Helicopter Rescue Launched for 11 Green Berets on Colorado Peak

LUIS MARTINEZ

Updated 8 mins ago

A helicopter rescue was launched for 11 Army Special Forces soldiers on the summit of Longs Peak in Colorado after two of them suffered altitude sickness that extended a one-day mountain exercise into a two-day affair, military officials said today.

Helicopters were requested to remove them from the mountain peak after it was determined it would be easier for the soldiers to complete scaling the mountain rather than going down the mountain, officials said.

The 11 Green Berets, who belong to the 10th Special Forces Group based at Fort Carson, Colorado, were conducting a mountain training exercise Thursday at Longs Peak that was only supposed to last the day, according to Lt. Col. Sean Ryan, a spokesman for the 10th Special Forces Group,

But two of the soldiers got altitude sickness and the rest of the group decided to stay on the mountain overnight to tend to their colleagues, Ryan said.

"Late last night, Rocky Mountain National Park staff were notified that a group of ten people were requesting assistance on Kiener's Route on Longs Peak," said Kyle Patterson, a spokesperson for the park. It was unclear why park officials said 10 people while military officials said 11 people.

"A few members reported having some degree of distress and were having difficulty continuing up the route," Patterson said. "The group continues to self-rescue by assisting each other to climb to the summit of Longs Peak."

The soldiers determined it would be easier to proceed to the mountain's summit rather than to climb down to a lower elevation, Ryan said.

"Rocky Mountain Park rangers are planning evacuation efforts from the summit of Longs Peak via helicopter, weather and conditions permitting," Patterson said. One helicopter has begun to conduct reconnaissance efforts for the best way to proceed.

Forty-three park personnel have been involved in helping to resolve the incident, Patterson said.

Ryan stressed that none of the soldiers was missing as had been indicated in early social media descriptions of the incident.

"No one is lost, missing or injured," Ryan said.

Altitude sickness can be a factor in mountain training, he said, even for highly-trained and fit special operations forces like the Green Berets.

5-year-old boy fetching ball under UPS truck killed in Woodbridge Township

(Shutterstock)

Eyewitness News

Friday, June 03, 2016 12:47PM

ISELIN, New Jersey (WABC) --

In what investigators are calling a tragic accident, a 5-year-old boy who chased a ball under a UPS truck was killed when the unsuspecting driver returned to the vehicle and drove over the child.

The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. Thursday on Cheryl Driver in the Iselin section of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey.

Authorities say the 38-year-old driver was making a delivery when the boy from the complex apparently climbed under the truck to fetch the ball.

The UPS driver entered the truck, apparently not seeing the child underneath, and ran over the boy.

The child was pronounced at the scene by paramedics.

No charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Toxic chemical filled semi-truck turns over, spills in Midland area

  By Mikhaela Singleton 

Updated: June 2, 2016, 4:54 pm

UPDATE:
3:15 p.m. — One westbound lane of Macon Road is now open following the toxic chemical spill cleanup.
2:17 p.m. — A Hazmat cleanup official says the toxic chemical spill on Macon Road should be clear within the hour.
CAM, Inc. is the cleanup crew responsible for containing the spill and partner Tony Wright says one westbound lane will reopen when the cleanup is finished. He says one lane will have to stay closed since some of the hazardous chemical leaked into a ditch that runs along Macon Road.
11:30 a.m. — Both lanes of Macon Road westbound is still closed as crews work in hazmat suits to clean up a toxic chemical spill. Fire crews identify the substance as tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) which is used for industrial use to strip and etch metal surfaces.
A safety guideline by the University of California, Los Angeles says TMAH is extremely toxic if ingested, can cause deadly chemical burns to the skin, and produces harmful fumes.
Police say a truck carrying TMAH crashed, overturned and spilled the chemical onto Macon Road just after midnight Thursday. They say the truck was traveling on a delivery from Savannah.

Worker Fatality Infographic: Every 5 days someone was fatally injured at work in Massachusetts

Traumatic Brain Injuries in Construction

Categories: Construction, Falls

March 21st, 2016 8:59 am ET  -  Srinivas Konda, MPH

Falling 25 feet to the ground from a roof, being struck in the head by a steel beam as it is transported across a worksite, or getting hit by a vehicle moving supplies–these are only a few examples of why the construction industry has the greatest number of both fatal[i] and nonfatal [ii] traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among U.S. workplaces. From 2003 to 2010, 2,210 construction workers died because of a TBI (a rate of 2.6 per 100,000 FTE workers). These deaths represented 25% of all construction fatalities and 24% of all occupational TBI fatalities during the same period.
The numbers are tragic but there is some good news: the rate of fatal TBIs in construction decreased by 6.2% each year between 2003 and 2010. Some of this decline can be attributed to the overall decline in the rates of work-related deaths and fatal TBIs (including that are both work- and nonwork-related). Another reason is that spending and employment in construction decreased when the economic recession hit in 2007 resulting in fewer workers exposed to construction hazards. Despite these declines, TBIs remain one of the major causes of deaths in the construction industry.

