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Volume 4 Number 1 May
2006
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eNews Celebrates Its 3rd Anniversary
Thanks to you, our readers, NIOSH eNews observes its third anniversary with
this issue. We are pleased that you look to us for latest information on
NIOSH. To make sure that we remain vibrant and responsive to your interests,
we invite your comments and suggestions on the contents and format of eNews. We
also want to know what future topics you would like addressed.
- Would you like to see any
changes in eNews,
and if so, what would they be?
- Are there issues or program
areas of interest to you that we haven’t reported on?
- Other kinds of features you would like to see?
We want to make sure that eNews
continues to meet your needs, and to do that, we want to know what you think.
Please send your comments and suggestions to us at NIOSHeNews@xxxxxxx.
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During
the recent National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Symposium, NIOSH had
the pleasure of recognizing exemplary partners and researchers in the field
of occupational safety and health research. Their work spans a variety of
occupations and safety and health issues. We at NIOSH congratulate each of
them for their outstanding dedication and the contributions they have made to
improving worker safety and health.
The
NIOSH
Director’s Award is presented, beginning this
year, for outstanding leadership and research accomplishments in the field of
occupational safety and health that have a measurable impact on the
practitioner environment and workplace. This year’s award was presented
to Dr. Charles Czeisler, Baldino Professor of Sleep Medicine and the Director,
Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, for his
work as the Principal Investigator for the NIOSH-funded study “Effects
of Extended Work Hours on Intern Safety and Health.” The study, which
looked at how extended shifts affected first year medical interns both inside
and outside the workplace, suggest these extended shifts pose serious safety
risks to interns, their patients and also to other motorists when fatigued
interns drive home after finishing extended shifts.
The
NORA Innovative
Research Award for Worker Safety and Health honors
those who have shown creativity and innovation in their occupational safety
and health research in a NORA priority area. The Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) project was
the 2006 award winner. GTS can affect farm workers who handle wet tobacco
leaves and may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting that
can lead to life-threatening dehydration. Farm workers at potential risk
include the growing population of Latino workers. By engaging Latino farm
workers, tobacco growers, and medical personnel in the process, the
researchers created a significant body of scholarly work on GTS epidemiology
and produced meaningful education materials for both farm workers and medical
personnel who treat GTS.
The
NORA Partnering Award
for Worker Safety and Health honors groups who have
demonstrated exemplary teamwork, innovative thinking, and strong science in
their collaborative partnerships on occupational safety and health research.
This award was presented to two groups. The Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention in Health Care
Workers project brought together a first-of-its-kind
collaboration between private and public sector U.S. hospitals, organized
labor, private and public sector safety and health researchers, and
international researchers with cooperation from manufacturers of footwear,
flooring, and floor wax, to research, develop and test a program that would
help to prevent slip, trip and fall injuries among health care workers. A “best
practices” injury prevention program was established, a layman’s
document is in development, and the results of various component studies have
been presented at national and international conferences.
The
NIOSH Hazardous Drug
Working Group is also a 2006 winner of the Partnering Award for Worker Safety
and Health. This group of representatives from
government, labor, pharmacy, nursing, academia, research, pharmaceutical and
safety equipment manufacturing, and trade associations charged themselves to
develop authoritative findings and recommendations about the potential risk
of occupational health effects among health care employees exposed to
hazardous drugs. This collaboration produced a NIOSH Alert summarizing known
health risks and guidelines for safe handling and administration, and actions
in partnership with the Food and Drug Administration and the National
Institutes of Health.
To learn more about the exemplary
NORA award winners, please visit the NORA Web page at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora/symp06/award06.html.
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Workers
Memorial Day Issue of MMWR
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 The April 28 issue of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s Morbidity
and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) issued in
conjunction with Workers Memorial Day includes reports from NIOSH with
findings and recommendations on injuries and health symptoms from New Orleans
police officers and firefighters associated with response during Hurricane
Katrina, on prevention of line-of-duty fatalities among firefighters, and on
occupational injuries treated in emergency rooms. Also included is a
NIOSH notice on the observance of Workers Memorial Day, April 28, which was
established to remember those workers who died or were injured on the
job. The MMWR can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5516.pdf.
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NIOSH
Morgantown Celebrates Its STAR Status
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 On April 12, 2006, at a
ceremony in NIOSH's Morgantown, W.Va.,
facility, NIOSH and its partners celebrated the success of the facility in
being awarded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) STAR
award, OSHA’s highest ranking award under its Voluntary Protection
Programs (VPP). The award of STAR status was announced last December and was
reported in the January 2006 issue of NIOSH eNews.
