At a glance
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From the Director’s Desk
John Howard, M.D., Director, NIOSH
Shaping Workplace Safety: 20 Years of Nanotechnology Research
Since 2004, the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) has been a leader in advancing workplace safety and health in the field of nanotechnology. Our work focuses on increasing understanding of the hazards and risks of working with these materials. We offer companies actionable guidance and recommendations to protect workers.
This year, we recognize 20 years of the Center's accomplishments. At NTRC, we conduct on-site assessments of workplace processes, materials, and control technologies related to nanotechnology and additive manufacturing. This includes 3D printing. Since its inception, the Center has conducted over 140 cost-free, on-site exposure assessments at advanced manufacturing facilities. We work with companies to minimize worker exposures by identifying hazards and recommending controls. We also offer companies specific control recommendations when they expand their operations.
This year, we are highlighting major achievements and future research areas in this fast-changing field with a series of NIOSH Science Blogs. We also developed a video series to show the on-site assessment process and how NTRC and industry partners work together. Another video showcases the NTRC carbon nanotube registry. This registry studies long-term health effects of exposures to carbon nanotubes and nanofibers. The more companies and workers who join the registry, the more powerful and informative the study will be.
In October, we will celebrate National Nanotechnology Day by hosting the 2024 Nanotechnology Health and Safety Summit at the University of Cincinnati. We hope you will join us at the summit where industry, academic, and government experts will share the latest recommendations and advancements in occupational safety and health in nano- and emerging technologies. This summit will cover safety and health topics such as additive manufacturing and advanced materials, semiconductors, lithium-ion battery technology, and nanotechnology. Learn more and register for this exciting event! Registration for the summit closes October 1.
Looking ahead, nano- and other emerging technologies will continue to develop and revolutionize many industries. The NTRC is committed to identifying new hazards and risks to workers by focusing research on high-priority areas. This research will lay the scientific foundation for recommendations, policies, and standards that protect workers while helping businesses to advance. We hope you will join us as we reflect on our progress and look forward to how we will continue to evolve into the future.
Research Rounds
Workplace Psychosocial Factors, Work Organization, and Physical Exertion as Risk Factors for Low Back Pain Among U.S. Workers: Data From the 2015 National Health Interview Survey
Study authors: Taylor Shockey and Toni Alterman, NIOSH; Haiou Yang, University of California, Irvine; and Ming-Lun “Jack” Lu, NIOSH
Why is this study important?
Low back pain is a common ailment that can decrease quality of life, overall well-being, and productivity at work. Many workers will experience low back pain at some point. Understanding the causes of work-related low back pain is crucial to developing prevention methods.
How did you do the study?
We looked at results from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. Using this information, we applied statistical methods to explore the relationship between self-reported low back pain and workplace factors like how work is organized (e.g., temporary work, long work hours, shift work) and physical exertion. Study participants included more than 17 thousand U.S. workers, aged 18–64 years, who worked 20 or more hours per week.
What did you find?
Nearly 27% of study participants reported low back pain, with women and men reporting similar rates. However, older workers were much more likely to report low back pain at 31% among those aged 55-64 years, compared to 8% among those aged 18-24 years.
Workplace factors strongly tied to low back pain were high job demand, low job control, work-family imbalance, bullying, job insecurity, alternate shifts, and physical exertion. However, the relationships between low job control and low back pain as well as alternate shifts and low back pain weakened when workers reported low or no physical exertion.
What are the next steps?
To understand the relationship between low back pain and workplace factors, it is important to clarify the effects of physical exertion. In addition, it is important to consider the role of race, ethnicity, and other demographics in workplace factors and low back pain.
A 16-Year Chronicle of Developing a Healthy Workplace Participatory Program for Total Worker Health® in the Connecticut Department of Correction: The Health Improvement Through Employee Control (HITEC) Program
Study authors: Martin Cherniack, University of Connecticut Health Center; Sara Namazi, Johnson & Wales University; Matthew Brennan, University of Connecticut Health Center; Robert Henning, University of Connecticut; Alicia Dugan, University of Connecticut Health Center; Mazen El Ghaziri, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Why is this study important?
This study aims to prevent a higher risk of early death, depression, obesity, and high blood pressure among corrections personnel using Total Worker Health strategies. It is important because the findings can inform future work to improve the well-being of these workers.
How did you do the study?
The study occurred over 16 years through the Health Improvement Through Employee Control (HITEC) program. The program trained small "design teams" of front-line workers in participatory methods. These teams were then tasked with designing interventions to improve health and impact organizational change. Examples of these interventions include stress lounges, changes in writing critical event reports, and training in staff mental health and sleep behavior. The program also began a peer-to-peer Health Mentoring Program that paired new officers with trained peers.
What did you find?
The study findings showed that the interventions designed and supported by the corrections workforce were both practical and effective. Many of these interventions were established within the corrections system, improving prospects they will continue long-term. Through a series of interventions and evaluations, we confirmed the importance of continuous improvement. This included refining methods and processes to enhance intervention effectiveness.