How Common Are TBIs in Construction?

Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently took a close look at deaths due to TBIs in the construction industry in the United States during 2003 to 2010. Their 2016 report in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine describes findings such as these:

• Workers in small construction companies (<20 employees) were more than 2.5 times more likely than those in larger companies (≥100 employees) to die from a TBI.
• Males were 7 times more likely than females to die from a TBI.
• Older workers (≥65 years) were almost 4 times more likely than younger workers (25–34 years) to have a fatal TBI.
• The TBI fatality rate was significantly higher for foreign-born than for native-born workers.
• Falls, especially from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds, led to >50% of fatal work-related TBIs.
• Structural iron and steel workers and roofers had the highest fatal TBI rate, and TBIs related to falls caused most of their deaths.

How Do We Protect Workers from TBIs?

Armed with the data above, safety and health professionals can work to prevent fatal TBIs in construction.  A nationwide construction falls-prevention campaign, started by NIOSH, OSHA, and the CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training, seeks to raise awareness by encouraging everyone in construction to work safely and use the right safety equipment while working at heights, such as on roofs, ladders, and scaffolds. The Safety Stand-Down, stemming from the campaign, will occur during May 2-6, 2016. Also, to prevent falls from ladders, a NIOSH smartphone application provides visual and audio signals and safety tips for safe ladder positioning has been downloaded to over 63,000 smartphones as of January 31, 2016.
Improved harness sizing designs for protecting workers from falls due to poor fit or improper size selection; and a worker-support bracket and safety rail assembly that provides a guardrail system to protect workers from falling through unprotected roofs are among a few other NIOSH research studies that address falls.
Construction is a dangerous industry, and its workers are at high risk for TBIs and their life-threatening or life-long consequences. Thus, despite the drop in fatal TBI rates in construction, prevention efforts addressing these injuries continue to be implemented and improved, especially among high-risk workers.
Visit the campaign site for more information on preventing fall injuries in construction.

Measuring the Impact of Hearing Loss on Quality of Life

Categories: Hearing Loss

April 27th, 2016 9:00 am ET  -  Elizabeth Masterson, PhD, CPH, COHC

Hearing loss is common in the United States. More people have hearing loss than diabetes, cancer or vision trouble. Occupational hearing loss, which is caused by exposure at work to loud noise or chemicals that damage hearing, is the most common work-related illness. It is also permanent.
Hearing loss can have a profound impact on quality of life. The effects begin small and progress as hearing loss worsens. For most individuals, it starts with others sounding like they are mumbling because some sounds cannot be heard well. The individual often has to ask others to repeat themselves, and this becomes frustrating for both parties. Both begin limiting the length and depth of conversations. As hearing loss progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to hear others in the presence of background noise. Social gatherings and even dinner at a restaurant become isolating activities because of the inability to understand what people are saying and individuals can’t contribute to the conversation. Over time, these barriers to communication can lead to strained marriages, diminished or lost friendships and limited interactions with coworkers and supervisors.
There are other effects, such as loss of enjoyment. Music…forest sounds…a grandchild’s voice…all of the sounds we want to hear become muted and lack quality. Even a person with mild hearing loss has trouble hearing softer sounds, has difficulty differentiating between the softest sounds and the loudest sounds, and has more listening fatigue. To compensate for this loss of hearing sensitivity, people with hearing loss will need to ”turn it up” whenever possible. Having the TV and radio at high volume can be annoying to others and a spouse or roommate may choose to watch TV in another room, again turning a group activity into a solo activity.
Safety can also be compromised. The sounds of a tea kettle, the warning beep as a fork lift backs up, and the engine of an oncoming car may be missed. There can be a general loss of situational awareness. It is also well known that workers with hearing loss are more likely to get injured on the job.
Not surprisingly, all of these challenges can affect a person’s mental health. Hearing loss is strongly associated with depression. Depressed people are also less likely to participate in activities with others, so the effects of hearing loss and depression compound and intensify isolation. Hearing loss is also associated with cognitive decline, which includes loss of memory and thinking skills. As people lose their ability to hear, they don’t use the hearing-related parts of their brains as much and these parts start to break down. It is a case of “use it or lose it”.
Often those with hearing loss also have ‘ringing in the ears’ (tinnitus). It can be an annoying buzzing, rushing or ringing noise in the ears or in the head. For some people, tinnitus is more than annoying and can disrupt sleep and concentration, increasing fatigue and affecting alertness. The symptoms can be intermittent or continuous. Like hearing loss, tinnitus can also impact mental health and is associated with depression and anxiety.

How does one assign a number to, or quantify the impact of hearing loss on these critical intangibles, such as communication and mental health?

