Stockholm – Working in the cold increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to researchers at the Karolinska Institute.

Arlington, VA – More than 40 percent of health care professionals who reported at least one symptom of influenza during a recent flu season did not stay home from work, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you work outside, it’s important to know about cold stress. Cold stress is a preventable danger that involves a person’s skin temperature – and eventually internal body temperature – dropping to levels at which the body cannot warm itself, according to OSHA. This can lead to serious injuries, including permanent tissue damage and death. Types of cold stress include trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia.

Download this guide to learn everything you need to know about the different types of ice cleats and traction aids.

Download this guide from Winter Walking to identify the best traction aids for your organization.

“Workers – both indoors and outdoors – in services, transportation, agriculture, construction and other industries may be exposed to environmental cold stress that can lead to thermal discomfort, and in some cases even severe injuries, illnesses or death,” NIOSH warns.

Arlington, VA — As winter approaches, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has released best practices aimed at reducing hazards related to cold weather.

CDC provides tips on how and when to wash your hands, and comments on the effectiveness of hand sanitizers.

After a brain injury, a person “may experience difficulty performing his or her job safely, or in the same manner,” according to the Brain Injury Association of America. “Some may find they need to find other employment, while others can request adaptions in their workplace to accommodate their new needs.”

According to Injury Facts, a website maintained by the National Safety Council, nearly 5,500 workers died on the job in 2022. How many of those workers could have been saved with CPR?

A look at the “non-siloed approach” to safety and well-being.

Every year, roughly 30 million people in the Unites States are exposed to hazardous noise at work, according to OSHA. High levels of noise can result in permanent hearing loss for workers.

Workers in many industries use disposable earplugs. But are they inserting and wearing them correctly? We’ve got step-by-step instructions, and more.

It’s important to exercise good ergonomics throughout the day. If you use hand tools as part of your job, keep the following in mind.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders – also referred to as repetitive motion or repetitive strain injuries – are a group of painful conditions that affect the muscles, tendons and nerves. According to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, workers can develop an MSD from bending, gripping, straightening, holding, twisting, or reaching with their arms and hands.

From boxes of paper near the printer to large packages in the mailroom, office settings contain a number of objects – some quite heavy – that require manual lifting. Are you following safe lifting practices?

Good ergonomics isn’t limited to the office: The same practices that can help avoid aches and pains at your desk can be applied to your drive to and from work, the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety says.

Construction workers: Do you often perform the same task at work over and over again? Do you experience pain afterward? What starts as a minor ache or pain can quickly turn into a more serious condition – a repetitive stress injury.

Are you thinking of introducing exoskeletons into your workplace? They can aid workers in lifting heavy objects and carrying large loads, which reduces the risk of musculoskeletal-related injuries.

Movement is key to warding off the pain. Stretch your hip flexors in the morning before work and again at the end of your workday.

Tilburg, Netherlands — Employers who take a more tailored approach to supporting workers who return to work after a mental health-related absence “could not only prevent mental health problems from becoming more severe but also help employees achieve a more sustainable return,” according to a new research report from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.

Dortmund, Germany — People who work from home are more likely to continue working when they’re ill, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Oulu, Finland — If you stay up late at night, you risk underperforming at work, results of a recent study out of Finland indicate.

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.

San Francisco — Around half of workers say their employer isn’t doing enough to address the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by Total Brain, a mental health and brain performance platform provider.

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.

Philadelphia — A vast majority of employees who are returning to the workplace after working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic say they plan to continue practicing elevated hygiene amid concerns over the cleanliness of their offices and being around colleagues again, according to the results of a recent survey commissioned by hygiene and health company Essity.

New York — Nearly half of workers whose employers have a flexible remote work policy say it’s their most coveted employee perk, while more than 3 out of 4 would like to work from home permanently, results of a recent survey show.

Washington — Workers who have diabetes may face a heightened risk of developing depression, according to a recent NIOSH study.

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.

Ljubljana, Slovenia — Work intensity is the most commonly identified risk factor for daily stress on the job, European researchers have concluded after conducting a research review.

Hartford, CT — A third of recently surveyed business executives expect their workers to answer or participate in work-related calls while driving – and 42% of workers say they oblige.

San Diego — Saying “thank you” and expressing other forms of gratitude to co-workers can lead to better cardiovascular response in high-stress situations, results of a recent study show.

Adding physical activity to your daily routine could lead to a longer life – regardless of genetic predisposition, say researchers at the University of California, San Diego.

Boston — Employees who use illicit substances have increased absenteeism – a “compelling argument” for employers to promote employee treatment programs, results of a recent Boston University study show.

London — Employees – especially younger ones – are concerned about the air quality in their workplace, according to a recently published report from Infogrid.

London – A new, free document from the International Lead Association aims to educate workers and managers in developing countries on how to minimize or eliminate the risks of toxic lead emissions.

Washington — OSHA is requesting public comment on a proposed rule that would revise the agency’s standards on occupational exposure to lead in general industry and construction.

Washington — In response to multiple stakeholder requests, OSHA has extended until Oct. 28 the comment period on a proposed rule that would revise the agency’s standards on occupational exposure to lead in general industry and construction.

The Luffing Tower Crane Training Pack is the first simulation-based LTC training platform on the market.

The workplace virtual tour is educational software that provides users with a fully interactive experience in which participants learn how to use either a noise dosimeter or a sound level meter while touring a workplace.

The Intellia Mini Excavator Simulator Training Pack offers detailed metrics to track safety violations and performance, allowing employers to objectively determine when an operator is ready for the field.

The National Association of Tower Erectors is dedicated to providing a unified voice for tower erection, service and maintenance companies. NATE is recognized as the tower industry leader in promoting safety, education, uniform practices and procedures. Visit www.natehome.com or call (605) 882-5865 for more information!

Click here for more information from National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE)

The Millenium Full Protect is an ASTM-certified safety overshoe that features a safety toe cap, penetration-resistant midsole and slip-resistant sole. Other features include an adjustable strap made of flexible PU and a protective tongue. The overshoe – designed for a long lifetime – is made of washable material.

Click here for more information from Gaston Mille

Product information is provided by manufacturers. This publication has not independently tested manufacturers' products and cannot assume responsibility for the validity of product claims.

The National Association of Tower Erectors is dedicated to providing a unified voice for tower erection, service and maintenance companies. NATE is recognized as the tower industry leader in promoting safety, education, and uniform practices and procedures. Visit www.natehome.com or call (605) 882- 5865 for more information.

Click here for more information from National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE)

Product information is provided by manufacturers. This publication has not independently tested manufacturers' products and cannot assume responsibility for the validity of product claims.

When used properly, instruments and monitors can provide workers with critical safety information, such as indoor air quality or if a confined space has a toxic level of gas.

The Product Focus this month is on instruments and monitors.