March 8, 2024
Silica webinar, respiratory virus guidance and more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned of an emerging public health threat in 2019 after seeing an increase in cases of silicosis among employees who handle engineered stone. To educate employers on how to protect employees, OSHA is hosting a webinar next week to discuss methods for reducing silica dust exposure. The webinar is scheduled for March 14.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC provides updated guidance on respiratory virus protections
The CDC issued updated, simplified guidance on respiratory virus protection to address multiple illnesses such as flu, RSV and COVID-19. The new guidance recommends that people with respiratory virus symptoms that they cannot attribute to another cause remain isolated at home for at least 24 hours after both their fever and other symptoms have improved. Since a residual risk of SARS-COV-2 transmission is still possible after this recommended period, the CDC states that five additional days of masking, distancing or other interventions can reduce harm to those at higher risk of serious illness.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH Science Blog celebrates Nanotechnology Research Center
A recent NIOSH Science Blog article celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Nanotechnology Research Center. Research from this center found that nanomaterials, or substances smaller than 100 nanometers, behave similarly to powders and fine dusts. Discoveries like these have led to engineering control recommendations that protect employees from the hazards of these materials. This article also includes publications and resources that further explain these hazards and controls.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
MSHA launches online tool for miner-specific health resources
MSHA released a Health Resource Locator Tool to help miners and their families find health care options relevant to the unique health needs of employees in the mining industry. This includes NIOSH-certified B Readers, black lung clinics, buprenorphine providers and more. Miners can use this tool to search anonymously for resources near a certain mine, city, state or zip code.