Monday 'common for sickness' Nov 9, 2009
Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health psychologist at the University of Lancaster, said: "People are doing more work under more demanding conditions so are under more stress and need more rest and recuperation. "Some employees may feel the weekend is not enough so they take the extra day. "But I suspect what is happening is people are lying about their reason for sickness absence. "It is more believable to use back pain as a reason as often stress is seen as a four letter word. (BBC News -- UK)
Highmark pilots workplace medical clinics Nov 7, 2009
Workplace medical clinics may, in fact, be the latest tool in taming health care costs as their design shifts to prevention from occupational health. Highmark expects the clinics to save $5 million in medical costs over five years, Little said, and the return on investment for workplace clinics for employers ranges between two-to-one and four-to-one, Hotz said. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Flu Shots For Workers Hit Sticking Point Nov 7, 2009
"When you educate health care workers they will get the flu vaccine. The problem is it's not being done," said Bill Borwegen, SEIU's occupational health and safety director. The Infectious Diseases Society of America this fall called for mandatory flu shots for health workers, citing studies indicating worker vaccination protects patients from catching the virus. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
HCA profit jumps on admission increases Nov 6, 2009
Its West Florida division, based in Palm Harbor, includes 15 hospitals, 17 ambulatory surgery centers, numerous diagnostic imaging facilities and occupational health sites, and a regional lab. Most Read Stories. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Ill health 'costs economy 100bn' Nov 5, 2009
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS GPs - Current sick note system should be reformed to create fit notes, spelling out what the patient can do Employers - Should offer more support to staff including healthy lifestyle promotion, such as subsidised gym membership, as well as access to occupational health teams NHS - Call to pilot fit for health scheme, which will work via GP referral ... Firms, especially the big employers, should also establish their own occupational health and rehabilitation teams and promote... (BBC News -- Health)
Petty bureaucracy is creeping totalitarianism Nov 5, 2009
You become so caught up in solving the human resources issues or occupational health and safety concerns or constructing risk analysis that the original problem is rendered meaningless. Take the consultant called in recently to define the "strategy and objectives" of a big metropolitan rail network project. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
PHOTO GALLERY: A new beginning for MMR Nov 4, 2009
Gen. Joseph Carter, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Tad Davis, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy Mike McGhee, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles, and US Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Ira Leighton. Carter said the event signaled the official beginning of the new era in the use and management of the Massachusetts Military Reservation. (Upper Cape Codder, MA)
Smokers with common autoimmune disorder at higher risk for skin damage Nov 3, 2009
" ### Dr. Christian A. Pineau is a researcher in the RI-MUHC Musculoskeletal Disorders Axis, as well as co-director of the Lupus and Vasculitis clinic at the MUHC. He is also the Rheumatology Program Director and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the McGill University Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Sasha Bernatsky is a researcher in the RI-MUHC Musculoskeletal Disorders Axis, a physician in the Rheumatology Division and a member of the Clinical Epidemiology Division at the MUHC. She... (EurekAlert!)
Lisa Clinton Nov 3, 2009
Created:Monday, November 2, 2009 9:16 p.m.CSTFONT SIZE. The IPEM was established to provide an education and training standard for those involved in the emergency management field. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
'Fit notes' for back pain concern Nov 2, 2009
" A Department of Health spokesman said: "We recognise that GPs are not experts in occupational health, but they and their patients are experts in their patients' health. "We believe that GPs are well placed to provide appropriate advice, which the employer, who understands the demands of their workplace, can then use to decide whether or not they can safely facilitate the employee's return to work.". (BBC News -- UK)
BP Gets Record $87 Million Fine Nov 1, 2009
In a statement, the company said most of the alleged violations relate to an ongoing disagreement between OSHA and BP that is already pending before the Occupational Health and Safety Review Commission, a body that is independent of OSHA.. "We are disappointed that OSHA took this action in advance of the full consideration of the Review Commission," said Keith Casey, BP's manager of the Texas City refinery. (Click2Houston, TX)
OSHA fines BP $87m for failing to fix refinery Oct 31, 2009
The company said most of the alleged violations relate to an ongoing disagreement between OSHA and BP that is already pending before the Occupational Health and Safety Review Commission, a body that is independent of OSHA.. Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe)
Labor Gains Obama Policies Rued by Companies From Cooper Tire to Walmart Oct 30, 2009
