NIOSH eNews Website

IN THIS ISSUE:

Sunshine Mine Disaster Video Featured by Public Broadcasting System (PBS)
“You are My Sunshine” was recently featured on a local Washington Public Broadcasting Service station.

Preventing Deaths and Injuries While Compacting Refuse
New Alert contains important safety recommendations for operating baling and compacting machines.

National Agricultural Safety Database Wins Web Award
NASD awarded a Blue Ribbon from the American Society of Agricultural Engineers.

NIOSH Method Wins Technology Transfer Award
A new NIOSH method for detecting lead honored.

MMWR Article Focuses on Workplace Safety and Health Guidance
A new report emphasizes safe practices for work involving nonhuman primates.

Protecting Employee Health While Helping People with Developmental Disabilities
NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation generates recommendations for improving the safety of adult care workers.

Web Sightings

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Topic Page

Asphalt Fume Exposure
Topic Page

Carbon Monoxide Hazards from Small Gasoline Powered Engines
Topic Page

NIOSH Recommendations for Limiting Potential Exposures of Workers to Asbestos Associated with Vermiculite from Libby, Montana
Fact Sheet

Upcoming Events

The Future of Rural Peoples: Rural Economy, Healthy People, Environment, Rural Communities

Occupational Medicine Training-Past, Present and Future

NOIRS 2003

First International Scientific Conference on Occupational and Environmental Health

National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Conference

  From the Director's Desk

Highlights from the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Protection Program

National Fire Prevention Week is October 5-11, 2003. There are currently 1.2 million fire fighters protecting U.S. citizens and property from losses caused by fires. An estimated 105 fire fighters die in the line of duty each year and 87,500 more are injured. At NIOSH, research to prevent fire fighter fatalities and injuries is an ongoing priority. As part of the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, NIOSH collaborates with private and public organizations to conduct a number of activities designed to increase awareness of dangers and prevent future fatalities and injuries from occurring. This edition of eNews focuses on the program, highlighting several of the key components.

• NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program
  The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program conducts investigations of fire fighter line-of-duty deaths to formulate recommendations for preventing future deaths and injuries. The program’s investigators are trained in the National Fire Protection Association Fire Fighter Levels I and II, Incident Command Systems, and many other aspects of fire fighting and fire fighter safety. Investigators are also highly trained in areas of specialization from traffic control techniques to wild land fire fighting. Investigators use the Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) model to conduct investigations of fatal injuries resulting from a variety of traumatic injury circumstances, such as burns, asphyxiation, internal trauma, drowning and electrocution. Each investigation generates a report summarizing the incident, and includes recommendations for preventing future similar events. During Fiscal Year 2003, NIOSH conducted 43 investigations in 22 states. The website http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/facerpts.html includes summaries and recommendations from NIOSH investigations as they are completed. For more information on the traumatic injury program, contact Richard Braddee at rwb1@cdc.gov.
  

• Fire Fighters At Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
  Heart attacks are the most common cause of line-of-duty deaths for fire fighters. NIOSH investigates these fatalities by assessing the contribution of workplace and personal factors. The workplace evaluation includes estimating the immediate physical demands placed on the fire fighter, estimating the fire fighters acute exposure to hazardous chemicals, and assessing the fire department’s efforts to screen for coronary artery disease risk factors and implementing a fitness and wellness program. Like the FACE model, each investigation generates a report summarizing the incident, and includes recommendations for preventing future similar results. These can be found on the NIOSH website http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/facerpts.html. For more information on the cardiovascular disease program, contact Tom Hales at trh1@cdc.gov.
  
  

• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Evaluation Program Impacts Fire Fighting Safety
  As part of it's respirator certification program established in 1972, NIOSH tests self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) worn by fire fighters who have been injured or killed. The goal of the evaluation is to determine if failure or defects in the SCBA contributed to the fire fighter’s injury or death. The initial evaluation of the SCBA determines if it is a NIOSH-approved configuration and if the unit can be safely pressurized and tested. If found suitable for testing, investigators conduct a series of NIOSH SCBA Certification Tests and National Fire Protection Association Tests which provide an indication of the SCBA’s overall performance. A detailed report is provided to the person who submitted the SCBA to NIOSH. This program is conducted by NIOSH’s National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). For more information on this program, contact Vance Kochenderfer at vck6@cdc.gov.
  
  

• Communicating Fire Fighter Safety Information Is Critical
  The program disseminates the investigative reports and other related safety publications to fire departments, fire fighters, program planners, trainers, and researchers to help prevent future line-of-duty deaths and injuries. The investigation reports are used in fire fighter training to demonstrate real-life dangers associated with the job.

