Category: Health and Wellness

Healthcare PPE

COVID-19 Crisis Puts Spotlight on PPE at Healthcare Facilities

The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought a renewed focus on personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus—referred to as 2019-nCOV or SARS-CoV-2—first identified in Wuhan City, China, in December 2019.

Coronavirus

COVID-19: Quick Resources and Tips for EHS Managers

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is currently the top concern for environment, health, and safety (EHS) professionals. As of this writing (8:45 a.m. on March 19, 2020), Johns Hopkins University & Medicine’s Coronavirus Resource Center is reporting 9,415 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 150 deaths in the United States alone, with over 220,000 confirmed cases […]

Coronavirus rendering

ASSP to Hold a COVID-19 Q&A Session

With the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) generating many questions, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) will be hosting a free coronavirus question-and-answer session today, March 18, for occupational safety and health professionals to learn more about responding to the pandemic. While the live Q&A has already reached capacity, it will be recorded and […]

Infographic: COVID-19 Facts

Do you know the symptoms of COVID-19 and how to stop the virus from spreading? This infographic shows you COVID-19 symptoms, preventative measures, and what to do if you get sick.

California State Flag

Cal/OSHA Issues Interim Guidelines for COVID-19

On March 6, California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) notified employers the agency has developed interim guidelines for general industry employers on the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Cal/OSHA also issued updated guidance for healthcare facilities about the efficient use of respirator supplies.

Disinfecting spray, wipes

COVID-19: EPA Releases List of Registered Disinfectants

The EPA has released a list of 82 registered disinfectant products that have been qualified for use against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Coronavirus

Coronavirus: CDC Updates N95 Respirator Strategy for COVID-19

On February 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its strategy for optimizing the supply of N95 respirators for healthcare workers. The CDC also has developed and continues to update guidance for commercial airlines and shipping for handling known or suspected cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus […]

psychosocial healthcare mental health worker health

3 Reasons to Go Beyond Safety Compliance to Total Worker Health

As a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is deeply invested in researching trends surrounding the well-being of workers nationwide. One of its most comprehensive efforts is the Total Worker Health® (TWH) Program, which is defined as “policies, programs, and practices that […]

Healthy, happy worker

NIOSH Develops Research Agenda for Healthy Work Design

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a research agenda into healthy work design and worker well-being. The institute recently released a final version of the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) for Healthy Work Design and Well-Being. A draft version was released March 2019.

Silica dust at construction site

Crystalline Silica: OSHA Revises Its National Emphasis Program

On February 4, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its National Emphasis Program (NEP) for enforcement of the construction, general, and maritime industry standards for respirable crystalline silica exposure. OSHA canceled the 2008 Crystalline Silica NEP in October 2017. The replacement NEP addresses enforcement of OSHA’s amended standards for respirable crystalline silica—promulgated March […]