These include measures barring workers from getting fired because of their sexual orientation, stiffening penalties for violations of Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations, and requiring companies to provide workers with a week of paid sick leave. Obama also has scrapped a number of Bush rulings opposed by unions. (Bloomberg)
H1N1: 'pushing hospitals to their limit' Oct 27, 2009
Vaccine is in such demand, says Deborah Dooley, clinical manager of occupational health, that the hospital pharmacy treats it like a controlled substance. "I'm one of two people who can take it out," says Dooley, presiding over the triage desk where health workers learn whether they're cleared for vaccination. (USA Today)
Asbestos risk in new code Oct 26, 2009
But the council says the code allows the demolition of dwellings with no specific requirement for proper asbestos removal and no protection for owner-builders who are not covered by occupational health and safety laws. There was also the ''potential for asbestos to be dumped or buried in yards or disposed of inappropriately. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Superstition, main cause of maternal morbidity in Ghana - NGOs Oct 22, 2009
Mr Bruce called on government to expedite action on the passage of the Mental Health Bill, occupational Health Bill and the Allied Health Bill to ensure efficient and effective health care delivery in the country. He said government on reviewing legislations governing the National Health Insurance Scheme, should create adequate avenues for the contributions and input of Civil Society and include clients in the National Health Insurance Authority. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
New department chair has expert seated comfortably Oct 22, 2009
School of Occupational Health appoints new leader ... D., will become the chair for the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, a new position created for the expert himself ... "That supports tuition and stipends and some research efforts of about 30 grad students and doctors training to become occupational health specialists, explained Newman. What s unique about this department is the other areas in which the faculty works; some professors work at CU Boulder, some at UC Denver,... (UCD Advocate, CO)
County fears delay in getting H1N1 flu vaccine Oct 22, 2009
Brian Blom, director of occupational health and safety at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby, said the hospital experienced heavier than normal ER use over the weekend but not all cases were influenza-related. "We are seeing a little increase in the number of patients presenting with influenza-type illnesses but we're able to handle the amount of cases we're seeing," said Debra Anderson, director of nursing at Central Lakes Medical Clinic in Crosby. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Mercury Levels In Children With Autism And Those Developing Typically Are The Same, Study Finds Oct 21, 2009
"We looked at blood-mercury levels in children who had autism and children who did not have autism," said lead study author Irva Hertz-Picciotto, an internationally known MIND Institute researcher and professor of environmental and occupational health. "The bottom line is that blood-mercury levels in both populations were essentially the same. However, this analysis did not address a causal role, because we measured mercury after the diagnosis was made.". (Science Daily)
Solantic offers pre-paid cards Oct 21, 2009
The Solantic Card was developed as a mechanism to supplement high-deductible health insurance plans, cover co-pays and fund occupational health and wellness services, but also provides an attractive option for employers who don t provide traditional health benefits, said Karen Bowling, president and CEO of the Jacksonville-based company, which has 29 Florida clinics. With the many changes that have occurred in the health care arena in recent years, it simply made sense to offer the broad range... (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Mercury Levels Not Abnormal in Autistic Children Oct 21, 2009
"Not only do we not see differences, but the values are pretty close to national averages," said study author Irva Hertz-Picciotto, chief of environmental and occupational health and a faculty member at the MIND Institute at the University of California, Davis ... D., chief, environmental and occupational health, and faculty member, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis; Patricia Manning-Courtney, M.D., associate professor, clinical pediatrics, and medical director, The Kelly O'Leary... (MEDLINEplus)
JoRae Jenkins Oct 19, 2009
Newcomer Jenkins stresses teamwork 100409 - The Augusta Chronicle. That's not necessarily an advantage. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Scot emerges from playoff with first win Oct 19, 2009
LAS VEGAS - The higher the stakes, the calmer Martin Laird became. The 26-year-old Scot won the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open on Sunday for his first PGA Tour title, beating George McNeill with a birdie on the third hole of a playoff in the Fall Series event. (The Augusta Chronicle)
BREAKING: Florida, Alabama, Texas lead BCS standings Oct 19, 2009
Florida, Alabama, Texas lead BCS standings 101809 - The Augusta Chronicle. Florida, Alabama, Texas lead BCS standings Associated Press Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 6:14 p.m.. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Florida takes top spot in first BCS standings Oct 19, 2009
NEW YORK - Florida, Alabama and Texas hold the top three spots in the first BCS standings and control their fates in the national championship race. 988) are in first, just ahead of the Crimson Tide. (The Augusta Chronicle)
