BLS Announces Lowest Recorded Annual Fatality Rate

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that fatal work injuries decreased 6 percent in 2007, reaching an historic low since the fatal occupational injuries census was first conducted in 1992.

Based on preliminary counts, the rate of fatal injury for U.S. workers in 2007 was 3.7 fatal work injuries per 100,000 workers, down from the final rate of 4.0 per 100,000 workers in 2006.

"We are pleased to see both the number and rate of fatal work injuries continue to decline," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "These numbers show that OSHA's balanced approach to improving safety is working. However, we will continue to work to eliminate all fatalities since one fatality is one fatality too many."

The final results for 2007 will be released in April 2009. 

The complete report can be found at http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf.

CDC Launches CDC-TV Online Video Resource

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched CDC-TV, a new online video resource that will cover a variety of health, safety and preparedness topics.

The premiere series on CDC-TV is “Health Matters.” The first segment of the series, “Break the Silence: Stop the Violence,” addresses the topic of teen dating violence. In this video, parents and teens discuss the problem of dating violence and how to prevent it.

The library of available videos through CDC-TV will expand to include single-topic presentations as well as series for children, parents and public health professionals. Most are short and all include captioning for the hearing-impaired.

The videos are part of CDC′s efforts to increase access to information that can help people prevent illness and injury. “Online video is one of the best tools we have to reach a large number of people and help them make informed health decisions by providing accurate health information,” said Jay Bernhardt, Ph.D., director of CDC′s National Center for Health Marketing. “CDC-TV marks an exciting new chapter in our continuing efforts to provide CDC’s health information to the public when, where, and how they want it.”

The videos are available at http://www.cdc.gov/CDCtv/.

OSHA Calls for Comments on Clarifying PPE Requirements 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is calling for comments on a proposed rule clarifying the remedy for violation of requirements to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and train employees.

New language has been added to some existing respirator and training requirements clarifying that the duty to provide personal protective equipment, including respirators, and training to employees is a duty owed to each employee covered by the requirement. The employer must train each affected employee who must be informed of job hazards. The proposal affects PPE and training in general industry, maritime, and construction.

OSHA will accept comments on the proposal for 30 days. Comments may be submitted electronically at http://regulations.gov by September 18, 2008. The Federal Register number is 73:48335-48350.

The proposed rule as it appears in the Federal Register can be found at http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=21055.

Healthcare workers have higher job stress-related rates of substance abuse and suicide than other professions and elevated rates of depression and anxiety. The National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) has an online resource to address workplace stress experienced by healthcare workers.

In addition to psychological distress, other outcomes of job stress include burnout, absenteeism, employee intent to leave, reduced patient satisfaction, and diagnosis and treatment errors.

The purpose of the resource is to

· identify the sources of occupational stress;
· identify the adverse health effects of occupational stress; and
· recommend work practices to reduce occupational stress.

Access the resource at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2008-136/.

Medicare Moves to Accelerate Adoption of E-Prescribing

Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) is more efficient and convenient for consumers, improves the quality of care, lowers administrative costs and its widespread use would eliminate thousands of medication errors.

Medicare is taking new steps to speed the adoption of e-prescribing by offering incentive payments to physicians and other eligible professionals who use the technology.

According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), more than 1.5 million Americans are injured each year by drug errors.  E-prescribing can help deliver safer, more efficient care to patients. 

Beginning in 2009, and during the next four years, Medicare will provide incentive payments to eligible professionals who are successful electronic prescribers.

More information on Medicare’s efforts can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/news/facts/eprescribing.html.

Building Design Can Improve IAQ and Reduce Airborne Infection

Architects and engineers are putting into practice inventive measures to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) of health care facilities and reduce the risk of airborne ailments.

There are a number of indoor air pollutants that contribute to poor IAQ and the spread of airborne disease. These include biological contaminants such as molds and bacteria, and combustion pollutants like carbon monoxide and toxic particles. Even the building itself is a factor, since toxic substances emitted from building materials and furnishings degrade IAQ.