One way to measure this impact is to calculate disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). These are the number of healthy years lost due to a disease or other health condition. For a condition like hearing loss, it doesn’t mean that a person dies younger, but rather that a person has fewer years of good health. The DALYs calculation takes into account life limitations caused by hearing loss as a lost portion of a healthy year of life, and we end up with the number of healthy years lost by a group of people over a specific time period.
NIOSH recently used DALYs to estimate the impact of hearing loss on quality of life in a CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report article titled “Hearing Impairment Among Noise-Exposed Workers in the United States, 2003-2012.” We examined noise-exposed workers because they have a higher risk of hearing loss. In our paper, we estimated the number of healthy years lost for every 1,000 workers each year. We also looked at each industry sector separately.
We found that 2.5 healthy years were lost each year for every 1,000 noise-exposed U.S. workers because of hearing impairment (hearing loss that impacts day-to-day activities). These lost years were shared among the 13% of workers with hearing impairment (about 130 workers out of each 1,000 workers). Mining, Construction and Manufacturing workers lost more healthy years than workers in other industry sectors; specifically and respectively in those sectors, 3.5, 3.1 and 2.7 healthy years were lost each year for every 1,000 workers.
Fortunately, no worker needs to lose years of good health because his or her hearing was damaged on the job. Occupational hearing loss can be entirely prevented with today’s hearing loss prevention strategies and technology. Visit our web site for more information on occupational hearing loss surveillance and links to resources to protect worker hearing.

Standing–Down to Prevent Falls in Construction

May 2nd, 2016 9:03 am ET  -  Elizabeth P. Garza, MPH, CPH; and Christine M. Branche, PhD, FACE

We know falls in the workplace are preventable and yet falls remain the leading cause of death in construction. As part of the effort to prevent falls in construction, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is again partnering with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training, among other partners, in the National Safety Stand-Down to be held May 2-6, 2016. The Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about fall hazards and to reinforce the importance of fall prevention requirements.
Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by stopping work and providing a focused toolbox talk on fall prevention, conducting equipment inspections, demonstrating fall protection and procedures, or any number of other activities that educate workers on fall hazards and solutions.  Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime during the week. See Suggestions to Prepare for a Successful Stand-Down and a Day by Day Plan with ideas for activities that could be done each day. If interested in obtaining some hard hat stickers with the fall campaign logo on them, email falls@cpwr.com.
New this year – Harness, a campaign partner that provides modern solutions for managing safety and health, developed a new mobile app that gives contractors and workers easy access to Stand-Down materials from stopconstructionfalls.com and beyond while on the jobsite.  The app also allows users to share activities and post photos from their stand-downs.  Download it through the Apple or Android app stores, or at nationalsafetystanddown.com.
The National Safety Stand-Down is part of a larger campaign to prevent falls in construction, launched 5 years ago by NIOSH, OSHA, CPWR, and the NORA Construction Sector Council. Additional partners include the American Society of Safety Engineers, the National Construction Safety Executives, the United States Air Force Occupational Safety, OSHA-approved state plans, state consultation programs, and OSHA Training Institute Education Centers. The Stand-Down coincides with National Construction Industry Safety Week, representing a joint construction industry effort to raise awareness of fall protection.
In 2014, a total of 845 fatal on the job injuries were reported among construction workers, more deaths than in any other industry, and the most for this industry sector since 2008 (1). Falls on construction sites are the leading cause of death in construction- 337 fall-related deaths in 2014  (39.9% of all worker deaths in 2014) (2). During 2008–2010 (3), 55% of all fatal falls in construction occurred in the smallest construction establishments (1–10 employees).
Although construction is a high-risk industry for all workers, Hispanic immigrants (20% of the U.S. construction workforce) (4), are at increased risk because of language and cultural barriers to effective safety communication. As the construction workforce grows (up 1.2% to 9.9 million workers in 2015) (5), so does the need for effective safety messages that can overcome any barriers (6).  During Stand-Down activities, employers are encouraged to have a Spanish speaker deliver the Stand-Down message to Spanish-speaking employees (simultaneous translation is an alternative).
In the comment section below, tell us how your workplace is working to prevent falls.

Elizabeth P. Garza, MPH, CPH; and Christine M. Branche, PhD, FACE 
LCDR Garza is Assistant Coordinator for the Construction Sector in the NIOSH Office of Construction Safety and Health.
Dr. Branche is Principal Associate Director and Director, Office of Construction Safety and Health.

References

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Economic news release: Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries summary, 2014. Washington, DC: US Department of Labor, US Bureau of Labor Statistics; 2015. http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cfoi.nr0.htm
2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Commonly used statistics. Washington, DC: US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration; 2016. https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html
3. CPWR Data Center, US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The construction chart book: fatal and nonfatal injuries from falls in construction. Silver Spring, MD: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPWR Data Center. http://www.cpwr.com/sites/default/files/publications/CB%20page%2044.pdf
4. CPWR Data Center, US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2010–2014 March supplement to the current population survey. Silver Spring, MD: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPWR Data Center.
5. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2015 current population survey. Washington, DC: US Department of Labor, US Bureau of Labor Statistics; 2015.
6. Flynn MA, Cunningham TR, Guerin RJ, et al. DHHS (NIOSH) publication no. 2015–178. Overlapping vulnerabilities: the occupational safety and health of young workers in small construction firms. Cincinnati, OH: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; 2015. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2015-178/

