Workplace Violence Bill Passes House, Moves to Senate

A bill that would direct OSHA to issue a standard to protect workers in the health care and social service industries has passed the House and now moves to the Senate. Such a standard would require employers to develop and implement workplace violence prevention plans to protect nurses, emergency responders and other workers. These two industries are responsible for 70 percent of nonfatal assaults occurring in U.S. workplaces.

OSHA’s Top 10 Citations of 2020

The order of OSHA’s most cited violations changed from 2019 to 2020, though the list remained the same. Four of the top 10 violations were related to falls (general fall protection requirements, scaffolding, ladders and training requirements). Hazard communication and respiratory protection both appeared in the top five, with lockout/tagout, machine guarding, eye and face protection and violations related to powered industrial trucks completing the top 10.

Next Generation E-Cigarettes Haven’t Changed Risks

Despite updated designs that are changing the look of many e-cigarette devices and their pods, researchers found the new products are just as harmful as the previous versions. Cartridges often contain nickel, chromium, copper, tin and other elements, which can leak into the vapor created when the pod is heated. Though more studies are needed, these substances may contribute to some of the negative health effects associated with using these products.

CDC Launches New Site to Promote Health Equity

The CDC has launched a new Racism and Health website as a resource for employers and the public. Its goal is to improve education and promote national discussion and action related to ending racism and its impacts on the nation’s health. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/healthequity/racism-disparities.

[Nick Fox]