Raleigh, NC — Some people may believe that colleagues who step away from their desks are avoiding work, but the results of a recent study conducted by researchers from North Carolina State University show short breaks actually can help boost productivity and manage energy.

Menlo Park, CA — Thirty-four percent of office employees working remotely during of the COVID-19 pandemic say they might look for another job if directed to return to the office full-time, results of a recent survey show.

Boston — Do you eat lunch with co-workers? The food choices – healthy or unhealthy – of your lunch bunch are very likely to influence your own choices, results of a recent study led by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Massachusetts Amherst show.

Alexandria, VA — About 6 out of 10 U.S. adults believe masks should be a requirement for workers at onsite locations, even if those workers are fully vaccinated, according to the results of a recent Harris Poll survey commissioned by the American Staffing Association.

Fort Collins, CO — Ambiguous expectations and undefined work boundaries may put more conscientious remote workers at elevated risk for burnout, dissatisfaction and illness, a recent study suggests.

Menlo Park, CA — More than 40% of employees say they’re more burned out on the job than they were a year ago, and 1 out of 3 plan to take at least three weeks of vacation this year, recent survey results show.

Chicago — Although a growing number of employers are purchasing air purifiers as part of reopening their workplaces amid the COVID-19 pandemic, one type of the technology might not be as effective as advertised, results of a recent study show.

Menomonee Falls, WI — Around 70% of office workers say they’re washing their hands more often because of new strains of the virus that causes COVID-19, while about half avoid shaking hands with others, results of a recent survey show.

Atlanta — Almost three-quarters of U.S. employees are concerned about workplace safety standards and cleanliness as a protection against COVID-19, according to the results of a recent survey.

Adelaide, Australia — Open toilet lids, defective plumbing drains and uncovered trash cans may increase the risk of bacterial and viral disease transmission in public restrooms, according to a recent research review.

Los Angeles — A recent survey of people who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that nearly three-quarters experienced new mental health issues, while 65% developed new physical issues.

Changsha, China — Night shift workers who have high blood pressure may be at increased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes, or experiencing a stroke, results of a recent study show.

Tucson, AZ — A noisy office can increase stress levels. But now researchers are saying that near or complete silence at work isn’t so great either.

The Product Focus this month is on instruments and monitors.

Occupational skin diseases are the second-most common type of occupational disease. NIOSH estimates that more than 13 million U.S. workers are potentially exposed to chemicals that can be absorbed through their skin.

Pneumoconiosis is a group of diseases that includes asbestosis, silicosis and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, also known as black lung.

For some workers, mosquitoes are an on-the-job hazard. That’s because some mosquitoes carry diseases – such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue and malaria – that can be transmitted to people.

Occupational asthma can develop when a worker breathes in gases, chemical fumes, dust or other work-related substances. According to Mayo Clinic, it also can result from exposure to a substance a worker is sensitive to, triggering an allergic or immunological response.

People who work in hot, humid conditions may not like the idea of wearing a facial covering to decrease their risk of exposure to COVID-19. But it’s necessary.

North Kingstown, RI — More than 4 out of 5 health care workers experience headaches associated with the use of personal protective equipment, according to a new report from the Association of Migraine Disorders.

Washington — Echoing comments made by OSHA administrator Doug Parker during a hearing three weeks earlier, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh said a permanent standard on COVID-19 for the health care industry may be published sometime in the fall.

Washington — In an effort to prevent work-related transmission of the monkeypox virus, OSHA is urging employers and workers whose jobs may involve skin-to-skin contact with infected people or animals to take precautions.

Rockville, MD — A new report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality outlines ways that emergency medical service and 911 workers can be exposed to infectious pathogens and offers recommendations for infection prevention and control.

Washington — Health care workers are reporting burnout and poor mental health at levels higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Albuquerque, NM — Even moderate outdoor temperatures may put construction workers at increased risk of heat-related illness, a recent study led by a University of New Mexico researcher suggests.

Toronto — The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association has published a guide on reducing the risk of struck-by incidents in the workplace.

Washington — The most common crane-related hazards – and how technology may help solve them – are detailed in a new report from the National Safety Council’s Work to Zero initiative and the NCCCO Foundation.

Silver Spring, MD — Nearly 1 out of 5 construction workers report having anxiety or depression, and the overwhelming majority of them haven’t sought expert help, a new report shows.

Washington — The National Safety Council has published a new report highlighting technology solutions that have the potential to reduce the risk of injury and death when working in and around cranes.

What are the differences between OSHA and ANSI safety sign standards?

This “Industry Insights” guide from Kee Safety explains the differences between Kee Klamp fittings and fabricated railings.

How can facilities proactively address and mitigate common workplace hazards?

London — People who are aware that their co-workers are using employer-provided mental health benefits may be more likely to use them too, researchers say.

Philadelphia — Automated text message reminders about a digital mental health platform helped decrease the symptoms of depression and anxiety among health care workers in a recent study from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Denver — Half of workers have experienced a mental health issue in the past year, results of a recent survey show.

New York — Worker well-being is “dramatically lower” than in past years, as stress levels related to economic and other concerns remain on the rise, a recent report reveals.

Nijmegen, Netherlands — “The greater the mental effort, the greater the unpleasantness experienced by participants,” a recent study by Dutch researchers concludes.

Washington — Employers can improve the on-the-job experience for workers affected by menstruation and menopause by providing protections and accommodations, and being flexible, the Department of Labor says.

Washington — Workers in private industry experienced fewer injuries and illnesses on the job last year than in 2022, according to Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data released Nov. 8 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Chicago — One out of 5 workers who take a leave of absence to care for others later take leave for a medical condition of their own, results of a new analysis show.

Sydney — Global work-related deaths have jumped more than 12% since 2000, according to estimates from the International Labour Organization.

Morgantown, WV — Turning mundane manufacturing tasks into games may boost worker engagement, motivation and productivity – but it also may stress out some people, results of a recent study show.

Washington — The Chemical Safety Board is urging chemical facilities to prepare for a season of “potentially more frequent and more powerful hurricanes and other extreme weather events.”

Few flavors evoke a rich and savory flavor more than garlic herb butter. Consumers crave its extraordinary flavor and smooth, creamy texture from steakhouses and fine dining. 

Washington — Railroads must develop certification and training programs for train dispatchers and signal employees, under new Federal Railroad Administration final rules.

Washington — In an effort to help school bus drivers make safe choices at railroad crossings, a rail safety education group has released a series of free training videos.

Washington — Transit agency leaders must help support employee well-being with a clear commitment to addressing mental health, wellness and resiliency – and should provide resources, according to a new report.

Washington — Musculoskeletal disorders are overwhelmingly the No. 1 cause of injuries among warehousing and “last-mile delivery” workers, according to a Government Accountability Office report released Oct. 8.

Watertown, SD — A new video from the National Association of Tower Erectors highlights the importance of properly inspecting and using safety climb systems installed on communication towers.

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