August 30, 2024
Avian flu resource, study on female coal miners and more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA has released an updated fact sheet on avian influenza that addresses the recent cases affecting poultry and dairy employees. This resource, available in multiple languages, provides information on transmission, symptoms, at-risk populations and how to properly use personal protective equipment, especially in hot conditions.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
A closer look at women in coal mining
Despite making up a significant portion of the coal mining workforce, women’s experiences and health risks in this industry are often overlooked. A new study using data from the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program aims to address this gap by analyzing the experiences of female coal miners. The study found that women tend to have shorter tenures in coal mining and are more likely to hold lower-paying positions, which may contribute to their lower rates of black lung disease.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
MSHA meeting on final silica rule
MSHA will hold a silica stakeholder meeting to discuss its final rule, effective June 17, 2024, that lowered the permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica and established other safety measures to protect miners from silica-related health risks. During registration for the event, attendees can submit questions they would like addressed during the session. This meeting will occur in person on September 10 at 1 p.m. CDT in Dallas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC has issued a health advisory warning of a significant increase in human parvovirus B19 cases. The virus can cause serious complications in certain groups, especially pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. The CDC recommends that those at higher risk of severe disease follow general respiratory precautions such as wearing a face mask and seek medical care if they experience symptoms or have been exposed.