Due to the blizzard that created massive snow drifts and hazardous conditions across Wisconsin, Gov. Scott Walker declared a state of emergency Wednesday in 29 counties and ordered all state offices in those counties closed to the public. Emergency officials also urged all people to stay home and off the road if possible. Walker, nevertheless, told all state workers — even those in non-emergency posts — to report to work or take the day as vacation.
Even minute amounts of lead may take a toll on pregnant women, according to a study. Although the levels of lead in the women’s blood remained far below thresholds set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, women carrying more lead had significantly higher blood pressure. Limiting levels of lead permitted in adults at the workplace might be a good place to start.
Musicians and others working in entertainment and sports (see related blogs) are often overlooked in terms of occupational safety and health. While great strides are being made in terms of research on music-induced hearing loss, hearing conservation efforts have been minimal.
A whistleblower investigation by OSHA found that the Metro North Commuter Railroad Co. disciplined an employee at its New Haven, Connecticut rail yard who filed a complaint with OSHA. The commuter railroad was ordered to take corrective action and pay the worker $80,500 in punitive damages and attorney’s fees.
Two US companies are facing large fines after alleged breaches of safety law which came to light in a flash fire at a manufacturer of car parts.