What are the next steps?
We hope to help other corrections systems adopt similar programs. The processes involve confirming methods for setting up a program, ensuring the program can be sustained, and sharing successful strategies for other settings in the same sector. HITEC personnel, including corrections staff experienced in participatory processes, are working with federal and professional corrections groups to distribute program information.
Highlights
Safe + Sound Registration is Open!
Register now for OSHA's Safe + Sound Week 2024! Happening August 12–18, Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event held each August. The event focuses on workplace health and safety program successes and offers resources and ideas on how to keep America's workers safe. This year, Safe + Sound Week will provide resources for businesses on Job Hazard Analysis.
NIOSH and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation Sign Partnership Agreement
NIOSH and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation are joining together to advance the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers. They aim to promote evidence-informed strategies and resources, like the Impact Wellbeing™ Guide, to address organizational-level factors impacting workers' mental health. For more information on this partnership or the Impact Wellbeing™ campaign, contact Christy Spring.
Promising Practice for Total Worker Health®
Healthcare workforce burnout threatens health systems and optimal healthcare delivery. To address this issue, the Veterans Health Administration created a Chief Well-Being Officer role, focused on clinicians. Read more about this program and how it impacts worker well-being.
Clinical Best Practices for 9/11-Related Conditions: Smoking Cessation Webinar
NIOSH is hosting a webinar in the Best Practices for Clinical Care in the World Trade Center Health Program series. The webinar, titled "Best Practices for Smoking Cessation," will be August 15, 12–1 p.m. (ET). Dr. Geoffrey Calvert from NIOSH and Dr. Sandra Lowe from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai are presenting. Learn more about the series and register to attend.
Register Now for the Next NIOSH Expanding Research Partnerships Webinar!
NIOSH is hosting the next Expanding Research Partnerships Series webinar. The event, titled "Protecting the Mental Health of Offshore Workers," will be August 14, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (ET). The webinar will focus on maritime worker mental health in their unique and physically hazardous work environment. See the full speaker list and register today!
Find more on our website
Federal Register Notices
Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations: Lung Function Screening of Construction Workers With Exposure to Dusts and Chemicals
The notice was posted on June 4. Comments must be received by August 5.
Meeting of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
The notice was posted on July 18. Comments must be received by August 5. The meeting will be held on August 7.
Meeting of the Board of Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Firefighter Registry Subcommittee
The notice was posted on July 18. Comments must be received by August 15. The meeting will be held on August 22.
Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review: Direct Reading, Sensor, and Robotics Technology Assessment in Lab/Simulator-based Settings
The notice was posted on April 23. Comments must be received by August 17.
Partnership Opportunity to Determine the Fit of Air Purifying Filtering Facepiece Respirators Worn Over Beard Bands for Workers With Facial Hair
The notice was posted on July 25. Comments must be received by September 23.
New communication products
FACE Reports
- Sugarcane Worker Dies From Heat Stroke—Louisiana
- Wildland Firefighter Struck and Fatally Injured by Hazard Tree—Oregon
Safety Advisory
NIOSH Science Blog
What's New on the Blog
News From our partners
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Issues Compliance Guide for Methylene Chloride Risk Management Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a compliance guide for the 2024 methylene chloride risk management rule issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The guide will help industry, workers, and others to understand and comply with the new regulations to prevent injuries, long-term illnesses, and deaths.
Moving the Occupational Safety & Health Field Forward
The Occupational Health Internship Program is a national summer program supported by NIOSH. The program is dedicated to help students learn about the field of occupational safety and health from those with most at stake: working people. This summer, 21 interns are working on 11 projects in seven locations nationwide. Visit their website to learn more.
Updates From State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Programs
- Annual Report: Occupational Fatalities in Oregon - The Annual Report is dedicated to the people in Oregon who have lost their lives as the result of traumatic workplace injuries. The hope is a better understanding of these fatal incidents may help to save other workers' lives in similar situations.
- Hazard Alert: Preventing Truck Mechanic Deaths From Rollaways - The Hazard Alert from Washington State involves preventing truck mechanic deaths from rollaways. To help prevent similar occurrences, the alert provides prevention recommendations and requirements.
NORA
Immune, Infectious, and Dermal Diseases Council Meeting
Join the Immune, Infectious, and Dermal Diseases NORA Council for their meeting on August 9, 1:00–2:30 p.m. (ET). Contact Seth McCormick for the meeting invite.
Respiratory Health Cross-sector Council Report
The Respiratory Health Council recently posted the International Perspectives on Priorities for Occupational Respiratory Health 2023 report. The report presents varied perspectives on future occupational respiratory health priorities. Contact Paul Henneberger with questions.
Editorial & Production Team
Director
John Howard, M.D.
Editor in Chief
Christina Spring
Managing Editor
Tanya Headley
Section Editor
Anne Blank, Research Rounds
Kiana Harper, Highlights & Monthly Features
Contributing Editor
Sarah Mitchell
Copy Editor
Cheryl Hamilton
Technical Support
Steve Leonard, Adobe Technical Lead