June is National Safety Month

National Safety Month

Categories: Drugs, Emergency Response/Public Sector, Motor Vehicle Safety, Observances, Total Worker Health

June 3rd, 2016 9:44 am ET  -  John Howard, MD, and Deborah Hersman

It’s National Safety Month. Each June, the National Safety Council and its partners raise awareness on preventing the leading causes of injury and death at work, on the roads and in our homes and communities.  This year’s theme is SafeForLife. Each week of June has a different focus area. In this joint blog from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Safety Council, we will highlight research and prevention activities in the four focus areas. Help us spread the word about National Safety Month.  Downloadable materials highlighting each of the four safety topics are available on the NSC website. Share them widely to help others identify risks and stay safe – for a lifetime.

Week 1: Stand Ready to Respond

NIOSH: The nation depends on emergency responders to preserve the public’s safety and health when disasters strike. To successfully meet this challenge, emergency responders must be protected from the hazardous conditions that disasters and other emergencies create, whether natural or a result of human action. NIOSH offers a variety of emergency responder resources including information on personal protective equipment, safety management, and stress as well as Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance.
NSC: On any given day, anything can happen, from a slip and fall at home to a natural disaster near your workplace. By assessing potential risks and having a plan to respond, you can be prepared to handle emergencies, wherever they occur. Part of this preparation is being trained in first aid and CPR – it could be the difference between life and death. Even the fastest paramedics can take 8 to 12 minutes to get to a patient after calling 9-1-1. As part of National Safety Month, the Council is offering our NSC First Aid & CPR Online course for free between June 1^st and June 12^th – availability is limited.

Week 2: Be Healthy

NIOSH: Being healthy isn’t just confined to non-work hours. The NIOSH Total Worker Health^® (TWH) program recognizes that work is a social determinant of health; job-related factors such as wages, hours of work, workload and stress levels, interactions with coworkers, and access to leave and healthful workplaces all can have an important impact on the well-being of workers, their families, and their communities. TWH explores opportunities to not only protect workers, but also advance their health and well-being by targeting the conditions of work. Scientific evidence now supports what many safety and health professionals, as well as workers themselves, have long suspected—that risk factors in the workplace can contribute to health problems previously considered unrelated to work.
Another aspect of being healthy is ensuring safe use of medications. Injured workers are frequently treated with powerful prescription opioid drugs, which are drivers of the current opioid epidemic we are seeing across the U.S. Read more about how NIOSH is working to address the issue in the blog The Opioid Overdose Epidemic and the Workplace.
NSC: Every day, 52 people die from prescription opioid overdoses. Prescription pain medications such as Oxycontin, Percocet and Vicodin account for more drug overdoses than heroin and cocaine combined. Many of those affected are working-age adults. According to a NSC survey, 80% of Indiana employers have had an issue with prescription opioids in the workplace. Even when taken as prescribed, opioid pain medications can impair workers on the job.
There are four easy things employers can do to address this growing issue – 1) review your workplace policy to address opioid misuse; 2) include the most commonly abused opioids in your drug screening; 3) train supervisors on how to recognize signs of drug use and how to address it; and 4) educate your employees on the risks of opioid use. The Council offers a variety of resources to help employers in our free Prescription Drug Employer Kit.

Week 3: Watch Out for Dangers

NIOSH: While safety is important in all aspects of our lives, ensuring safe workplaces has the potential to save thousands of lives and prevent tens of thousands of injuries and illnesses each year. In 2014, 4,821 U.S. workers died from work-related injuries[i] and approximately 3.7 million workers suffered non-fatal injuries and illnesses[ii].
One example of a campaign to reduce workplace injury and fatalities is the National Falls Prevention Campaign. NIOSH joined with partners to help prevent the leading cause of death in construction—falls. First launched in 2012, the campaign encourages everyone, from employers to workers, in the construction industry to work safely and use the right equipment to prevent falls.
As we move into summer, one hazard to watch for is CO poisoning in the marine industry. Past NIOSH investigations showed very high concentrations of CO on and around houseboats using gasoline-powered generators. Stay safe this summer by learning how to prevent CO poisoning.
NSC: Preventable injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. Being safe means being alert, even in familiar surroundings. Watching out for hazards can help you identify and avoid them before an injury occurs. But first we need to know what those risks might be. NSC has created a new Safety Checkup tool that helps do just that. By answering a simple 5 question survey, you will receive a custom Safety Snapshot outlining your biggest safety challenges. We all face different risks throughout our lifetime as this infographic shows. You can also attend our free June 14 webinar, Hidden Epidemics: What the data tell us about our safety.
Part of the solution is putting safety first – in our lives and in the lives of those we care about. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, but you can show your dedication by taking our SafeAtWork pledge. The Council also offers a variety of free workplace safety measurement tools and resources through the Journey to Safety Excellence website.

