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Workers’ Memorial Day 2023: Statement by NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D.
Each year, NIOSH pauses on April 28th, Workers’ Memorial Day, to honor those who were killed or injured on the job. While tremendous progress has been made since Congress enacted the Occupational Safety and Health Act on this day in 1970, much still needs to be done. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in Read More >
Posted on by 2 CommentsHonoring Science and Service at NIOSH
Exemplary science is the foundation for all National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) research and prevention activities. Each year, NIOSH recognizes outstanding science and service from our employees. This year’s Science and Service Awards took place on April 27, 2023. The awards booklet contains the finalists, awardees, and honorable mentions as well as Read More >
Posted on by 2 CommentsStanding Down to Prevent Falls in Construction
Overview Construction workers are at risk for injuries from many sources, but falls continue to be the leading cause of death (accounting for 37% [379 out of the 1015 fatalities] of all construction fatalities in 2021). This year marks the 10th annual National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in construction, an event to raise awareness Read More >
Posted on by 2 CommentsWorking Hours and Fatigue: Meeting the Needs of American Workers and Employers
In November 2022, the American Journal of Industrial Medicine (AJIM) published a special issue focusing on work-related fatigue. The issue explores factors that may increase work-related fatigue and actions to reduce work-related injuries and illnesses. [1] This issue is a result of discussions and collaborations from the 2019 NIOSH Working Hours, Sleep and Fatigue Forum Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentResearch Shows Benefits of Reduced Aerial Ladder Rung Spacing
As a critical part of their job, firefighters often climb aerial ladders up to 30 meters (or 98 feet) long and positioned at various angles. Aerial ladders are mechanically-operated, long, extendable ladders mounted on fire trucks and are used to reach high places for extinguishing fires and rescue operations. While climbing, firefighters typically wear heavy Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentWorkplace Medical Mystery Solved: Unknown Illness in Worker at Greeting Card Plant
Camilla started experiencing worsening respiratory symptoms while working at a plant that produces greeting cards. (Read about her symptoms here). Her doctor ordered tests to see what was happening with Camilla’s lungs. The results of two lung function tests showed concerning results. One was a carbon monoxide diffusing capacity test that estimates the ability of Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentStruck-By Injuries in the Construction Sector: Common Hazards, Barriers, and Opportunities to Keep Workers Safe
Struck-By Injuries Struck-by injuries occur from violent contact or impact between an object or piece of equipment and a person. Struck-by injuries can be fatal, and even when a worker is not seriously injured can result in days off work to recover. To help prevent struck-by injuries, companies are encouraged to have a stand-down; a Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentWorkplace Medical Mystery: Unknown Illness in Worker at Greeting Card Plant
Camilla works at a plant that produces greeting cards and ribbon products. She started working at the plant over 15 years ago when production first started. The plant is open around-the-clock for three shifts with workers in multiple departments across two floors of the building. Camilla worked in different departments over the years but spent Read More >
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