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Members of the NIOSH Morgantown Safety Committee and
Safety Office, along with distinguished participants at the ceremony.
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The NIOSH Morgantown Safety
Committee and Safety Office were recognized during the ceremony for their
instrumental roles in the facility'sexemplary safety program. Richard Soltan,
the OSHA Region III Administrator, presented a plaque and special flag, and
letters of congratulations from West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd, West
Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, and Executive Director of the Voluntary
Protection Programs Participants’ Association Davis Layne were read.
Other distinguished participants included NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard,
Morgantown Mayor Ron Justice, CDC Office of Health and Safety Director Casey
Chosewood, Interim Associate Director for Management and Operations Allison
Tanner, and American Federation of Government Employees Local 3430 President
Cathy Tinney-Zara.
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Interim Director for Spokane Research Laboratory Named
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Gerald Finfinger, Ph.D., became
the Interim Director of the NIOSH Spokane Research Laboratory (SRL) effective
April 17, 2006. Dr. Finfinger received his
Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the California University of
Pennsylvania, Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh and
Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mining Engineering from West
Virginia University. He began
his professional career in 1974 with the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory
(PRL), then a part of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, in the Methane Control and
Ventilation Group. Dr. Finfinger has been active in disaster prevention and
response initiatives in coal, stone, salt, trona, and oil shale mines in the U.S. and
internationally, and has published extensively. Dr. Finfinger has also served
in a variety of management positions including both Acting Deputy Director
and Acting Director for PRL.
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U.S. Public Health Service Announces
Winners of the Engineering Literary Awards
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On
May 1 – 4 at the Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public
Health Service (USPHS) Professional Annual Conference in Denver, CO, three
papers representing the work of NIOSH researchers and their partners, will
receive USPHS Engineering Literary Awards. Sponsored by the Office of the
Chief Engineer and the Engineers Professional Advisory Committee (EPAC),
these awards recognize and promote the literary achievements of Civil Service
employees and commissioned officers.
The
award publications include:
- Engineering Management - Chucri A. Kardous, John R.
Franks, Rickie R. Davis. NIOSH and National
Hearing Conservation Association Best Practices Workshop on Impulsive Noise. Noise Control
Engineering Journal. March-April 2005,
53(2):53-60;
- Engineering Publications
– Robert
Malkin, Stephen D. Hudock, Charles Hayden, Thomas J. Lentz, Jennifer Topmiller
and Richard
W. Niemeier. An Assessment of Occupational
Safety and Health Hazards in Selected Small Businesses Manufacturing
Wood Pallets – Part I.
Noise and Physical Hazards. Journal of Occupational and Environmental
Hygiene. April 2005, 2(4):D18-D21;
- Engineering Applications – Bryan R. Beamer, Stanley Shulman,
Andrew Maynard, Dena Williams, and Daniel Watkins.
Evaluation of Misting Controls to Reduce Respirable Silica Exposure for
Brick Cutting. Annals
of Occupational Hygiene. August 2005,
49(6):503-510.
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NIOSH
Researcher Recognized by Professional Organization
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Anna Shvedova, Senior Staff Fellow
in the NIOSH Health Effects Laboratory Division, was selected for the “Women
in Toxicology Service Recognition Award” by the Society for Toxicology
(SOT). Presented at the annual SOT conference in San Diego, CA, held March 5-9, 2006, the
award is given to an individual who had been a major influence in the
education, training and mentorship of women scientists in toxicology.
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NIOSH and FDA
Issue Joint Public Health Notification
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NIOSH and the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration have published a joint Public Health Notification entitled Oxygen Regulator Fires Resulting
from Incorrect Use of CGA 870 Seals. The publication
alerts healthcare professionals and the public about a potential occupational
hazard associated with the improper use of oxygen regulator gaskets. The FDA
has received a dozen reports in which regulators used with oxygen cylinders
have burned or exploded, in some cases injuring personnel, and it is believed
that improper use of oxygen gaskets was a major factor in both the ignition
and severity of the fires. The notification can be accessed on the FDA Web
site, http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/safety/042406-o2fires.pdf.
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CDC Injury Center Releases Economic Burden of Injuries
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 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has
released The
Incidence and Economic Burden of Injuries in the United States,
which includes findings that the 50 million injuries that required medical
treatment in 2000 will ultimately cost $406 billion. These total lifetime
costs include estimates of $80.2 billion in medical care costs and $326
billion in productivity losses. The book examines these medical expenses and
productivity losses by gender, age, mechanism of injury, body region and body
part injured, and severity. Additional findings and information about
purchasing the book can be found at the CDC Web site, http://www.cdc.gov/injury.