  “I used the Firefighter Fatality reports published by your organization. These are invaluable as case studies to represent to our young rookies the true hazards of their job. These reports bring the aspect of safety into a reality for them. I know they are safe for having reaped the rewards from the hard work your staff puts into the reports. This is a great and invaluable service to my profession.” Quote from Deputy Fire Marshal submitted through CDC Public Inquiry email.

  In addition to the investigation reports, NIOSH develops other documents on specific hazards to the fire service, such as tanker rollovers, traffic hazards, structural collapses and exposure to electrical hazards during wild land fire operations.

  “I find the NIOSH Reports and Alerts on fire fighter deaths very informative. We
  utilize the information to change attitudes.”
  Quote from the reader response cards in a NIOSH Alert

  To access the complete list of fire fighter safety publications, visit http://www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/FIRE/.
  

• The Evaluation of the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program
  NIOSH is developing an evaluation project to assess the impact of the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program and the effects of the program’s recommendations and information products distributed to fire departments. This study will examine career and volunteer, large and small size, rural and urban and union and non-union fire departments to determine the extent to which fire fighter reports, recommendations and information are implemented by fire departments. In addition, the study will measure the effects of the program on the knowledge, behavior, attitudes, and safety practices for both management and front-line fire fighters. Information gained from the study will be integrated into future program efforts. For more information on this project, contact Lynn Jenkins at elj3@cdc.gov.

  Sunshine Mine Disaster Video Featured by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)

The NIOSH video “You Are My Sunshine” was recently aired on a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) station in Spokane, Washington. The documentary tells the story of the 1972 Sunshine Mine Disaster in which 91 miners were killed. The video recounts events of the tragedy through interviews with miners, rescue workers and community workers and provides lessons learned for preventing future disasters. To learn more about the video or to order a copy, go to http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/training/videos.html.

  New Alert Issued: Preventing Deaths and Injuries While Compacting or Baling
  Refuse Material

A new NIOSH Alert focuses on recommendations for preventing work-related deaths and injuries associated with baling and compacting machines. The publication “NIOSH Alert: Preventing Deaths and Injuries While Compacting or Baling Refuse Materials,” recommends practical measures such as deenergizing machinery while it is being unjammed or serviced, providing engineering controls, and educating employees about potential hazards. To view the complete Alert (Pub No. 2003-124), visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-124.

  National Agricultural Safety Database Wins Web Award

The National Agricultural Safety Database (NASD) recently received an Educational Aids Blue Ribbon Award from the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. NASD was selected from entries in the web page category. The competition encourages agricultural engineers in industry and public service to strive for excellence in extension activities through the interchange of ideas on successful methods and techniques. NASD is a large, comprehensive collection of health, safety, and injury prevention materials for the agricultural community. The University of Florida, through funding from NIOSH, developed and maintains the database. For more information on NASD, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nasd.html.

  NIOSH Product Wins Excellence in Technology Transfer Award

The technology application “Hand Wipe Method for Detecting Lead” was recently selected to receive the 2003 Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer by the Southeast Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) for Technology Transfer. Through a simple color change, the hand wipe can quickly and easily detect the presence of lead on skin, steering wheels, and other vehicle surfaces in industries where lead is produced or used and surfaces such as tables, floors, walls, and window sills. This alert prompts the worker to perform more thorough hand washing to decrease the risk of ingesting lead during eating, drinking, or smoking. The Southeast FLC recognizes outstanding technologies that have significant potential to improve the quality of life and the efforts of federal laboratory personnel to move appropriate technologies into the marketplace. For more information on the hand wipe method, contact Eric Esswein at eje1@cdc.gov.

  MMWR Article Focuses on Workplace Safety and Health Guidance

A new report describing the hazards associated with work involving nonhuman primates and components of a successful Occupational Safety and Health Program (OHSP) is now available. The report prepared by the Committee on Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Nonhuman Primates appointed by the National Research Council Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (NRCILAR) compliments the 1997 NRCILAR guide for managing an OHSP for the care and use of laboratory animals. That same year, NIOSH conducted reviews of policies and procedures related to working with nonhuman primates at various National Primate Research Centers and identified an absence of accepted industry-wide standards for management of such occupational hazards. This review was prompted by the death of a laboratory employee who contracted a virulent, fatal infection after being splashed by the bodily fluids of an infected monkey. To view the new report, go to http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10713.html. To view the MMWR, go to http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5238a8.htm.