For a healthier retirement, work a little Oct 17, 2009
The findings held true even after controlling for age, sex, financial status, education level and physical and mental health before retirement, according to the study in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology. "There are tons of reasons why working is good for you," said study co-author Mo Wang, an associate professor in the department of psychology at the University of Maryland. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Swine flu 6 months later: Relief, but winter looms Oct 16, 2009
Aaron Kalinowski receives a dose of the swine flu vaccine in the Occupational Health Clinic at Wishard Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis on Oct. 5, 2009. . (MSNBC -- Health)
Thursday, October 15, 2009 Oct 15, 2009
Occupational Health Coordinator Augusta, GA Manufacturing Plant This position is responsible for. (). (The Augusta Chronicle)
Total retirement 'bad for you' Oct 15, 2009
The University of Maryland study appears in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology ... " Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health psychologist at the University of Lancaster, said: "All the evidence suggests that if your mental wellbeing is depleted it will affect you physically. (BBC News -- Health)
People Who Work After Retiring Enjoy Better Health, According To National Study Oct 14, 2009
The findings are reported in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, published by the American Psychological Association ... Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 2009; Vol. 14, No. 4. (Science Daily)
School cash 'wasted' on fees Oct 14, 2009
The fee percentage in the preliminary cost estimate is the cost of site supervision, which includes working-with-children checks, the management of occupational health and safety, and trade licence checks, reviewing and assessing safe working statements,'' Mr Coutts-Trotter said. Join the conversation. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Worker dies in Philly after 125-foot fall Oct 13, 2009
Investigators want to know whether James Wilson, 40, of Glassboro, N.J., was strapped into the bucket of the boom lift as he worked on a church roof. He may have free-fallen to the ground, they said. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Workplace wellness progs really work! Oct 13, 2009
Regular physical activity Stress management/reduction Early detection/screening Smoking/tobacco cessation and prevention Nutrition education and promotion Weight management Disease management Cardiovascular disease education, including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator training Work environment changes that encourage healthy behaviours and promote occupational health and safety. Read business stories in. (India Times)
There's gold in them thar steppes Oct 8, 2009
Both Blewitt and Bailey believe that Australia has a good reputation and is well regarded in terms of our standards - especially in occupational health and safety and mine regulation. There used to be a lot of 'cowboy miners' here'' - described by a local Mongolian economist Altantsetseg Shilegmaa as ''Ninja miners'' - ''but fortunately Australia was not amongst them'', added Blewitt. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Your best resource Oct 6, 2009
Brainwave HRs main focus is management coaching; help on hiring, terminations and provision of employee job descriptions and performance indicators; and HR policy manuals, including occupational health and safety. The business has grown over eight years, and doubled in revenue this year. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld Oct 6, 2009
So vast, it's housed in a shed a quick dash across the highway from the art deco hotel (occupational health and safety inspectors please disregard that statement). It comprises some 2200 labels, including what they say is Australia's best collection of burgundy and bordeaux. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
The best of the fest Oct 4, 2009
Audiences are free to wander through the dark among the spinning objects, which might be an occupational health and safety officer's nightmare but has had well-received runs in other parts of the world. Send us your reviews - the good, the bad, the also-ran. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Green, but in the pink financially Oct 3, 2009
For one thing, International Power has to abide by both the national electricity rules, licence conditions and state laws on, for example, occupational health and safety. The Australian Energy Regulator monitors energy generators compliance with technical standards such as any voltage fluctuations and dips which might compromise the secure, safe operation of the electricity system. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Workplace Wellness Seems to Really Work Oct 2, 2009
Work environment changes that encourage healthy behaviors and promote occupational health and safety. The policy statement was published Sept 30 in Circulation. (MEDLINEplus)
'Failed' treasurer Costa warns on health budget Oct 1, 2009
The Federal Government needed to cover key areas, Mr Costa said, calling for national industrial relations and occupational health and safety systems. States should avoid areas such as consumer affairs that could be handled on a uniform basis nationally. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Twice bitten but definitely not shy - snake handlers in demand Sep 25, 2009
