November 10, 2023
Lead exposure resource, oil and gas fatality database and more
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH has published a new resource on reducing lead exposure risks while removing and replacing water pipes. The document discusses the health risks of lead exposure and offers tips to employers and employees on reducing exposure.
How to protect oil and gas employees with public health data
A recent NIOSH Science Blog article introduces the Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction (FOG) database and explains how having industry-specific public health data can help protect employees in the industry. Several examples are provided on how to use the FOG database to identify safety and health trends in categories such as heat stress, substance use, cardiovascular disease and hydrocarbon gases and vapors.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
The Texas workers’ compensation commissioner has appointed Dan LaBruyere as DWC’s new deputy commissioner for compliance and investigations. LaBruyere will oversee audits and investigations, enforcement, the fraud unit and the fraud prosecution unit.
Studies, resources, trends, news
Executive order outlines AI guidelines for workplaces
On October 30, President Joe Biden signed an executive order about the safe and secure development and use of AI. One of the eight priorities of the order focuses on ensuring that AI deployment doesn’t violate employees' rights to safe and respectful workplaces, reduce market competition or cause major job losses.