Washington — The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is accepting comment on a proposed rule that would amend and update agency rules for implementing the Freedom of Information Act of 1966.

Washington — A recent Supreme Court decision could affect how legal disputes with OSHA or the Mine Safety and Health Administration are settled.

Computer vision syndrome, also referred to as digital eyestrain, encompasses a group of vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and smartphone use, according to the American Optometric Association.

Briarcliff Manor, NY — You’re at home with family in the evening when you receive an email notification. It’s from your boss. Do you respond? A new study finds that pressure to check work email from home can negatively affect your health, your relationship with your significant other, and his or her health.

Washington — A few days away from the office may help clear your head and leave you feeling more positive about work. But how long does that positivity last once you return? Not long at all, say about two-thirds of respondents to a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association.

Is your office prepared to deal with workplace violence? If you’re unsure or think it’s unlikely to occur, consider this: “Some 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year,” states OSHA, which adds that “workplace violence can strike anywhere, and no one is immune.”

Join the National Safety Council in Atlanta for the world’s largest annual event for environmental, health and safety professionals. Here are online resources to help you plan and enjoy your trip to the show, or to follow along from home.

Atlanta – Video games and the idea of embracing failure are some of the innovations that can help lead to safer workplaces, speakers said today during the executive forum at the NSC Congress & Expo.

Washington — NIOSH has added a boom lift scenario to its Aerial Lift Hazard Recognition Simulator, the agency announced April 8 via Twitter.

Despite rising demand for safety pros, awareness of the profession has yet to catch up. Safety+Health explores what’s being done to address this. Also: The results of S+H’s 2019 Job Outlook survey.

Set to take place Sept. 6-12 in San Diego, the NSC 2019 Congress & Expo is the world’s largest annual event for environmental, health and safety professionals. Safety+Health offers an extensive preview, including a look at educational sessions, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, the “Best in Show” New Product Showcase Awards, and more.

Some 75% of respondents to Safety+Health’s 2019 Job Outlook say their employers don’t have a succession plan for the safety and health function. How can employers begin the process?

Washington — NIOSH, through its recently announced partnership with the nonprofit organization America Achieves, is offering a new high school curriculum that includes workplace safety and health education.

A look at the virtual event, set to take place March 1-5, including keynote speakers, Technical Sessions, networking opportunities and Professional Development Seminars.

Washington — OSHA has made available nearly $22 million in grants aimed at improving worker safety and health training.

Lowell, MA — A new online training course is designed to introduce Total Worker Health concepts to occupational safety and health professionals.

It was introduced last year and has the potential to transform donor behaviour. But are charities ready for open banking? Liam Kay reports

Columbus, OH – Ohio has launched a program to help injured workers learn new skills and return to the workforce.

Newcastle upon Tyne, England – Increased awareness and targeted interventions may help improve return-to-work outcomes for workers who undergo total knee replacement procedures, according to a recent study from Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University in England.

Cambridge, MA — A Workers Compensation Research Institute study of workers with low-back injuries shows those who receive longer-term prescriptions for opioid painkillers take significantly longer to return to work than those who are not prescribed opioids.

Minneapolis — The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has published a template, instructions and checklist guidelines for a COVID-19 preparedness plan – a requirement for nonessential businesses that intend to reopen during the pandemic.

Itasca, IL — Safely returning people to work during the COVID-19 pandemic requires more than a single, one-dimensional strategy, NIOSH Director John Howard says.

Washington — Workers’ opinions about returning to the office amid the COVID-19 pandemic vary greatly based on each individual’s situation, but most want their employer to take certain actions to ensure their safety when they do, results of a recent survey show.

Itasca, IL — The best path to safer, more collaborative and more productive work environments in the United States involves employers guiding COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

The NSC-led initiative wants to help employers ‘understand the spectrum of what they can do’ to safely return employees to the workplace.

Ann Arbor, MI — Nearly 3 out of 5 workers who are hospitalized with traumatic injuries return to their jobs after being discharged, but many of them endure financial hardships and other issues, results of a recent study led by researchers from the University of Michigan show.

Indianapolis – A recent spike in targeted attacks against public safety officers, including one in his home state, has prompted an Indiana lawmaker to take action.

Washington – An innovative sheriff’s deputy has been named the winner of NIOSH’s Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award.

Washington — Law enforcement officers have a nonfatal injury rate nearly three times higher than the general workforce – with “assaults and violent acts” against them the leading cause – according to a recent NIOSH study.

Washington — NIOSH has released a video intended to protect first responders who face potential exposure to fentanyl – a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin – and other illicit drugs.

Washington — NIOSH has released a video intended to assist first responders with understanding personal protective equipment protocol when facing potential exposure to fentanyl – a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin – and other illicit drugs.

Lowell, MA — Noting that corrections officers have an average life expectancy that’s 16 years less than other occupational groups, the Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace has created a mentoring toolkit aimed at combating a decline in health early in correctional workers’ careers.

Indianapolis — Members of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials have pledged to work together on a safety action plan aimed at reducing fatal traffic crashes.

Lansing, MI – Free videos offering safety tips and best practices for employers in the accommodations industry will be available to stream as part of a pilot program from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Washington – A recently released OSHA fact sheet on preventing amputations from food slicers and meat grinders incorporates findings from the agency’s new injury reporting requirements.

Atlanta – Workers in the accommodation and food service industries have the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Washington — The American Hotel and Lodging Association and five major corporations have announced their commitment to improve employee safety in the industry, including measures designed to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and assault.

Washington — A total of 73 U.S. hotel companies have committed to the “5-Star Promise” – a pledge to improve employee safety in the industry, including measures designed to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and assault – since its launch in September 2018, the American Hotel and Lodging Association has announced.

Washington — The American Hotel and Lodging Association has developed what it calls “enhanced” cleaning guidelines and workplace protocols “to meet the new health and safety challenges and expectations presented by COVID-19.”

Los Angeles — Adverse working conditions at fast-food restaurants – as well as worker and customer failure to comply with physical distancing and mask-wearing protocols – may put fast-food employees in Los Angeles at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, according to a recently released report from the University of California, Los Angeles and UC Berkeley.

Sacramento, CA — Legislation signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Sept. 5 authorizes the creation of a council charged with establishing minimum standards on working conditions, hours and wages for fast-food workers statewide.

Washington — A new virtual toolkit from NIOSH is intended to help protect first responders from exposure to illicit drugs, including fentanyl – a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin.

Greenbelt, MD — “Building a Superhighway to Safety – Protecting our Responders on Roadways” is the theme for the 2020 Firefighter Safety Stand Down.

Washington — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published guidance on cleaning and disinfecting non-emergency vehicles used to transport patients with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19, as well as safeguarding their drivers.

Lyon, France — The World Health Organization has reclassified firefighting as a carcinogenic profession.

Philadelphia — Drexel University’s Center for Firefighter Injury Research & Safety Trends has created model organizational policies aimed at addressing stress and violence in fire-based emergency medical services workers.

Washington — A new video is intended to help firefighters stay safe when responding to fire incidents at row houses.

Emmitsburg, MD — “Lithium-Ion Batteries: Are You Ready?” is the theme for this year’s Firefighter Safety Stand Down.

Washington — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council has scheduled public meetings for Nov. 15-16.

Washington — OSHA is eyeing January for publication of a proposed update to its standard on emergency response to expand safety and health protections for first responders.