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.

Menlo Park, CA – The holiday season brings with it a mix of joy and stress for workers: 51 percent say they’re more cheerful at work this time of year, but 35 percent feel more work-related pressure, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by Accountemps, a finance staffing firm.

As outdoor temperatures plummet, employers and employees alike can take steps to help prevent injuries and illnesses when workers have to brave the elements to get the job done.

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.

Falls continue to plague the construction industry. According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of death in construction.

Sun protection may not be top of mind for outdoor workers during the colder months, but ignoring skin protection in the wintertime is a mistake.

Snow-covered or icy roads, and slick driving surfaces resulting from heavy rain – these are just some of the weather-related conditions that workers may encounter. All this severe weather potential raises the question: Should workplaces have severe weather policies?

A spike in lost-time injuries and illnesses resulting from “environmental cold” suggests a lack of understanding of cold stress and how to avoid related injuries.

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

A thorough workplace safety and health plan should include steps to protect workers from cold-related hazards. This is particularly important for workers in the services, transportation, construction and agriculture industries.

Washington — Citing the increased circulation of airborne viruses when temperatures drop, “indoor air quality in the workplace during cold weather is especially critical,” OSHA says in a new alert.

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

Fall means cold and flu season is almost upon us, and store shelves are lined with a variety of products made to treat common symptoms. But those medications can be toxic when not used properly, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

“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.

With the holiday season underway, workers may be feeling festive and want to show it in the workplace. Follow these tips to help prevent injuries while decorating.

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

Protecting workers from frigid outdoor conditions requires awareness, planning and training. We've got seven tips for workers and safety professionals.

In Episode 36, the S+H team dives into the February issue’s feature story on the hazards of working in cold weather. Additionally, Mike Kassman, director of OSHA and disaster response training at CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, discusses ladder safety.

Working outdoors already involves many hazards. Add cold temperatures during the winter months, and the number of risks grows.

Although it can form on any road and “sneak up on you,” the National Weather Service says black ice frequently is found on roads that lack exposure to sunlight or are lightly traveled.

Miners who work in cold temperatures are at risk for cold stress, which may trigger hypothermia, frostbite, and other injuries and illnesses.

Using either Standard or Wide-Base Hydraulic Tilt Tables increases operator ergonomics and productivity.

The LNB-2 is the next generation in powered-elevating two-wheel hand trucks.

The Battery Plate Manipulator Lift/Pitch System is a lift-assist device that allows a single operator to lift 150-pound lead battery plates, re-orient them vertically and move them to an adjacent workstation for further processing.

The Chauffeur is a unique four-way directional transport system designed to prevent injuries among health care workers who move bariatric patients.

The Slyde Evacuation Sled is an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution for evacuating nonambulatory occupants from a multistory building.

The PS-1930 is a self-propelled electric scissor lift with a platform height of 19 feet and a working height of 25 feet.

PDL Series Loading Dock Scissor Lifts allow users to transfer loads from a variety of truck bed heights to loading docks up to 59 inches high.

The Speed-Lift Dock Lift allows a forklift operator to safely and quickly raise from the ground up to 58 inches without leaving their seat. Automatic folding ramps open and close to keep the operator safe.

Working with Ludwig System GmbH & Co. KG, OTH Pioneer Rigging has developed an alternative to traditional lifting hooks that helps quicken the rigging process while mitigating risk to workers.

Apex 2, the latest version of HeroWear’s back-assist exosuit, fuses science and comfort to provide wearers with unparalleled protection and wearability. It’s designed to assist workers who frequently perform demanding tasks such as lifting and sustained or repeated bending without restricting movement.

The RollMover RX Roll Pusher’s new power profile offers an increased capacity to move rolls up to 8,000 pounds across a flat floor or up to 5,500 pounds into transitions.

This free-standing gantry crane lifts and lowers material baskets, allowing for the transport of tools, brick pallets, equipment and more.