Week 4: Share Roads Safely

NIOSH: Millions of workers drive or ride in a motor vehicle as part of their jobs. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the U.S. The NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety provides research-based guidance to prevent motor vehicle crashes for truck drivers, high-risk workers, and all who drive for work. Distracted driving occurs any time you take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off your primary task: driving safely. Visit the NIOSH Distracted Driving at Work webpage for more information and resources. NIOSH and NSC are co-hosting a road safety Twitter chat on June 28 from 1-2 p.m. ET. Tweet using the #DriveSafe4Life hashtag to join the conversation, and follow @NIOSH_MVSafety and @NSCsafety for road safety tips during the chat.
NSC: With crashes the leading cause of workplace death, we need to do everything possible to avoid impairment behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a huge issue tragically taking thousands of lives each year. Communication systems in vehicles are there for convenience, not safety. Even hands-free devices pose a threat because the brain remains distracted. While there are currently no federal laws banning all electronic device use behind the wheel, employers can have a huge influence through safe driving policies. NSC offers a free Cell Phone Policy Kit for any organization looking to create or enhance its current policies.
However, not all vehicle technology is bad. There are many new life-saving features being added to cars, we just need to understand how to use them. Check out mycardoeswhat.org to learn more about these vehicle safety technologies.
Help NIOSH and NSC distribute these materials to encourage safety at work and at every stage of life.

The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a resource to help us select the best sampling and analytical method to monitor worker exposures.

NMAM 5th Edition

Categories: Chemicals, Exposure

May 19th, 2016 11:33 am ET  -  Kevin Ashley, Ph.D.

Workers in various industries and occupations can face health risks from exposure to airborne chemical and biological agents. These exposures are typically measured by monitoring workplace air.  Air monitoring can also be helpful to determine the effectiveness of controls that are used to minimize worker exposures.  While inhalation is the most likely route of exposure in occupational settings, other routes, such as dermal contact with chemical and biological agents, must also be considered.  Complementary biomonitoring methods can be used to assess occupational exposures to toxic chemical compounds through measurement of specific analytes such as the parent chemical, its metabolites and/or other biomarkers, in body fluids (normally blood and urine) and tissues.
Occupational hygienists and other public health professionals monitor worker exposures. The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a resource to help them select the best sampling and analytical method.  Now in its 5^th edition, NMAM is a compilation of analytical and sampling methods for air, biological, surface (including dermal) and bulk samples that have been evaluated and validated for workplace exposure monitoring.  NIOSH sampling and analytical methods are intended to promote accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in industrial hygiene analyses and related applications. The new version of NMAM is the first exclusively electronic edition.  Since it is published online, NMAM can be updated as new methods are developed and validated and as revised methods are evaluated and their performance verified.  The methods published in NMAM are relied upon by authoritative bodies such as accrediting organizations and regulatory agencies.  Besides sampling and analytical methods, NMAM also includes guidance chapters on portable instrumentation, sample collection, measurement of fibers, aerosol sampler design, and other guidance on specific areas of interest. The 5^th edition of NMAM includes a new chapter on filter pore size.
To address requirements for harmonized methods for use by occupational hygiene laboratories, international voluntary consensus standard test methods have been developed and promulgated by ASTM International, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Like NIOSH methods, these consensus standard procedures describe aspects of sampling and sample preparation as well as measurement, although normally in exhaustive, specific detail. Other related consensus standards offer thorough guidance on sample collection, sample preparation, and analytical protocols. A main goal of ongoing NIOSH methods development activities is to ensure that NIOSH methods are harmonized with relevant international voluntary consensus standards.
Through effective use of national and international collaborations and resources, further advances in the field of industrial hygiene chemistry are underway and improvements in sampling and analytical protocols are continually being explored. NIOSH is keeping abreast of new industrial hygiene and biomonitoring methods and consensus standards developed globally. NIOSH researchers coordinate and collaborate externally and often consider suitable validated methods developed by other institutes and organizations, domestic as well as international for inclusion in NMAM.
The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods remains an invaluable global resource for the occupational hygiene profession. To help us address our goals for the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, let us know if there are specific methods that are absent or need revision.  Ten guidance chapters have been published with the new 5^th edition, what areas of additional guidance should be included in the future?

The approach of summer is a reminder to us all of the need to recognize, and act to prevent, the harmful effects of excessive heat.

Extreme Heat: Are you prepared for summer work?

May 23rd, 2016 8:26 am ET  -  Brenda Jacklitsch, MS; and Joanna Watson, MSc, DPhil

The approach of summer is a reminder to us all of the need to recognize, and act to prevent, the harmful effects of excessive heat. The White House has designated May 23–27, 2016, as Extreme Heat Week, during which Federal agencies will work with community planners and public health officials to enhance community preparedness for extreme heat events. Workers are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of heat exposure.  Workers may experience longer or more intense heat exposures and are more likely to engage in strenuous physical activity in the heat than the general public. Also, in many cases workers rely on their employers to provide opportunities for limiting their time in the heat, ensuring adequate rest breaks, and promoting hydration.
The recently published NIOSH Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments contains a lot of information related to how heat stress affects the body, individual and environmental risk factors, heat-related illnesses, and recommendations to protect workers. We have selected and summarized some of these recommendations below.

