NIOSH Science Blog Posts
Contingent Workers
One analysis of 2005 federal data found that 16% of contingent workers have family incomes less than $20,000, a proportion twice as high as that of noncontingent workers. Only 13% of contingent workers had health insurance provided by their employer, compared with 72% of noncontingent workers. Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentBody Art
Tattoo artists and body piercers are at increased risk of coming in contact with blood in the workplace, which may increase their exposure to bloodborne diseases. NIOSH recommends safe work practices to decrease body artists' exposure to blood and improve safety and health. Read More >
Posted on by 144 CommentsNIOSH Dose Reconstruction Program
Dose reconstruction is a scientifically complex process. In fact, the entire Compensation Program involves many challenging issues—many of them outside the realm of science. The NIOSH process has always been an open one. And, as always, we welcome comments and questions. Read More >
Posted on by 31 CommentsYouth@Work: Talking Safety
Millions of teens in the United States work. Approximately 2.4 million 16- and 17-year-olds worked in the United States in 2006. Surveys indicate that 80% of teens have worked by the time they finish high school. While few would argue that most work provides numerous benefits for young people, it can also be dangerous. Read More >
Posted on by 4 CommentsErgonomics for Construction Workers
Construction is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. Some of the most common construction injuries are the result of job demands that push the human body beyond its natural limits. Workers who must often lift, stoop, kneel, twist, grip, stretch, reach overhead, or work in other awkward positions to do a job are at risk of developing a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) such as back problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis to name a few. Read More >
Posted on by 7 CommentsWorkplace Stress
Work organization and job stress are topics of growing concern in the occupational safety and health field and at NIOSH. The expressions "work organization" or "organization of work" refer to the nature of the work process (the way jobs are designed and performed) and to the organizational practices (e.g., management and production methods and accompanying human resource policies) that influence the design of jobs. Read More >
Posted on by 56 CommentsTruck Driver Safety and Health
Truck drivers face a disproportionately high risk for fatal crash-related injuries and for serious health disorders. The 2004 fatality rate for U.S. heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was 48.2 per 100,000 workers, approximately 11 times the rate for the general worker population. The Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses estimated 63,570 non-fatal injuries among heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in 2004—the second highest number among all occupations. Read More >
Posted on by 166 CommentsReferences: Truck Driver Safety and Health
References on research into heart disease and mortality in truck drivers » Return to Dr. Sieber’s Truck Driver Safety and Health blog entry Read More >
Posted on byPreventing Fire Fighter Fatalities from Cardiovascular Events
Some 1.1 million firefighters selflessly risk their own safety and health for our safety and the safety of our communities. Last month we saw this heroism first hand as over 7,000 firefighters battled the dangerous wildfires in Southern California. Fortunately, no fire fighters lost their lives but 130 suffered injuries as of November 2, according to media reports. It is an inherently dangerous job, but injuries, illnesses, and deaths should not be viewed or accepted as inevitable occurrences. NIOSH and other safety and fire service agencies work to protect fire fighters and prevent the estimated 100 fire fighter fatalities that occur each year. Through its Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, NIOSH investigates the deaths of fire fighters in the line of duty to formulate science-based recommendations for preventing future deaths and injuries. Read More >
Posted on by 14 CommentsWorld Cancer Day Blog References
Recent NIOSH Study References Return to the World Cancer Day blog entry Particulates (including diesel) and fibers Attfield MD, Schleiff PL, Lubin JH, Blair A, Stewart PA, Vermeulen R, Coble JB, Silverman DT. 2012. The Diesel Exhaust in Miners Study: A cohort mortality study with emphasis on lung cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 104(11):869-883. Silverman Read More >
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