At a glance
eNews is the monthly newsletter of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Each month includes an update from NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard, featured NIOSH research, new worker safety and health resources, upcoming meetings, and more!
From the Director’s Desk
John Howard, M.D., Director, NIOSH
National Miners Day: Women in Coal Mining
National Miners Day, recognized each December 6, is a day to honor the sacrifices of U.S. miners. This year, NIOSH is recognizing the important roles women have played in coal mining through the years. Women have been officially employed in underground coal mines since the 1970s. Today women make up around 5%–10% of the coal mining workforce. However, women's roles may not be well-known since some people may envision coal miners as men wearing hard hats and dusty coveralls.
Researchers analyzed over 50 years of NIOSH data from the NIOSH Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program. They wanted to learn more about women's experiences in mining. The study showed most women coal miners worked less than a decade in the industry. Moreover, most did not work in areas like continuous mining or drilling, which means they were unlikely to face exposure to high levels of inhalable dust. The study found only a small number (around 1 in 200) of women coal miners showed evidence of pneumoconiosis. This is likely due to their tendency to work in less dusty jobs and for shorter lengths of time. Although the risk of dust exposure is often lower in jobs held by women miners, they usually receive lower pay and have less opportunities to advance. This can limit their career growth and long-term contributions to the industry.
NIOSH seeks to improve understanding about women's health in coal mining through our research. Further research on injuries and deaths among women in coal mining can also help us understand how to better protect all miners. Along with the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program's work, NIOSH is looking at gender in occupational respiratory health studies. Examining these data could provide critical insights into gender-based health risks and disparities.
NIOSH works to address the unique needs and experiences of women in the workplace to help create a healthier and stronger workforce. This effort applies not just to mining, but to other occupations as well.
Research Rounds
Respiratory-related Workers' Compensation Claims From Private Employers—Ohio, 2001–2018
Study authors: Laura Kurth, Alysha R. Meyers, and Steven J. Wurzelbacher, NIOSH; Steven J. Naber and Cynthia Cooper, Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation
Why is this study important?
Exposure to toxic dusts, chemicals, or other substances at work is a leading cause of work-related respiratory disease. Understanding how and where these exposures occur is a critical part of prevention.
How did you do the study?
We developed a list of diagnosis codes related to respiratory disease. Using this list, we searched for these codes among more than 2 million claims filed with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation between 2001 and 2018. We then calculated respiratory-disease claim rates per industry among private employers and determined the most common disease types and exposures, using the narrative text in the claims.
What did you find?
During the study period, 23,015 workers' compensation claims were related to respiratory disease. This number translates to approximately six claims per 10,000 full-time equivalent workers. The agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry had the highest rate of claims with slightly over 11 per 10,000 full-time equivalent workers, followed by the public safety (ambulance services) industry, and the manufacturing industry.
More than half the claims had at least one diagnosis code for "allergic reactions." Approximately one third (31%) had at least one diagnosis code for "toxic effects of substances." These substances include alcohol, solvents, and other gases, fumes, or vapors. Chemical exposures accounted for most claims (30%), followed by "activity suggesting exposure" (24%), and "exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, or fumes" (19%). The category "activity suggesting exposure" is based on certain tasks, including grinding, sand blasting, and welding.
What are the next steps?
This study's findings could be used to focus prevention efforts. Continued monitoring of workers' compensation claims also is important to identify persistent and new causes of respiratory disease in the workplace.
Mining Injuries 2012–2019: Using Workers' Compensation Claims Data From 35 States to Identify Rates and Costs Associated by Nature of Injury, Event/Exposure, and Body Part Affected
NIOSH study authors: John R. Heberger and Steven J. Wurzelbacher
Why is this study important?
Mining is well-recognized as dangerous work. To help protect miners, it is important to understand the causes and costs of injuries.
How did you do the study?
We analyzed information from the National Council on Compensation Insurance on workers' compensation claims for mining injuries from 35 states for 2012–2019. We then compared this information to records from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) during the study period.
What did you find?
The findings between the two systems were similar. The number of injuries during the study period decreased 30% for both workers' compensation claims and MSHA cases. The total costs related to mining injuries for both systems were more than $2 billion. More than half (59%) of claims were for medical treatment only, and these claims represented only about 3% of costs. Claims that included lost work time accounted for 40% of the number of claims yet the vast majority of the costs (90%).
Likewise, the underlying event or exposure and the body part injured were similar in both systems. Contact with objects and equipment accounted for 39% of claims and cases, and 30% of costs. Overexertion and bodily reaction accounted for 27% of claims and cases, and 24% of costs. By body part, upper extremities had the greatest number of injuries, representing more than a third of workers' compensation claims and MSHA cases.
What are the next steps?
Using standard MSHA injury cases with supplemental workers' compensation claims data could help occupational safety and health practitioners identify critical areas for improvement to protect miners.