Australia has 19 of the world's 23 most venomous snakes, and the country's all-pervasive occupational health and safety regulations are stretching even to them ... Mr Burns's personal occupational health and safety might suggest a new line of work. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Tri-States Escalante Station earns prestigious status Sep 25, 2009
CIBOLA COUNTY - Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, owner and operator of the Escalante Generating Station in Prewitt, was awarded the special Zia Star Voluntary Protection Program status on Sept. 22 from the New Mexico Environment Department Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, in conjunction with the federal Occupational Safety and health Administration. (Use arrows above to view more photos). (Grants Cibola County Beacon, NM)
Bracing for unusual flu season Sep 25, 2009
Businesses can also contact Sonoma Valley Hospital's Occupational Health Department to set up a flu shot clinic for employees. "All we ask is that there are at least 10 people there," said Dawn Kuwahara, director of professional services for Occupational Health. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
California's successful health care reform Sep 24, 2009
Daniel D. Crowley is CEO of U.S. HealthWorks, the largest operator of occupational health clinics in California. The privately held company is based in Valencia (Los Angeles County). (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Less than best not acceptable on worker safety Sep 24, 2009
Unions want to see our occupational health and safety laws improved. A new national system gives workers and their families an opportunity to have the best laws from around our country. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
11 great tips for start-ups Sep 23, 2009
Occupational Health & Safety policies will vary according to your sector; ensure you cover off the requirements. 5. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Piedmont out of flu vaccine Sep 16, 2009
Officials did not order that much vaccine because only about 42 percent of employees typically take the vaccination, said Talei Akahoshi, director of occupational health at Piedmont Healthcare. Donna Cary, a spokeswoman for Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine division of French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis, can t speak specifically about Piedmont. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Bisbee council moves forward on street work Sep 15, 2009
The council members also will discuss contracting with Copper Queen Community Hospital to provide occupational health services for employee physicals, breath tests, drug screens and hepatitis immunizations. Dan Cavanaugh, Freeport McMoRan Inc. manager of southern Arizona government relations, will present a flag to the city that was flown at the U.S. Capitol Building on President Barack Obama s Inauguration Day to honor Constitution Week. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Unions launch ad blitz against workplace laws Sep 14, 2009
Radio advertisements across Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne stations will warn that workers' ''lives are at risk'' if ''big business gets its way'' with changes to occupational health and safety laws. The ACTU would not disclose how much it had spent on the advertising campaign across major east coast cities. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Labor in a flap as Senate plays game of chicken Sep 14, 2009
In contrast, the Opposition did not try again to stop the Safe Work Australia bill to get a national harmonised regime for occupational health and safety. That would have fallen into the double dissolution basket which is still empty. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Uravan lawsuit: Health hazards from the past versus today Sep 13, 2009
Cotter also violated Colorado occupational health standards 24 times in 2002, directly resulting in a plant shutdown, had significant deficiencies in 2003, was cited in 2004 and 2005 for worker exposure to over the twice the federal standard for soluble uranium ... Mining occupational health exposure, including that at current uranium mines, is difficult to control for ionizing radiation or gamma and beta radiation that results from worker drilling and blasting surrounding concentrated veins of... (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Harry Winston Diamond Corporation Announces Second Quarter Fiscal 2010 Results Sep 11, 2009
The operation of the Diavik Diamond Mine, exploration activities at the Diavik Project and the manufacturing of jewelry and watches are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment, exploration, development, production, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, mine safety, manufacturing safety and other matters. New laws and regulations, amendments to existing laws and regulations, or more stringent implementation or changes in... (PR Newswire)
Emergency? Call 911, Not $38M U.N. Medical Clinic Sep 9, 2009
With a full medical team of eight doctors and 11 registered nurses and a budget of $38 million the occupational health clinic at the United Nations should have all the resources it needs to meet any kind of emergency. Yet the U.N. Medical Services Division (MSD) offers this important piece of advice for any U.N. employee in New York City who suffers a life-threatening condition at work. (Fox News)
Socio-cultural, Genetic Data Work Together To Reveal Health Disparities Sep 9, 2009