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 Safe Lifting and Movement of Nursing Home
Residents
NIOSH has issued a new guide, Safe Lifting and Movement of Nursing Home Residents,
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-117, highlighting the benefits of a safe
resident lifting program. Intended for nursing home owners, administrators,
nurse managers, safety and health professionals and workers who are
interested in establishing this program, the guide also presents a business
case for investment in lifting equipment and training. Research conducted by
NIOSH, the Veterans Health Administration, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has shown
that safe resident lifting programs incorporating mechanical lifting
equipment can protect workers from injury, reduce workers’ compensation
costs, and improve the quality of care delivered to residents. The guide can
be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2006-117.
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 NORA Team members honored during the NORA Symposium 2006
The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Team members gathered for a
special reception in their honor during the NORA Symposium 2006. NORA
Coordinator Sid Soderholm told the crowd that “the Teams were living
proof of the value of partnerships during the previous 10 years of
occupational safety and health research.” About 460 people served as
Team Members during the past decade; nearly two-thirds of whom came from
outside of NIOSH. Marilyn Fingerhut, the previous NORA coordinator, then
recognized the 45 people who served as NORA Team Leaders. As a special
salute, eNews
would like to thank all of the NORA team members and the Team Leaders, who
are listed below.
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NORA Team Leaders and Dates of Service
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Allergic and Irritant Dermatitis
Boris Lushniak* (1996-2004)
Frank Gerberick* (1998-2006)
Dino Mattorano (2005)
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Intervention Effectiveness
Research
Ray Sinclair* (2001-2006)
Ted Katz* (1999-2006)
Linda Goldenhar* (1996-2001)
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Asthma & COPD
Paul Hennenberger (2001-2006)
Kay Kreiss (1996-2000)
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Mixed Exposures
Mark Hoover (2004 -2006)
Frank Hearl (1996-2003)
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Cancer Research Methods
Paul Schulte* (1999-2006)
Liz Ward* (1996-2006)
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Musculoskeletal Disorders/Low
Back
Tom Waters (2001-2006)
Lawrence Fine (1996-2000)
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Control Technology & PPE
Larry Reed (1999-2006)
Fredrick Kissell (1996-1998)
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Organization of Work
Steve Sauter (1996-2006)
Clare Caruso (2003-2006)
Naomi Swanson (2002-2006)
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Exposure Assessment Methods
Mary Lynn Woekenberg (1996-2006)
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Reproductive Health Research
Team
Barbara Grajewski* (2002-2006)
Melissa McDiarmid* (2002-2006)
Teresa Schnorr (1996-2001)
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Emerging Technologies
George Bockosh (2002-2006)
Aaron Schopper (1999-2001)
Max Kiefer (1998)
Ted Schoenborn (1996-1997)
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Risk Assessment Methods
David Dankovic (2004-2006)
Leslie Stayner (1996-2003)
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Health Services Research
Scott Deitchman (1996-2006)
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Social and Economic Consequences
Les Boden* (1996-2006)
Elyce Biddle* (1998-2006)
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Hearing Loss
John Franks (1996-2006)
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Special Populations
Sherry Baron* (1999-2006)
Rosie Sokas* (2000-2003)
Gwendolyn Cattledge (1996-1998)
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Indoor Environment
Jean Cox Ganser* (2002-2006)
Eileen Storey* (2002-2006)
Mark Mendell (1996-2001)
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Surveillance Research Methods
John Sestito (1996-2006)
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Infectious Disease
David Weisman (2001-2006)
Tom Hodous (1999-2000)
Bob Mullan (1996-1997)
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Traumatic Injury
Herb Linn (2005-2006)
Lynn Jenkins (2003-2004)
Nancy Stout (1996-2002)
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*co-leaders
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Teens Focus of New OSHA Summer Job Safety Campaign
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
launched the new Teen
Summer Job Safety Campaign during an April 6 event at
Edison Academy in Alexandria, Va. The campaign is a multi-year project to increase
awareness about workplace hazards, and provide possible solutions, for young
workers and their parents. It will focus on industries in which young people
are likely to work during their high school and college years. The first year
targets the landscaping industry — “Landscaping: Plant Your Feet
on Safe Ground.” Drop in articles are available on OSHA’s Web
site and feature prevention techniques to avoid hazards. Video clips that
demonstrate proper clothing, personal protective equipment, and correct body
mechanics for landscape work are also available online. For more information,
visit OSHA’s Teen Workers Web page at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html.
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 Technology News: Float Coal Dust Explosion Hazards
DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 2006-125
A new technical report highlights potential explosive hazards from float coal
dust in mines, and ways to reduce those risks. Float coal dust is the term
for fine coal particles that remain airborne in coal mines and can be moved
relatively long distances through ventilating air. To address risks from
float coal dust on surfaces above the mine floor and to reduce the potential
for an explosion, special attention to increase the rock dust content on
these elevated surfaces is recommended. The publication can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/pubs/pubreference/2006-125.htm.