Booth #5837

Request your Accuform Signs catalog today! Accuform’s newest full-line catalog, BEC15, is set to ship this fall. Discover a complete product line of facility identification that will INFORM, PROTECT, and MOTIVATE™ the global workforce, with over 100,000 products to meet the unique needs of virtually any plant or facility.

Click here for more information from Accuform Signs

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

Booth #4355

Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Online is a self-directed course that uses interactive lessons and videos to teach you comprehensive first aid, CPR, and AED knowledge. This program is for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs an AHA course completion card.

Click here for more information from American Heart Association

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

Booth #5749

Anti-Microbial Products, Inc. (AMP) is a distributor of Anti-Microbial gloves. AMP sells to food service distributors, hospitals, schools, retailers and food companies all over the United States. The AMS Anti-Microbial Glove is highly effective at protecting the product and inhibiting the growth of bacteria that may affect them. AMS is developing glove products that, in the future, can be utilized in health care markets.

Click here for more information from Anti-Microbial Products, Inc.

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

Booth #5824

BlueWater Manufacturing offers industry-leading, non-penetrating OSHA-compliant guardrail systems for fall protection on flat roof buildings and elevated platforms. Our versatile modular solutions are engineered-to-order, portable, easy to install, and never jeopardize roof integrity. We manufacture in-house, so special challenges are our specialty!

Click here for more information from BlueWater Manufacturing, Inc.

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

Booth #2217

The “Career Paths in Safety” brochure offers certification options at basic, technologist and technician, trainer, and professional levels. It outlines safety education, experience and job roles. “Career Paths in Safety” includes information on BCSP’s certifications including the CSP, OHST, CHST, STS and CET.

Click here for more information from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals

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

Booth #2231

Brady Worldwide, Inc. has been creating a smarter, safer world for 100 years. When it comes to the workplace safety puzzle, Brady has the pieces. Our products include high-performance labels and signs, safety and lockout/tagout devices, printing systems and software, absorbents, and more. Visit us at Booth #2231 at the 2014 NSC Congress & Expo or at www.BradyID.com for more information.

Click here for more information from Brady Worldwide, Inc.

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

EtQ is the leading EHS Management Software System for identifying, mitigating and preventing high-risk incidents through integration, automation and collaboration. EtQ’s EHS Management Software System helps maintain compliance with regulatory initiatives, such as ISO 14001and OHSAS 18001. Key modules include incidents, crisis management, job safety analysis and more.

Click here for more information from EtQ, Inc.

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

Booth #5653

Local products. Accountable people. We Are Where You Are. For all of your industrial and construction supply needs, visit us at www.Fastenal.com.

Click here for more information from Fastenal Company

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

Booth #5237

The Serpent® Safety Helmet has a sleek shell design that provides an attractive style while offering durable protection. The lightweight helmet offers superior comfort with an eight-point, six-strap nylon suspension that also provides exceptional impact absorption. Available in both unvented, Class E and vented, Class C only models.

Click here for more information from Gateway Safety, Inc.

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

Booth #4537 and 4737

Introducing the Miller® AirCore™ Wind Energy Harness – the ultimate in fall protection safety, comfort and productivity for wind turbine construction and maintenance workers. Its advanced design combines lightweight comfort with superior fall protection for workers who build and service wind turbines – reducing fatigue for increased endurance, safety and compliance.

Click here for more information from Honeywell Safety Products

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

Booth #4037

By wearing the Tango™ TX1 Single Gas Monitor, which includes two identical sensors for the detection of the same gas, workers will be the safest single-gas monitor users in the world. The Tango’s three-year runtime and patent-pending DualSense® Technology increase worker safety, regardless of bump test frequency, while reducing overall maintenance costs.

Click here for more information from Industrial Scientific Corporation

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

Protect outdoor workers from dangerous insects and harmful UV rays with the Insect Shield Technical Field shirt. Invisible, odorless Insect Shield technology is built in and repels mosquitoes, ticks and other insects that can cause Lyme disease and West Nile virus.

Click here for more information from Insect Shield

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