NIOSH Recommended Limits

NIOSH has recommended alert limits (RALs) for unacclimatized workers and recommended exposure limits (RELs) for acclimatized workers. Acclimatization is the result of beneficial physiological adaptations (e.g., increased sweating efficiency) that occur after gradual increased exposure to a hot environment. The total heat exposure for all workers should be controlled so that unprotected healthy workers are not exposed to heat greater than the appropriate RAL or REL (See figures 8-1 and 8-2 in the criteria document).

Medical Monitoring Program

A medical monitoring program should be established for all workers who are or may be exposed to heat stress above the RAL, whether they are acclimatized or not. This program is intended to prevent adverse outcomes and to identify early signs or symptoms associated with heat-related illness. Employers should provide medical evaluations and procedures performed by or under the direction of the responsible healthcare provider at no cost to workers, including preplacement and periodic medical evaluations, as well as a plan for monitoring workers.

Training

All workers and supervisors who work in environments where there is potential risk of heat injury or illness should participate in training programs. Training should include information about heat stress, risk factors, signs and symptoms, and first aid. Proper precautions (e.g., hydration, rest breaks, acclimatization, etc.) for work in hot areas should be explained. Workers should also be trained on the effects of therapeutic drugs, over-the-counter medications, alcohol, and caffeine, which may reduce heat tolerance and increase the risk of illness. Proper care and use of heat-protective clothing and equipment should be explained and demonstrated. In addition, supervisors should be trained on monitoring weather reports and responding to hot weather advisories.

Control of Heat Stress

Heat stress can be reduced by implementing engineering and work practice controls. Engineering controls might include those that aim to increase air velocity; reflective or heat-absorbing shielding or barriers; and reduction of steam leaks, wet floors, or humidity. Work practice recommendations include the following:

• Limit time in the heat, increase recovery time spent in a cool environment, or both.
• Reduce the metabolic demands of the job (e.g., use tools with efficient ergonomic designs or specifically intended to minimize manual strain, or increase the number of workers per task).
• Train supervisors and workers to recognize early signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and to administer first aid.
• Implement a buddy system where workers observe each other for early signs and symptoms of heat intolerance.
• Some situations may require workers to conduct self-monitoring; a work group (i.e., workers, a qualified healthcare provider, and a safety manager) should be developed to make decisions on self-monitoring options and standard operating procedures.
• Provide adequate amounts of cool, potable water near the work area and encourage workers to drink.
  • If in the heat <2 hours and involved in moderate work activities, drink 1 cup (8 oz.) of water every 15–20 minutes.
  • During prolonged sweating lasting several hours, drink sports drinks containing balanced electrolytes.
  • Avoid alcohol and drinks with high caffeine or sugar.
  • Generally, fluid intake should not exceed 6 cups per hour.
• Implement a heat alert program whenever the weather service forecasts that a heat wave is likely to occur in the following days.
• Institute a heat acclimatization plan and increase physical fitness.
  • Gradually increase time in hot conditions over 7 to 14 days.
  • For new workers:
    • The schedule should be no more than 20% of the usual duration of work in the heat on day 1 and no more than 20% increase on each additional day.
  • For workers with previous experience:
    • The schedule should be no more than 50% of the usual duration of work in the heat on day 1, 60% on day 2, 80% on day 3, and 100% on day 4.
    • Closely supervise new employees for the first 14 days or until they are fully acclimatized.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Clothing

If the total heat stress exceeds the RAL or REL, despite the use of engineering and work practice controls, the employer should provide workers with protective equipment and clothing (e.g., water-cooled garments, air-cooled garments, ice-packet vests, wetted over-garments, and heat-reflective aprons or suits).

For Additional Information

For more information on heat stress and educational products for safety and health professionals, employers, and workers, visit the NIOSH Topic Page on Heat Stress.

Super Pumas Face Global Grounding After Damning Report - Ban Extended to SAR

Published in Oil Industry News on Thursday, 2 June 2016

Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority has decided to suspend all use of the Super Puma H225, after the Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) called on the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to take “immediate action” to ensure the aircraft was safe.