Estimates from the Institute of Medicine indicate that nosocomial infections—those contracted by a patient while under medical care—account for more deaths annually in the United States than motor vehicle accidents. While there is little design professionals can do to prevent hospital-acquired infection that results from human error—improper sterilization, for instance—architects and engineers are putting into practice inventive measures to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) of health care facilities and reduce the risk of airborne ailments.

Read more about building design and IAQ at

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/aug2008/id20080813_845797.htm?chan=innovation_architecture_top+stories.

Study Cites Lack of Preparedness for Climate Change Public Health Risks

While a majority of public health officials surveyed perceived climate change likely to significantly impact public health in their localities, few had plans to deal with the problem.

The new study from George Mason University was recently published in the journal Public Library of Science ONE and reveals that the majority of health department directors believed that threats such as heat waves or heat-related illnesses, reduced air quality and reduced water quality or quantity were most likely to become more common or severe as a result of climate change.

"The reason why so many Americans view climate change as a threat to other species rather than as a threat to people may be in part because health professionals have been largely silent on the issue," says lead author Edward Maibach, professor and director of the Center for Climate Change Communication. "By using the opportunities available to them, public health and health care professionals can educate people on the threats of climate change to their health and wellbeing."

Read the press release announcing the study: http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/display.php?rid=696&keywords=

The published study can be found at http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0002838.

Data from a recent Brigham Young University study suggest that implementation of a four-day workweek could result in higher job satisfaction and lower levels of work-family conflict, which translate into increased worker productivity.

The study examines the impact of the compressed workweek schedule on the job satisfaction and work–family conflict of the participating employees. Employees perceived that the alternative schedule increased their productivity and their ability to serve the citizens.

Additionally, the authors report that employees working the 4/10 workweek experience lower levels of work–family conflict than their counterparts who are working other schedules, but no significant difference for most measures of job satisfaction. 
 
Access a full-text PDF of the study at http://rop.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/28/2/166.

OSHA Offers Resource on Lead Exposure

Lead poisoning, caused chiefly by the inhalation of dust and fumes, is a common hazard in the construction industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is offering information on the most effective solutions to lead hazards in the workplace.

Employees involved in demolition, salvage, removal, encapsulation, cleanup and renovation operations are particularly at risk. Lead dust can also be carried home from work on clothing, skin, or hair, so it is important for everyone to take proper preventive measures against exposure.

It is also a major potential public health risk. In general populations, lead may be present in hazardous concentrations in food, water, and air. Sources include paint, urban dust, and folk remedies. 

OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Page on Lead can be found at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/lead/index.html.

Overcrowding, Understaffing Key in MRSA Transmission

A study published recently in The Lancet Infectious Diseases identifies healthcare system understaffing and overcrowding as key elements in the increased transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Study findings showed that the MRSA epidemic had occurred at the same time that many hospitals were operating at full capacity leading to overcrowding and understaffing. This in turn led to failure of MRSA control programs via decreased healthcare worker hand-hygiene compliance, increased movement of patients and staff between hospital wards, decreased levels of cohorting, and overburdening of screening and isolation facilities.

For more on the study, plus a link to the full text, visit http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473309908701518/abstract.

CDC Warns Against CO Poisoning Following Emergencies

Alternative sources of fuel or electricity used during power outages can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) build up and endanger lives.

When power outages occur during emergencies such as hurricanes or winter storms, the use of for heating, cooling, or cooking can cause CO to build up in a home, garage, or camper and to poison the people and animals inside.

Every home should have at least one working carbon monoxide detector. The detector’s batteries should be checked twice annually, at the same time smoke detector batteries are checked.

For a comprehensive collection of resources on CO poisoning, visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/carbonmonoxide.asp.

Silicosis-related Deaths Decline But Younger Workers’ Exposure High

Despite an overall decline in silicosis-related deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that intense overexposures to respirable crystalline silica continue to occur despite the existence of legally enforceable limits.

The findings in the report indicate that silicosis-attributable years of potential life lost (YPLL) decreased substantially during 1968-2005, but the decline became less pronounced during 1995-2005. The decline was attributed to several factors, including enactment of national compliance standards for silica dust exposure in the early 1970s, general adoption of disease prevention measures, and changes over time in industrial activity.

