Corvallis, OR – Sufficient lighting, portable signs and visible police presence are among several contributing factors that help improve worker safety on highway paving projects, according to a study from Oregon State University.

More than 500 people were killed in roadway work zones in 2013. Although safety has improved during the past decade, experts say more needs to be done.

Columbia, MO — Distracted drivers are 29 times more likely to be involved in a highway work zone collision or near collision, according to a recent study from the University of Missouri.

Washington — Vehicle-mounted electronic signs indicating that tow truck drivers and first responders are roadside may have significant outcomes for worker safety.

Olympia, WA — A new law in Washington state allows the use of speed safety cameras in highway work zones in an effort to protect roadway workers.

Portable generators can be found in many workplaces. Among the risks users face, according to OSHA, are shocks and electrocution from improper use of power or unintentionally energizing other electrical systems, and fires from improperly refueling the generator or not storing fuel correctly.

Summer is here, which means the weather is warmer, more people are on the roads and highway construction work is underway.

Metallic mercury is a liquid at room temperature and can readily evaporate into the air. It’s also a potent neurotoxin that, in small amounts, can cause serious health problems, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Perth, Australia – Promoting activity in the workplace can help reduce sitting time, but not by much among workers with fixed schedules, according to a new study from Curtin University.

Chicago – Working near a window could improve an employee’s sleep and overall quality of life, suggests a study from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Birmingham, AL – Can your office’s thermostat setting affect how much you eat at work? Recent research from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, indicates “yes.”

Chicago — Spontaneous activity, such as moving your feet back and forth, while seated can burn more calories than using a standing workstation, according to the results of a recent study.

London — Improving your cardiovascular health can be as simple as replacing 30 minutes of sitting with another activity, results of a recent study out of England show.

Orlando, FL — OSHA is seeking to harness the power of employers as a “force multiplier” to improve worker safety and health, according to agency leader Doug Parker.

DeKalb, IL — Could altering the language on disability disclosure forms encourage more workers to disclose their conditions? A recent study explored this idea.

Denver — Young people who participated in an introductory workplace safety and health training session significantly boosted their knowledge of and attitude toward the topic, results of a recent study show.

Birmingham, England — Workers who feel stuck in a job they want to leave are more likely to respond to perceived safety-related wrongdoing with retaliatory behavior – even when employers show support.

Melbourne, Australia — Employers incorporating collaborative robots in their workplace can ease the transition for employees by taking three key steps, Australian researchers say.

When it comes to fire safety on the job, everyone can play a role – not only by recognizing hazards but also by taking action to resolve them.

Evanston, IL — People who prefer to stay up late have a greater chance of dying at a younger age than those who are natural “early to bed and early to rise” types, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University and the University of Surrey.

Washington — If experiencing rude or negative behavior at work keeps you from getting a good night’s sleep, making efforts to “let it go” after you’ve clocked out may help ward off insomnia, according to a recent study from the American Psychological Association.

Darien, IL — Basic employer interventions such as educating workers about the importance of sleep and sharing strategies to improve it may result in better sleep habits, increased productivity and reduced absenteeism, a recent review of research concludes.

Houston — Offshore oil and gas workers who regularly practice mindfulness may experience less fatigue and emotional and psychological strain – all while increasing their situational awareness and productivity, results of a recent study led by University of Houston researchers show.

Bristol, England — Why do shift workers often deal with hunger pangs?

Darien, IL — Not a fan of “springing forward” and “falling back” an hour every year? If so, you’re not alone.

New York — Young adults who work irregular shifts may be at elevated risk of developing sleep problems and physical and mental health issues decades later, results of a recent study suggest.

What considerations should be made when dressing for working in a cold environment?

Why does two plus two often equal five when it comes to a layered personal protective equipment clothing system?

A new series of four disinfectant sprayers are designed to quickly and effectively apply water-based Environmental Protection Agency List N disinfectants, sanitizers and deodorizers.

Phoenix – OSHA’s threat to take away Arizona’s oversight of construction safety – prompted by alleged inadequacies in the state’s fall protection standard – is unnecessary in light of recently passed legislation, an attorney representing the state said in a May 1 letter to the federal agency.

Constructed to be truly non-flammable, the Ultimate Baselayer keeps comfortable heat in during winter conditions and extreme heat out when facing dangerous conditions.

Boston – Elected heads of government may face an increased risk of early death compared with runner-up candidates who did not go on to serve in government, according to a study from Harvard Medical School.

Revolutionary in design, Flight is the next generation in safety eyewear, with a patent- pending temple design that provides unparalleled comfort.

Click here for more information from Gateway Safety Inc.

DeKalb, IL — Programmers and developers of virtual reality applications should focus on minimizing potential ergonomic hazards for users of this fast-growing technology, say researchers from Northern Illinois and Oregon State universities.

College Station, TX — Three out of 4 solid waste workers say their employer considers workplace safety and health important, yet only 1 in 4 feel encouraged to share safety-related suggestions.

Calgary, Alberta — Workers performing repetitive manual tasks can avoid muscle fatigue by taking short breaks every 10 minutes, researchers say.

Genoa, Italy — A new video from the Italian Institute of Technology showcases potential uses of collaborative robots, or cobots, to help prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Tempe, AZ – School closings and social distancing measures helped limit transmission of influenza in Mexico during the 2009 pandemic, indicates research released May 25 by the Fogarty International Center at the National Institutes of Health.

Washington – Despite a downward trend in asbestos concentration levels over the course of nearly three decades, many workers in construction, automotive repair, manufacturing and other industries inhaled asbestos at heightened levels, according to a recent report.

Itasca — New guidance from the National Safety Council is aimed at providing organizations with information and solutions to effectively mitigate and address workplace violence.

Geneva, Switzerland — Around 20% of workers worldwide have reported some form of violence or harassment, according to a recent report from the International Labour Organization.

Jean-Marie Maayoufi is now safety sales director of the safety division at Windsor, CT-based WALTER Surface Technologies. In this role, Maayoufi will lead the Allegro Industries brand’s safety specialists in North America toward growth.

Austin, TX — A Texas judge has struck down a recently signed state law that would prohibit local municipalities and counties from mandating water breaks for workers.

Washington — Two senators have reintroduced a bill to establish the 32-hour workweek as an American standard.

Washington — A pair of House Democrats have introduced legislation that would “prohibit, or require disclosure of, the surveillance, monitoring and collection of certain worker data by employers.”

Washington — Legislation recently introduced in the Senate is aimed at ensuring firefighters and other workers are properly trained to respond to emergencies involving electric vehicles.