The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) said: “CAA has with effect from 1 June 2016 extended the flight ban for helicopter types EC225LP and AS332L2.
“This means that neither will be flying search and rescue missions with the two helicopter types”.
Prior to June 1, the ban extended only to commercial flights, and not to search and rescue operations.
A preliminary report issued yesterday by the Accident Investigation Board of Norway into Aprils Super Puma crash, said it had found "features strongly consistent with fatigue" in parts of the main gearbox (MGB).
It added: "It cannot be ruled out that this signifies a possible safety issue that can affect other MGBs of the same type.
"The nature of the catastrophic failure of the LN-OJF main rotor system indicates that the current means to detect a failure in advance are not effective."
The Super Puma H225 helicopter is currently grounded in the UK and Norway but the manufacturer Airbus has lifted a recommendation that flights be suspended worldwide.
Airbus said at the time there was no evidence to link the crash with two previous incidents in Scotland involving the same model of helicopter.
The world’s two largest helicopter operators CHC and Bristow on Wednesday suspended all flights using an Airbus Group SE-made model involved in a fatal crash in April.
Spokeswomen for both companies said late Wednesday that they had decided to temporarily suspend all flights pending updates from air-safety authorities.
While the energy downturn has led to an excess supply of helicopters, the potential grounding of the entire global EC225 fleet, if other companies follow Bristow and CHC, could cause problems. Helicopters tend to be set up for specific uses such as passenger flights, and it could take time to convert other aircraft for emergency response purposes.
Bristow Group Inc. of Houston grounded most of its 20-strong EC225 fleet after the crash but kept flying those involved in search-and-rescue operations and training flights.
An online petition calling for all Super Puma 225s to be "permanently removed from service" has attracted nearly 30,000 signatures.

A senior police official was stripped of his gun and badge and placed on modified duty on Thursday in connection with a broad federal inquiry into municipal corruption

New York Police Official Stripped of Badge Amid Corruption Inquiry

By JONAH ENGEL BROMWICH 

JUNE 2, 2016

What?  Corruption in police and municipalities?  We would never have thought of it! (Sarcasm here). 

A senior police official was stripped of his gun and badge and placed on modified duty on Thursday in connection with a broad federal inquiry into municipal corruption, the New York Police Department announced.

The official, Deputy Chief John Sprague, 45, was disciplined after he indicated that he would refuse to answer questions before a federal grand jury.

Chief Sprague, who has been at the department for 25 years, according to a police spokeswoman, had recently taken charge of the Force Investigation Division, a newly formed unit with a mission to investigate the use of deadly force by police officers.

He joins a number of other police officials who have been disciplined after refusing to answer questions in relation to the inquiry.

“On the advice of counsel, Deputy Chief Sprague has relied upon his constitutional right as a citizen of the United States,” Roy T. Richter, the president of the Captains Endowment Association, the union that represents Chief Sprague, said in a statement.

“The chief will continue to cooperate with whatever administrative process the department deems appropriate,” he added.

Chief Sprague’s lawyer, Michael Farkas, said that as “a dedicated public official who has served the people of this city for many years,” his client “intends to answer all questions put to him by the Police Department during its investigation.”

The inquiry is being led by federal authorities and conducted with the help of the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau. Its focus is two businessmen who are tied to Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, and their attempts to cultivate a network of municipal contacts, including police officials.

Justice Department Issues Draft Guidance Regarding Expert Testimony and Lab Reports in Forensic Science

Friday, June 3, 2016

The Justice Department announced today the release of draft guidance documents governing the testimony and reports of the department’s forensic experts.  These documents, available for public comment through July 8, are designed to ensure that department forensic experts only make statements in the courtroom and in laboratory reports that are supported by sound science.

The drafting of these proposed documents arose out of the department’s ongoing, multi-year effort to strengthen the practice of forensic science.  Once finalized and adopted, these documents, known as the Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports, will apply to all department personnel who issue forensic reports or provide expert forensic testimony, including forensic experts at the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). 

“Forensic science is a critical component of our criminal justice system, both for identifying the perpetrator of a crime and for clearing the innocent,” said Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates.  “Once finalized and adopted, these guidance documents will clarify what scientific statements our forensic experts may – and may not – use when testifying in court and in drafting reports, in turn strengthening the integrity of our system overall.”

The proposed uniform language documents released today cover seven forensic science disciplines: body fluid testing (serology), drug and chemical analysis (general chemistry), fibers, foot prints/tire treads, glass, latent fingerprints and toxicology.  This summer, the department will release a second round of proposed documents for public comment, which will include draft guidance relating to DNA, explosive devices, hair analysis and handwriting.  The department expects to adopt final versions of these documents later this year. 

Once finalized and adopted, the uniform language documents will only apply to department personnel, but the department decided to release the proposed documents for public comment in an effort to promote transparency and to solicit feedback from the broader forensic science community.  As today’s proposed documents make clear, the uniform language documents are not intended to serve as precedent for other forensic laboratories and do not imply that statements by other laboratories are incorrect, indefensible or erroneous. 

Copies of the proposed uniform language documents are available for review at https://justice.gov/forensics. Public comments may be submitted through www.regulations.gov.  

Salmonella Outbreaks Lead to Hundreds Infected in 35 States

GILLIAN MOHNEY

Updated 13 mins ago

Multiple salmonella outbreaks have sickened at least 324 people in 35 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Salmonella outbreaks involving seven different strains of the bacteria have been identified by CDC officials since January, confirmed via lab testing. Of those sickened, 66 have been hospitalized. One death has been reported, but the CDC clarified that salmonella infection was not considered to be a contributing factor in that case.

Symptoms of salmonella infection can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever and chills.