D., an associate professor of epidemiology, biostatistics and occupational health at McGill University and author of the upcoming book "Racing in Circles: Myths about Genes and Race in Biomedical Research." Kaufman was not involved in the UF study. In general, members of racial minorities in the United States suffer poorer health, and more die prematurely compared with their white counterparts. (Science Daily)
Web Exclusive: AngloGold's safety drive running out of steam Sep 7, 2009
Paul Mardon, Solidaritys head of occupational health and safety, said the drop in mining fatalities is due to several factors. Many employers are currently displaying tremendous awareness of seriousness about the issue. (Business Report, South Africa)
Fitzpatrick: Kennedy commitment has stood test of time Sep 6, 2009
Across more than half a century, they have supported improved wages and job development, strong occupational health and safety laws, sweeping reform of the health care system, affordable housing and energy, an array of civil rights legislation, environmental protection, widened access to education, anti-poverty programs, and a host of other measures to provide social provision. Their own great wealth, earned by the family patriarch in the early 20th century, stands in marked contrast to the... (Boston Globe)
Howard returns to CDC post Sep 5, 2009
Dr. Howard brings a wealth of administrative experience from his service in both state and federal governments and a long history of personal dedication and professional achievements to the field of occupational health and safety, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement announcing the appointment. NIOSH, which is based in Washington, D.C., is the CDC s worker safety division. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Whip rules a danger to hoops: AJA boss Sep 3, 2009
Australian Jockeys Association chief executive Paul Innes said yesterday that factors surrounding occupational health and safety were paramount in Ganderton's defence against the penalty. When Daniel should have been, and was, concentrating on winning the race and protecting his safety and the safety of his fellow riders, he inadvertently lost track of the number of times he used the whip,'' Innes said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
U. sets H1N1 virus precautions as flu season approaches Sep 2, 2009
This team consists of individuals from several University units, including Student Health Services, Occupational Health Services, Student Affairs, Emergency Management and Emergency Service, Human Resources, Environmental Health and Safety as well as Facilities and Dining Services, said E.J. Miranda, director of University Media Relations. They coordinated an emergency tabletop exercise during the summer, which involved review and discussion of general information related to H1N1. (The Daily Targum, NJ)
Area hospitals expanding employee drug testing, abuse prevention methods Sep 1, 2009
They have access to legal prescriptions, says Dr. Melanie Swift, director of the occupational health clinic at. This article is for Paid Subscribers ONLY.. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Xcel Energy, Public Service Company of Colorado and Others Indicted for OSHA Violations That Caused Death of Five Men in October 2007 Aug 29, 2009
This case was investigated by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Haried. (PR Newswire)
Zimbabwe: Govt, SA Sign Labour Migration Agreement Aug 28, 2009
The agreement covers labour dispute resolution and social dialogue, labour law reform, social security, employment services, Beitbridge migration centre, joint technical taskforce on occupational health and safety and asbestos, facilitation of the interface between ex-Zimbabwean migrant workers in gold mines of the Republic of South Africa and previous employers or the ex-employing agencies. Zimbabweans have been the mainstay of the commercial farming labour force in Limpopo Province for... (allAfrica.com)
Commander says goodbye to 'Finest Submarine Repair Facility' Aug 27, 2009
Under his guidance, NSSF earned the Golden Anchor Award for retention and 3rd Place for the 2008 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Shore Safety Award for significant contributions to Navy safety and occupational health. "During the last three years, Cmdr. Lunney has skillfully guided the hard working and complex organization that is Naval Submarine Support Facility in its quest to improve the material condition and ensure the submarines homeported in Groton deployed on schedule to met the nation's... (The Dolphin, CT)
Proven Solution for Chinese Drywall is Now Available Aug 27, 2009
Dr. Huggins has more than 25 years of experience as an expert in managing environmental health and engineering, industrial hygiene, toxicology, and occupational health and safety projects for a wide range of clients worldwide. The Sabatellos combine sixty years of experience in the home building and construction industry, operating the Sabatello Companies for thirty-two years in South Florida, specializing in general construction and home building. (PR Newswire)
AIM Health Group Inc. announces June 30, 2009 financial results showing continued improvement in quarterly profits Aug 26, 2009
AIM's healthcare services include (i) medical and complementary alternative medical care, (ii) Infusion Services where we provide intravenous infusions and subcutaneous injections to patients suffering from various complex diseases, (iii) Pharmaceutical Research services where we provide clinical research services in community and hospital-based sites (iv) Chronic pain management services, (v) Hospital and Institutional healthcare staffing, where we provide physician staffing to Canadian... (PR Newswire)