 Technology News: ARMPS-HWM: New Software for Sizing Pillars for Highwall
Mining
DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 2006-128
The NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory has developed a new computer program
to assist mine planners with pillar design. To assist in meeting Mine Safety
and Health Administration requirements, the Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar
Stability-Highwall Mining (ARMPS-HWM) program uses a formula to estimate the
strength of long strip pillars. More information on the features of the
software is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/pubs/pubreference/2006-128.htm.
The software program can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/products/product146.htm.
 Trench
Safety Awareness Training
DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication 2006-133D
The revised version of the NIOSH CD is now also available as a web-based
training resource. It provides interactive material on conducting a safe
trenching program. Topics include the four types of trench collapse, the
frequency and cost of trench collapses, trench soil types, and common trench
protective systems. The web version, along with ordering information for the
CD version, can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2006-133D.
 Health Hazard Evaluation: Evaluation of exposure to
radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields at a computer and
telecommunications facility
NIOSH investigators responded to a request to assess whether employees were
exposed to high radiofrequency (RF) exposures in the antenna fields at a
computer and telecommunications facility, and whether exposures could cause
health problems. Investigators found that RF fields and body currents were
well below occupational guidelines in transmitter buildings and in the
antenna field, but that spatial average electric-field strength in certain
outdoor areas exceeded occupational guidelines. NIOSH investigators
recommended advising employees and others of potential exposures, restricting
access to certain areas, periodically measuring electric and magnetic field
strengths, and providing radiation safety training for specific personnel.
The full report is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2001-0153-2994.pdf.
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AIHce
2006 and VENT 2006
The American
Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce)
and Ventilation
2006-the 8th International Conference on Ventilation
will be held concurrently May
13-18, 2006 in Chicago, IL. AIHce 2006
will feature weekend symposia on nanotechnology and infectious disease,
late-breaking sessions on hurricane response and recovery, and expert panel
sessions on nanotechnology, confined spaces and hexavalent chromium.
Additionally, participants attending AIHce 2006 will have access
to Ventilation 2006
at no additional cost. Ventilation
2006 will serve as a forum for exchanging latest
developments in ventilation-related emission and exposure controls. NIOSH is
a cosponsor of Ventilation
2006. More information on both conferences can be
found at http://www.aiha.org/Content/CE/aihce/aihce.htm.
Call for Abstracts
for December Nanotechnology Conference
NIOSH and the University of Cincinnati will
cosponsor the International Conference on Nanotechnology Occupational and
Environmental Health and Safety: Research to Practice December 3-8,
2006 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Centered
on the impact of nanotechnology on occupational and environmental health and
safety, abstracts for paper presentations and workshops are due by May 31, 2006.
Abstracts for poster presentations will be accepted until June 30, 2006. For more
information, visit the conference Web site at http://www.uc.edu/noehs/. The conference
follows other successful international forums cosponsored by NIOSH in Buxton, U.K., in 2004,
Minneapolis in 2006, and Miami earlier
in 2006.
1st
American Conference on Human Vibration
The 1st
American Conference on Human Vibration will be held June 5-7, 2006 in Morgantown, WV. The
conference will provide a unique opportunity for participants to exchange
information on all aspects of human responses to hand-transmitted vibration
and whole-body vibration. Information on the conference can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/conferences/Vibration/.
13th International Respiratory
Protection of Healthcare Workers and Emergency Responders
The 13th
International Respiratory Protection of Healthcare Workers and Emergency
Responders Conference will be held August 27-September 1, 2006 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Topics
for papers include respiratory protection for healthcare workers, emergency
responders, and those in developing countries, updates on standards and
regulations, emerging hazards and technologies, and fundamentals of
respiratory protection. More information on the Call for Abstracts is
available at http://www.isrp.com.au/isrpcom/callforpapers_toronto.htm
or by contacting Ziqing Zhuang at ZZhuang1@xxxxxxx.
Additional information on the conference can be found at http://www.isrp.com/au.
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Green Tobacco Sickness: an acute
nicotine poisoning caused by the dermal absorption of nicotine from mature
tobacco plants, Nicotiana tabacum.
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NIOSH eNews on the Web:
www.cdc.gov/niosh/enews/
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Editor in Chief
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Max Lum
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Tara Hartley
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Public Affairs Officer
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Fred Blosser
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Technical Lead
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Glenn Doyle
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Technical Support
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Joseph Cauley
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