read more [...]
The Manufacture and Selection of Eye Protection at Work
The blog content comes from the NIOSH Manufacturing Mondays series. June 6th was National Eyewear Day (and May was Healthy Vision Month). To celebrate we are highlighting eye protection at work. Thousands of people each year experience work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with the proper selection and use of eye and face protection. Ensuring that workers wear proper eye protection and have it available is an important aspect of work safety management programs. Read more [...]
The Role of Robotics in the Future of Work
NIOSH established the Future of Work Initiative in response to rapid changes in the workplace, work, and workforce. The Initiative seeks to prompt research and practical approaches to address future occupational safety and health concerns. Increased use and rapid technologic advances in robotics fits within the sphere of changes in how work will increasingly be done. The rapid increase in use, and new types of robots, has resulted in numerous knowledge gaps on how robotics technologies can Read more [...]
