NIOSH Science Blog Posts
Women in Coal Mining
When thinking of mining, many picture male coal miners. This is because most miners are men, and many depictions of coal miners are of men wearing hardhats and dusty reflective coveralls. Women have been working in various capacities above ground in coal mining since coal was first commercially used in the U.S. in the early Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentFarmworker Appreciation Day 2024 – Celebrate the workers who bring us our daily bread (and everything else on our plate)
Few jobs are as essential as the ones that help to produce the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and many other products which get us through the day. From our morning coffee to a midnight snack, we benefit from the labor of farmworkers. The U.S employed approximately 2.6 million farmworkers in 2022 Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentWhen Nanoparticles Blow Up— Explosion Hazards of Nanoparticles
This blog is part of a series to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Nanotechnology Research Center. Click here for additional blogs in the series and on other nanotechnology topics. Engineered nanoparticles are synthesized materials with at least one dimension smaller than 100 nanometers. Reactive nanoparticles pose a special hazard. The heat released by the rapid oxidation of Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentEnhancing Workplace Safety: A Systematic Review of Hearing Protection Fit-Testing Systems and Training
Exposure to excessive noise at work poses significant health risks for workers. These include hearing loss, tinnitus, and various other health conditions. To mitigate these risks, hearing protection devices (HPDs) such as earplugs and earmuffs are commonly used. However, the effectiveness of HPDs relies heavily on proper usage and fit. Ill-fitting earplugs are a common Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentSafe 3D Printing is for Everyone, Everywhere
Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become more popular in recent years. These printers can create objects by building them layer by layer from a digital design. 3D printing is an important part of modern innovation because it speeds up the design and testing of new ideas. It can also help produce complex and precise parts. The Read More >
Posted on by 2 CommentsProviding Clarity Regarding the Regulation of Respirators Used in Health Care Settings
A Discussion Paper, Streamlining Regulatory Oversight of Respirators Used in Health Care Settings will Improve Worker Protection, was recently published in the National Academy of Medicine’s NAM Perspectives journal by respiratory experts outside of the federal government. This paper highlights continued confusion amongst interested parties including health care organizations and manufacturers seeking approval regarding Read More >
Posted on by 12 CommentsImpact Wellbeing™ Guide Workshop Series Brings Together Hospital Leaders to Improve Healthcare Worker Wellbeing
NIOSH’s Impact Wellbeing™ campaign gives hospital leaders evidence-informed solutions to reduce healthcare worker burnout and sustain wellbeing. The goal is to build a system where healthcare workers thrive. It helps hospital leaders go beyond individual resilience efforts and encouraging self-care to instead focus on systems-level improvements. Many hospitals face challenges getting started or have concerns Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentCelebrating 20 Years of the Nanotechnology Research Center: Highlights from Engineering Controls and Personal Protective Equipment
As the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) marks its 20th anniversary, we celebrate the creative work of the Engineering Controls and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) critical topic area, one of the ten critical nanotechnology topic areas of the NTRC. NIOSH researchers have established both research publications and Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentPartnering to Reduce the Risk to Firefighters Responding to High-risk Buildings
Building strategic partnerships can create solutions to large community safety issues High-risk buildings can be abandoned or condemned structures. These buildings pose hazards to firefighters and communities. This is because many are structurally unsound and not safe for any person to enter. These buildings are commonly a key contributing factor to firefighter line of Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentNational Safety Month 2024
Each June, we bring a little extra attention to safety issues by highlighting National Safety Month®. For each week of the month, the National Safety Council (NSC) identifies a theme to focus on. This blog highlights select research and prevention efforts from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and NSC in this year’s Read More >
Posted on by 2 CommentsNIOSH Risk Assessment of Engineered Nanomaterials
Nanotechnology as we know it today did not exist at the time of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Yet, its provisions to “assure safe and healthful working conditions” apply to nanotechnology workplaces and other workplaces where engineered nanomaterials are produced or used. Engineered nanomaterials are used in a variety of products and Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentProposed Framework for Developing and Evaluating Total Worker Health® Education and Training Programs
A constantly changing work environment and a shortage of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals may bring new challenges to the field. Some OSH professionals will be asked to perform roles they are not formally trained in nor have the expertise needed to fully address evolving hazards and implement necessary interventions.[1] [2] [3] To Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentPrioritizing our Healthcare Workers: The Importance of Addressing the Intersection of Workplace Violence and Mental Health and Wellbeing
Workplace violence impacts the mental health and wellbeing of the healthcare workforce. The negative outcomes not only affect the healthcare worker but can trickle down to patient safety and satisfaction. It is important that healthcare institutions implement workplace violence prevention programs that benefit the entire healthcare workforce. This blog post highlights current efforts across Read More >
Posted on by 8 CommentsThe Role of Work Arrangements in the Future of Work
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Future of Work Initiative hosted a webinar to address the role of work arrangements in the future of work. Among the changes anticipated in the Future of Work is an increasing prevalence of nonstandard work arrangements, such as contingent, platform-based, seasonal, on-call, or other “nonstandard” Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentTackling Mental Health Challenges in the Public Safety Sector: Implementing and Evaluating Mental Health Programs
Public safety sector workers including firefighters (structural and wildland), law enforcement officers, emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians, and corrections personnel are at a high risk of occupational exposure to traumatic events and stress. As such, mental health programs are critical for addressing the unique challenges these workers face. Effective programs must be multi-faceted, address Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentThe Nanotechnology Research Center Carbon Nanotube Registry
To celebrate the Nanotechnology Research Center’s (NTRC) 20th anniversary, we are highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Center’s Carbon Nanotube Registry. This is a long-term National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) research effort dedicated to understanding workplace health risks associated with carbon nanotubes. What is the Carbon Nanotube Registry? A registry collects Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentThe Problem of Falls from Elevation in Construction and Prevention Resources
The Current Situation with Falls In 2022 falls from elevation represented approximately 81% of all fatal and 20% of all nonfatal slips, trips, and falls for all industry workers (BLS 2023a, BLS 2023b). Many of these falls occurred in the construction industry, and significantly impact construction employers, workers, and their families. In fact, construction workers Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentA Deeper Look into Protecting Wildland Firefighter Safety and Health
Wildland firefighters perform a hazardous job in dangerous conditions. Their daily tasks pose risk of burns and other heat-related injuries or illnesses; slips, trips, falls, strains, and sprains; and becoming trapped or injured by equipment or debris.1 In addition, exposures related to fighting fires—especially when it comes to smoke inhalation—have been classified as “carcinogenic,” Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentWorkers’ Memorial Day 2024: Statement by NIOSH Director
Each year, on April 28, we pause to recognize Workers’ Memorial Day and honor those whose death or suffering resulted from exposure to hazards at work. Words are not enough when it comes to change. Research has shown that the health and safety of workers relies on active and intentional involvement in ways that take Read More >
Posted on by Leave a comment2024 NIOSH Science and Service Awards
Exemplary science is the foundation for all National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) research and prevention activities. Each year, NIOSH recognizes outstanding science and service from our employees. This year’s Science and Service Awards took place on April 25, 2024. The awards booklet contains the finalists, awardees, and honorable mentions as well as information Read More >
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