However, workers exposed to silica below permissible and recommended exposure limits are still at risk for developing radiographic evidence of silicosis. The decline among young adults aged 15-44 years is less marked, indicating that intense overexposures to respirable crystalline silica continue to occur despite the existence of legally enforceable limits.

For more on the report, visit http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5728a3.htm.

CDC Launches Healthiest Nation Alliance

The United States is 26th on one list of healthiest nations and 47th on another. A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) campaign hopes to dramatically improve those standings.

The alliance was announced at the third annual Leaders-to-Leaders Conference "Shaping Policy for a Healthier Nation." The conference purpose was to identify policies and strategies to improve the health of all Americans and to develop a "playbook for action" for achieving a healthier nation. 

The Healthiest Nation Alliance aspires to help create an America where an integrated national system values health, prioritizes prevention, and protects from emerging threats. The Alliance exists to provide leadership and foster actions by organizations and individuals that encourage or sustain health.

For more on the Alliance, visit http://www.cdc.gov/HealthMarketing/HealthiestNation/.

Summer Weather Raises Risks for Outdoor Workers

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers practical ways to protect workers from heat illness.

 During the summer months, heat illness (including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, cramps, and fatigue) is a prevalent issue for outdoor workers as well as those working indoors. It is not uncommon for outdoor workers to endure temperatures over 100° F during their workday. Heating and air-conditioning contractors in home attics can encounter temperatures of 120° F or more. Many workers in foundries and mines work in hot conditions year ‘round that are often more risky during the summer months.

The NIOSH document Working in Hot Environments provides a detailed overview of the hazards of working in heat and offers prevention measures.

You can access the document at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hotenvt.html.

Vacation Time Key to Better Health

A number of studies report that vacation time greatly benefits overall wellness and better health.

The possible adverse health effects of not taking vacations includes increased risk of heart disease and death, poorer-quality sleep, increased tension, depression, fatigue and marital strain.

The average U.S. worker takes 11 of the 14 days they have available while European workers have 26 to 37 vacation days at their disposal, depending on which country they live and work in. This “vacation gap” has been seen as a possible reason why European workers tend to be healthier than their American counterparts.

Read more about vacation time at http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2008-07-13-your-health_N.htm.

Raw Peppers Now Suspect in Continuing Salmonella Outbreak

With more than 1,000 recently reported cases of Salmonella associated with certain tomatoes, raw jalapeno and serrano peppers have been added to the list of foods with possible links to the outbreak.

At this time, the FDA is advising people in high-risk populations such as elderly persons, infants and people with impaired immune systems to avoid eating raw jalapeno and raw serrano peppers.

In addition, the FDA continues to advise consumers to avoid eating raw red plum, red Roma, or red round tomatoes except for those grown in the areas listed below. Tomatoes grown in those areas have not been associated with the outbreak.

For an update on the outbreak, visit http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html.

Nearly Half of Workers Have Gained Weight on Current Job

A recent CareerBuilder.com survey has found that 45 percent of workers have gained weight since starting their current jobs.

Fifty percent of the women surveyed said they had put on weight, while 42 percent of the men also said they had gotten heavier.

Key factors in the weight gain appeared to be eating out at least twice a week, buying lunch from a vending machine and multiple daily snacks.

Twelve percent experienced a weight gain of more than 20 pounds, while 26 percent gained more than 10 pounds.

For more on the survey visit, http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/06/30/cb.weight.gain/. #

 CDC Offers Strategy for Avoiding West Nile Virus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages the use of insect repellant to improve your odds of avoiding the often-debilitating mosquito-borne virus.

More than 27,600 people in the US have been reported with West Nile virus disease since 1999, and of those 11,000 have been seriously ill and over 1,000 have died. The older you are, the more likely that you could get severely ill if you get infected. People who have diabetes and folks that have ever received an organ transplant are also at higher risk for severe disease 

More information can be found at http://cdc.gov/Features/WestNileVirus/.

OSHA Site Provides Resources for Teen Workers

A teen-oriented Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) online resource provides safety and health information for young workers, their parents, teachers and employers.

The site provides answers to questions often asked by the working teen and offers details about workers' rights and responsibilities, and links to training and other educational tools. Individual State's youth employment laws are also available.