  Protecting Employee Health While Helping People with Developmental Disabilities

A recent case study in the journal Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene from a 2002 NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) recommends practical measures for reducing potential risks to employees providing direct care to severe mentally and developmentally disabled individuals. The HHE came at the request of employees at an Ohio Adult Developmental Center who were concerned about work-related stress and potential hazards to infectious disease agents. The recommendations illustrate that health and safety for employees can be combined successfully with compassionate care for individuals in such facilities. Further information, including a link to the 2002 HHE report, is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hep-b-risk.html.

  Web Sightings

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Topic Page
A new topic page on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is now available and provides a focused, organized guide to resources that will assist employees, building managers and others in addressing concerns about work-related IEQ. The page links to several NIOSH resources that can help in developing strategic, practical approaches to establishing or maintaining good IEQ in workplaces. Included are “Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facilities Managers,” “The Building Air Quality Action Plan,” texts of several recent NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluations and links to relevant NIOSH topic pages. The IEQ website is http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/.

Asphalt Fume Exposure Topic Page
NIOSH resources on asphalt fume exposure are now available on a new topic page. The website is http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/asphalt.

Carbon Monoxide Hazards from Small Gasoline Powered Engines Topic Page
A new NIOSH topic page lists recommendations for preventing carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings from small gasoline powered engines such as high-pressure washers, floor buffers, and generators. Because CO is a colorless, odorless, and nonirritating gas, exposed persons can be overcome without warning. This was the case during the recent power outages associated with Hurricane Isabel in which several individuals died from CO poisoning due to insufficient ventilation while using generators. The topic page can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/co.

NIOSH Recommendations for Limiting Potential Exposures of Workers to Asbestos Associated with Vermiculite from Libby, Montana Fact Sheet
The web version on the fact sheet NIOSH Recommendations for Limiting Potential Exposures of Workers to Asbestos Associated with Vermiculite from Libby, Montana is now available. The fact sheet identifies potential health effects associated with exposure to vermiculite and asbestos and makes recommendations on how workers can protect themselves from exposure. The fact sheet can be viewed at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-141.

  Upcoming Events

The Future of Rural Peoples: Rural Economy, Healthy People, Environment, Rural Communities
NIOSH, along with the University of Saskatchewan, is co-sponsoring the fifth international symposium on the future of rural peoples on October 19-23, 2003 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The symposium will bring together researchers, policy makers, practitioners and rural people to look at current science and best practice approaches to achieving and maintaining healthy people, economies, environments, and communities in rural areas. To learn more, visit the conference website http://iareh.usask.ca/symposium2003/index.php.

Occupational Medicine Training-Past, Present and Future
The Johns Hopkins Occupational Medicine Residency with hold a symposium titled “Occupational Medicine Training-Past, Present, and Future” on October 30, 2003 at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard will be a guest speaker. The symposium will focus on the role of occupational medicine in today’s workforce, and suggest ways in which occupational medicine training programs can meet the needs of tomorrow’s workers and employers. For more information, contact Kristin Off at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at koff@jhsph.edu.

NOIRS 2003
NIOSH, in association with its public and private sector partners, will host the third National Occupational Injury Research Symposium (NOIRS) on October 28-30, 2003 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This symposium is a means of implementing the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) for traumatic occupational injuries. NOIRS will provide a national forum for developing collaborations, identifying best practices, and sharing innovative technological approaches for injury research and prevention. The symposium will consist of contributed oral presentations in concurrent sessions, organized sessions around topics of special interest, and poster presentations. For more information on NOIRS 2003, visit the NIOSH website http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noirs/noirsmain.html.

First International Scientific Conference on Occupational and Environmental Health
The first International Scientific Conference on Occupational and Environmental Health will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam on November 12-14, 2003. NIOSH is cosponsoring the conference along with organizations and agencies in United States and Vietnam. The conference will provide an opportunity for delegates to exchange scientific information on occupational and environmental health in southeast Asia. For more information on the conference, contact the Vietnam Association of Occupational Health at nioeh@hn.vnn.vn or the University of Washington’s Northwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety at ce@u.washington.edu.

National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Conference
The first National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Conference will be held in November 13-15, 2003 in Arlington, Virginia. The goal of the conference is to provide scientific and societal background concerning COPD to further education, awareness, and improved care in the United States. The conference will provide an opportunity to meet and to actively participate in state-of-the-art workshops, lectures, and meetings. For more information, visit the conference website http://www.uscopd.com/index_confer.html.

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