In multiple cases the outbreaks were linked back to people interacting with live poultry, including ducklings and chicks from various hatcheries, according to the CDC. Those buying the baby birds told the CDC they bought the animals for a variety of reasons including to get fresh eggs, learn about agriculture, keep as pets or give away for Easter.

"Regardless of where they were purchased, all live poultry can carry salmonella bacteria, even if they look healthy and clean," the CDC said on its website.

People who are around live poultry should wash their hands with soap and water after touching them, not let children younger than 5 handle the animals and not let live poultry in the house, according to the CDC.

The outbreaks are expected to continue for the next several months since people may be unaware of the link between live poultry and salmonella infection, according to the CDC.

1700 left without power in Van Nuys after possible DUI crash

A mangled car and a shattered power pole are left along an intersection in Van Nuys. The crash caused a power outage on Friday, June 3, 2016. (KABC)

Updated 1 hr 11 mins ago

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) --

As many as 1,700 customers were left without electricity in Van Nuys Friday morning after a possible DUI suspect crashed into a power pole.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power estimated the power would be restored to customers by 2:30 p.m.

Authorities responded to the scene shortly before 4 a.m. near Van Nuys and Burbank boulevards. A suspected DUI driver had slammed into a power pole, completely shattering it on the street.

The intersection was shut down during the investigation and clean up. The driver suffered injuries in the crash and was taken to a nearby hospital.

No further information was available.

A Centereach man was charged with destroying red light cameras in Suffolk County

Arraignment Friday for man charged with destroying red light cameras on Long Island

Ruth, 42, of 28 Stewart Circle, Centereach, was charged with four counts of Criminal Tampering 3rd Degree and four counts of Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd Degree. (WABC)

Thursday, June 02, 2016 08:42PM

RIVERHEAD, New York (WABC) --

A Centereach man who was charged with destroying red light cameras in Suffolk County will be back in court on Friday for arraignment.

43-year-old Stephen Ruth Jr. is charged with cutting the wiring on 16 cameras on intersections along Route 25 in Coram and Centereach.

According to the indictment, Ruth Jr. committed these acts in April.

He's also charged with cutting down a pole that had a red light camera on it at the intersection of County Route 83 and Old Town Road in Coram.

It's estimated that Ruth Jr. caused $85,000 in damages.

He was previously arraigned on similar charges last fall when he pushed the lenses of red light cameras away from traffic in Ronkonkoma.

5 Fort Hood Soldiers Dead, 4 Missing After Armored Truck Overturns in Flood Waters in Texas

JULIA JACOBO

Thursday, June 02, 2016 11:25PM

Five Fort Hood soldiers have died and four more are missing after a truck overturned in a creek near the military post in Killeen, Texas, authorities said.

Initially, three of the soldiers' bodies were found in Owl Creek, downstream from the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle, according to the Fort Hood Public Affairs Office. Several hours later, Fort Hood announced that the remains of two additional soldiers had been recovered.

The accident did not happen on Fort Hood proper, but on a part of the base reachable by public roads.

The search is ongoing for the missing soldiers, from the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team and 1st Cavalry Division, according to Fort Hood.

Three other soldiers rescued from the water near the vehicle are in stable condition. They were taken to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Fort Hood.

Multiple local and state agencies are assisting Fort Hood with the rescue and recovery of the missing soldiers via aircraft, canines and swift-water rescue personnel. They responded to the emergency at 11:20 a.m., according to Fort Hood officials.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement saying the state is "ready to provide any assistance" to Fort Hood in the wake of the tragedy.

"The brave men and women stationed at Fort Hood and across our country put their lives on the line every day, and be it through rescue operations or on the battlefield, Texas will forever remain grateful for their sacrifices," Abbott said in the statement.

Fort Hood will not be releasing the names of the deceased soldiers until next of kin have been notified. Further details on the nature of the accident were not immediately available

Coast Guard rescues 3 from vessel taking on water in Cape May Inlet, NJ

Jun 2nd, 2016 

PHILADELPHIA — The Coast Guard rescued three people Wednesday after the boat they were on began taking on water in Cape May Inlet, New Jersey.

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders received notification Wednesday at approximately 8:30 p.m. of a 40-foot cabin cruiser taking on water with three people aboard.
Coast Guard Station Cape May launched a 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew to assist. The boat crewmembers arrived on scene and pulled the survivors out of the water. No injuries were reported. The men were not wearing life jackets.
Eleven fuel drums were onboard the vessel at the time of the sinking. Six have been recovered.
The vessel is currently submerged in Cape May Inlet. Information broadcasts are being transmitted over VHF marine radio for the safety of mariners and responders.
Sector Delaware Bay is leading a joint response with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s New Jersey office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to minimize pollution threats from the sunken vessel.
“The entire evolution was very quick,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Steglich, Station Cape May’s officer of the day during the rescue. “We were preparing to get underway for night operations and training when we heard the distress call, and immediately launched the boat. Our crew arrived on scene and pulled the men out of the water in 11 minutes.”