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 — National Work Zone Awareness Week is set for April 26-30, with a national kickoff event – hosted by the Michigan Department of Transportation – planned for 11 a.m. Eastern on April 27.

Washington — Use of temporary, portable rumble strips is more effective than warning signs at reducing distracted driving in work zones, according to a recent National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report.

Between 1992 and 2005 at least 154 workers were killed by electrocution when a metal ladder came into contact with overhead power wires, according to the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Inattention to electrical hazards can lead to burns, shocks and electrocution. It is important to always be mindful of any potential electrical risks, both on and off the job.

Understanding electrical safety on the job is critical. But can you separate electrical safety myths from facts?

When thinking about where electrical hazards are commonly found, your first thought likely isn’t your office. However, the Georgia Institute of Technology states that electrical equipment used in offices can be hazardous and result in serious injuries if not properly maintained.

A 62-year-old mechanic died after being crushed when the 994-pound electrical cabinet he was working on tipped over.

Struggling to figure out how to remove or minimize human error in the workplace? The simple answer is to adopt a three-step technological approach of “monitor, inspect and manage” to create an ecosystem of safety-focused operations that remove the human element’s risk.

Oakland, CA – The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s heat illness prevention Special Emphasis Program led to 3,575 inspections in 2014 – about one-third of which resulted in heat-related citations – the agency has announced.

We have some 10- and 12-hour work shifts. How do we account for the longer noise exposure times under OSHA reporting requirements, and should we be adjusting our criteria for determining which employees should be included in our hearing conservation program?

Washington – OSHA has issued a proposed rule that would update personal protective equipment requirements to incorporate the latest American National Standards Institute’s eye and face protection standard.

Washington – OSHA has issued a final rule that revises requirements for face and eye protection for workers in general industry, construction and longshoring, as well as at shipyards and marine terminals.

Experts offer insight into ways this essential personal protective equipment can be misused or overlooked.

Dublin — Frontline health care workers treating COVID-19 patients can reduce their risk of developing a facial pressure injury caused by prolonged use of personal protective equipment by using the contents of a specially designed “care bundle,” claim researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Chicago — No matter where work gets done, “protecting vision should always be a priority,” advocacy group Prevent Blindness is reminding employers.

Eye and face injuries commonly are caused by flying or falling objects, or sparks striking the eye. Different types of hazards may require different types of protection, including goggles, faceshields or wielding shields.

A construction worker removes his hard hat because he is too warm. An engineer refuses to wear head protection, as she has “never been hurt before.” A utility worker thinks hard hats make him look silly and removes his every chance he gets.

Wearing a facemask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 can present obstacles to communication, “an important and complex transaction that depends on visual and, often, auditory cues,” says Debara L. Tucci, director of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

The need and value of personal protective equipment and worker safety have surged over the past two years. More than ever, it is imperative that organizations ensure they mitigate the risk of workplace hazards for their employees as well as their business’s sustainability.

Good housekeeping is crucial to safe workplaces. Experts agree that all workplaces – from offices to manufacturing plants – should incorporate housekeeping in their safety programs, and every worker should play a part.

San Francisco – In recognition of Workplace Eye Wellness Month in March, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is sharing ergonomic tips to help workers deal with dry and strained eyes.

Tokyo — Long-term exposure to powdered toner or toner-using machines has no significant impact on lung health, concludes a recent study of copier industry workers by researchers at Japan’s Showa University.

Protecting employees from COVD-19 exposure requires creating a comprehensive plan – and then executing that plan and adjusting it when necessary.

Chicago — Eye safety and protection should be a workplace priority, advocacy group Prevent Blindness is reminding employers and employees.

In certain workplaces, wearing contact lenses can complicate eye safety, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

From conducting a needs assessment to regularly reviewing your program, experts offer advice.

The Quick Quote mobile app allows users to quickly and easily request a custom machine guarding quote from their smartphone, eliminating the need to speak with a salesperson.

These state-of-the-art machine safety guards feature built-in Visorguard LEDs to provide super-bright illumination in the work area.

The Proton is an advanced solenoid interlock switch designed for use on machines for which hazardous conditions persist even after the machine has been switched off. Its heavy-duty solenoid can withstand up to 3000N hold force and energize under a lateral load.

Gaithersburg, MD — Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Colorado Boulder are partnering to test whether a new breath-test strategy can reliably detect recent cannabis use.

Washington — NIOSH has published a draft of a hazard review document on wildfire smoke exposure among outdoor workers – and is asking for comment.

Washington — In an effort to help protect workers from wildfire smoke, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Forest Service have updated their AirNow Fire and Smoke Map mobile app.

What would the requirement be if a lengthy lockout procedure was needed to shut down complex equipment with numerous energy sources, but we are only working in one area of the machine with a limited number of energy sources?

Falls Church, VA — The American Industrial Hygiene Association has unveiled a beta version of its new heat stress mobile app and is asking employers and outdoor workers to evaluate it.

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.

Columbus, OH — Moisture and mold go together – even in space – so it’s important to control dust and humidity in space stations to protect astronauts, researchers say.

Arlington, VA — Choosing head protection can be “confusing and complicated” because of the numerous options available, especially when trying to discern the key differences among them, researchers say.

The ANSI Z358.1-2009 standard states, “Outlets shall be protected from airborne contaminants.” How can I best comply with this while keeping the unit close to my employees?

What are key considerations in selecting emergency showers and eyewashes?

Fusion GloLight Six-Inch Oval Multi-Function Surface-Mount LED Lamps not only employ GloLight optical technology, but also are available with a unique reflective safety bezel for commercial vehicles that need a higher level of conspicuity.

Customizable Stack Lights feature long-life LEDs that function as safety awareness indicators.

While prevention is the best way to avoid fires in your workplace, knowing how to quickly and correctly respond in the event of a fire can save lives.

According to OSHA, the most common emergency small businesses must plan for is a fire. Fire extinguishers can be invaluable tools to help fight smaller fires in the workplace or to protect evacuation routes in the event of a larger one.

About 6,000 office fires are reported every year in the United States, according to the Seattle Fire Department. If your workplace experienced a fire, would employees know how to respond?

Does your workplace have vehicles or equipment that are fueled onsite? If so, certain precautions are necessary.

If your facility is considering installing EV charging stations, the Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends a site assessment conducted by a trained and qualified electrician.

Download this free Foot Protection Training Guide with expert tips to help keep your workers safe from potentially devastating foot injuries.

These types of on-the-job deaths often involve large vehicles, such as those used in transportation and construction.