Other information available on the site includes “Teen Summer Jobs Safety - Build a Safe Work Foundation” and a young workers’ OSHA Fact Sheet.

Visit the site at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html.

Asthma Rates Soaring Among Adult Hospital Patients

Hospitals are finding that increasing numbers of adults who are admitted to the hospital for other conditions also have asthma, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Causes of the disease are unclear, but the number of Americans diagnosed with asthma is rising. Between 2000 and 2005, the number of adults who were hospitalized and found to have asthma as a secondary condition increased from about 753,800 to 1,609,200—an increase of 113 percent.
 
 More on the study can be found at http://www.ahrq.gov/news/nn/nn061808.htm.

Coping With Traumatic Event Info for Health Professionals from CDC

An online guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information for health professionals who may encounter trauma survivors.

An event, or series of events, that causes moderate to severe stress reactions, is called a traumatic event. Traumatic events are characterized by a sense of horror, helplessness, serious injury, or the threat of serious injury or death.

In addition to potentially affecting those who suffer injuries or loss traumatic events affect survivors, rescue workers, and friends and relatives of victims who have been directly involved. They may also affect people who have witnessed the event either firsthand or on television. Stress reactions immediately following a traumatic event are very common, however, most of the reactions will resolve within ten days.
 
Go to http://emergency.cdc.gov/masscasualties/copingpro.asp  for information on coping with traumatic events and how health professionals can best interact with trauma survivors.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an update on the recent multi-state outbreak of Salmonella linked to consumption of certain tomatoes.

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the Indian Health Service, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an ongoing multi-state outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Saintpaul infections.

An epidemiologic investigation comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons has identified consumption of raw tomatoes as the likely source of the illnesses. The specific type and source of tomatoes is under investigation; however, the data suggest that illnesses are linked to consumption of raw red plum, red Roma, or round red tomatoes, or any combination of these types of tomatoes, and to products containing these raw tomatoes.

The update can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/.

Hispanics Experience Higher Work-related Injury Death Rates

Through analyzing data from 1992-2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with other agencies have found that Hispanic workers are dying from job-related injuries at significantly higher rates than other workers.

In a recent CDC Morbidity and Mortality report, findings showed that a total of 11,303 Hispanic workers died from work-related injuries during the 1992-2006 time frame. Although the death rate for Hispanic workers decreased during this period, the rate was consistently higher than the rate for all U.S. workers, while the proportion of deaths among foreign-born Hispanic workers increased.

According to CDC, additional efforts are needed to reduce the risk for death among Hispanic workers because of projected increases in their employment, involvement in work with high risk for injury, susceptibility to miscommunication caused by language differences, and other potential risks associated with culture and economic status.

The CDC Mortality and Morbidity report can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5722a1.htm.

NIOSH Offers Guidelines for Flood and Storm Cleanup
 
Recent flooding has devastated the Upper Midwest. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers cleanup activities guidelines for these natural disasters under what can often be hazardous conditions.

Workers and volunteers involved with flood cleanup should be aware of the potential dangers involved, and the proper safety precautions. Work-related hazards that could be encountered include: electrical hazards, Carbon Monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, hazardous materials, fire, confined spaces and falls.

Information about hazards associated with storm and flood cleanup is intended to help employers and workers prepare in advance for anticipated response activities, and to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses in the field once rescue, recovery, and clean-up begin.

The guidelines can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/flood/.

Practice Alert: Know Your State's Standing Orders!

Nurses—especially advanced practice nurses—are continuing to encounter vigorous efforts to legislate limits to their scope of practice. Due to the recent discovery of a 2006 practice alert issued by the New York State Office of the Professions, AAOHN is urging its members keep abreast of their state's legislative actions and contact their state board of nursing for scope of practice updates.

In many cases, state boards of nursing do not sufficiently inform the nurse population of changes or proposed changes that will impact the limits of their practice. Ultimately, each nurse is responsible to make themselves aware of their state's scope of practice.

Don't unknowingly find yourself in a legally liable position!

For contact information for your state board of nursing, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

The New York State Office of the Professions 2006 alert can be found at www.op.nysed.gov/nurse-standingorders.htm.