Highlights
In Memoriam: Max Lum, EdD, MPA
Max Lum, EdD, MPA, former Director of Communication at NIOSH, passed away peacefully on November 19. Before retiring from NIOSH in 2011, Max led the Institute's international programs and oversaw the expansion of its communication portfolio. He also mentored young communicators throughout the Institute. Before joining NIOSH in 1995, Max served as Division Director at CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in Atlanta. There, he was responsible for the agency's health professional and community education programs. Max earned his doctoral and master's degrees at the University of Southern California with an emphasis on communication and public management.
After retiring from NIOSH, Max continued to serve as a senior advisor on e-communication and research translation in the NIOSH Office of the Director. He also worked on the World Trade Center Health Program, advising on research translation efforts to improve the quality of care delivered to 9/11 responders and survivors. In addition, he was the chair of the International Commission on Occupational Health Communications network and served as their observer to the Informational Systems Security Awareness Education for Prevention section. Max was a special person, a beacon of health and vitality, someone who brought champagne to any gathering, and lived an amazing life. He was loved by us all and will be greatly missed.
Upcoming NIOSH Respirator Fit Evaluation Challenge Webinar
Register now to join a December 4 webinar titled "NIOSH Respirator Fit Evaluation Challenge, Phase 3 Prototypes." This Challenge was a three-phase competition aimed at improving respirator fit evaluation. In Phase 3, winners developed functional prototypes that provided immediate, real-time feedback on the fit of filtering facepiece respirators. The webinar will feature presentations from the three winners and six finalists of Phase 3, showcasing their potential to enhance workplace safety.
Updates from Research to Practice: NIOSH Renews Partnership Agreements
- NIOSH and Global Mining Guidelines Group have renewed their partnership agreement to advance safety and excellence in mining. They aim to prevent mining accidents by educating workers and raising awareness and use of effective strategies and technologies. NIOSH will participate in guidance and white paper workshops related to miner health and safety. For more information, contact Robert Bissonette.
- NIOSH and Mine Safety Appliances Innovations LLC will work together to address research gaps to reduce hazardous gas exposures from lithium-ion battery failures in mining. For more information, contact Liming Yuan.
- NIOSH and United States Fire Administration (USFA) have signed a partnership agreement to improve online training for emergency responders. NIOSH will create online training materials from its research, and USFA will provide this training through its National Fire Academy online system. This collaboration offers an effective way to turn research into practical training. For more information, contact Wesley Attwood.
Find more on our website
Federal Register Notices
Meeting of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
The notice was posted on November 8. The meeting will be held on December 5 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (EST).
Request for Public Comment on the Draft Skin Notation Profiles: Allyl Alcohol, Formamide, Formic Acid, Phenothiazine, and Picric Acid
The notice was posted on October 28. Comments must be received by December 27.
Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations: World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Enrollment, Appeals & Reimbursement
The notice was posted on November 4. Comments must be received by January 3, 2025.
Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations: EEOICPA Dose Reconstruction Interviews and Forms
The notice was posted on November 8. Comments must be received by January 7, 2025.
New Communication Products
Fact Sheet
Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Report
NIOSH Science Blog
News From Our Partners
New Report Shows Decline in Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
The Bureau of Labor Statistics just released the 2023 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses report. The data show the 2023 rate of recordable workplace injuries and illnesses fell to its lowest level since 2003. Private industry nonfatal injuries and illnesses decreased 8.4% from 2022. Read the news release to learn more.
Request for Nominations: Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is accepting membership nominations for the Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health. Committee members advise the agency on maritime industry standards and issues related to administering the Occupational Safety and Health Act. For more information see the Federal Register Notice.
Updates From State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Programs:
- Annual Report: Occupational Fatalities in Kentucky—This Annual Report provides surveillance from Kentucky workplace incidents. It can help government, industry, workers, and communities target their injury prevention efforts and resources.
- Hazard Alert: Ladder Safety—This Hazard Alert from Oregon offers information to prevent falls from ladders. The Alert provides examples of fatal events as well as safety tips to help prevent similar occurrences.
- Fatality Narrative: Welder Fell 32 Feet From Storage Tank Roof—The Fatality Narrative (slideshow) from Washington State involves a welder who fell 32 feet from a storage tank roof. To help prevent similar occurrences, the narrative provides prevention recommendations and requirements.
NORA
New Safety Data Sheets Videos Now Available
NIOSH and the NORA Respiratory Health council developed a video series on safety data sheets. Safety data sheets contain vital information about potential safety and health hazards for chemical substances and mixtures. The video series is available in English and Spanish. For questions, contact Paul Henneberger.
Upcoming Healthcare and Social Assistance Council Meeting
Join the NORA Healthcare and Social Assistance council when they meet December 12 at 1 p.m. (EST). Please contact Suzanne Tomasi for the meeting invite.
Immune, Infectious, and Dermal Disease Council Webinar
Join the NORA Immune, Infectious, and Dermal council for their meeting on December 13 at 12 p.m. (EST). Please contact Seth McCormick for the meeting invite.
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