Workplace exposures

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Hundreds of thousands of workers in construction, manufacturing and a variety of other industries may be exposed to harmful levels of lead. What can safety pros do to protect workers from this hazardous metal?

Utrecht, The Netherlands – On-the-job exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields may double men’s risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, according to a new study from researchers in The Netherlands.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has revised label instructions for products with water-soluble packaging in an effort to protect pesticide handlers from exposure to toxins.

Fort Collins, CO – Almost one-quarter of workers in Colorado’s cannabis industry have never received workplace safety and health training, and the remaining three-quarters have reported discrepancies in the quantity and quality of their training, according to a recent study from Colorado State University and the Center for Health, Work and Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health.

Washington – OSHA is delaying enforcement of its updated standard on worker exposure to crystalline silica in the construction industry.

Sacramento, CA – California lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that would require health care facilities to use scavenging systems to reduce “surgical plume" – toxic airborne contaminants that threaten surgical staff and patients.

Washington – NIOSH has released two electronic modules for tracking sharps injuries, as well as blood and body fluid exposures, among health care workers as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Occupational Health Safety Network.

Washington – The Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw a proposed rule that would ban use of the toxic chemical trichloroethylene as an aerosol degreaser and as a spot cleaner in dry cleaning facilities.

Atlanta – Laboratory work involving the use of air hoses attached to protective suits worn in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Biosafety Level-4 labs has been suspended, the agency announced Feb. 17.

Oakland, CA – More than 6,000 workers in California have elevated levels of lead in their blood, according to a report from the state’s Department of Public Health.