All articles tagged with #occupational health
A new report by WHO and WMO warns that rising global temperatures are increasing heat stress risks for workers worldwide, affecting health and productivity, and calls for better protections, policies, and climate action to prevent severe health outcomes and economic impacts.
Doctors are raising alarms about a rising epidemic of silicosis, a deadly lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust from cutting quartz countertops. The condition, which causes irreversible lung scarring, is increasingly affecting workers in the stone-cutting industry, particularly those handling engineered quartz with high silica content. Many cases are underdiagnosed, delaying critical treatment. The disease is incurable and can lead to severe health issues, including the need for lung transplants. Researchers emphasize the need for better workplace safety and early screening, especially for vulnerable immigrant workers.
Silicosis, a severe lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, is increasingly affecting American stone and construction workers, leading to a surge in lawsuits against stone manufacturers. The disease, once thought to primarily affect miners, is now recognized as a significant risk for workers cutting quartz and granite countertops. Many affected workers, like Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, face dire health consequences, including the need for lung transplants. The situation highlights the urgent need for better safety protocols and awareness in the industry.
Marek Marzec, a 48-year-old father of three, is taking legal action against his former employers after being diagnosed with silicosis, a severe lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust from cutting quartz worktops. Marzec, who is now on end-of-life care, claims he worked in "appalling" conditions and hopes to prevent others from suffering similar fates. His legal team is calling for urgent safety measures to protect stone workers from the lethal dust, which has already claimed other lives.
A study conducted in Norway found that approximately 13% of employees are at high risk of burnout, emphasizing the need for early intervention to prevent long-term consequences. Researchers have developed the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) to identify individuals at risk by measuring exhaustion, mental distancing, cognitive and emotional impairment. The tool is being tested in over 30 countries and aims to facilitate early intervention and prevent the physical and psychological effects of burnout. It is important to address high demands and limited resources in the workplace to safeguard employee health.
Prolonged sitting at work is associated with a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, but taking daily breaks and engaging in leisure-time physical activity can help mitigate these risks, according to a study involving nearly 500,000 adults in Taiwan. The study underscores the importance of reducing sedentary behaviors and increasing physical activity to improve health outcomes, with experts emphasizing the need for systemic changes in workplaces and encouraging simple movements to combat the dangers of prolonged sitting.
Working outdoors in the sun is a major cause of skin cancer, according to a report by the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization. The study found that nearly 1 in 3 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet radiation from outdoor work. Occupational ultraviolet radiation exposure is now ranked as the third largest occupational carcinogen. The report highlights the need for employers and policymakers to take steps to reduce workers' risk of exposure, such as providing shade, protective clothing, and sunscreen, as well as improving access to early screening for skin cancer.
A new study has found that engaging in physically demanding jobs throughout one's career is associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment in old age. The research, which analyzed occupational activity from ages 33 to 65 and its impact on cognitive health after age 70, revealed that individuals in physically demanding roles had a 15.5% risk of cognitive issues compared to 9% for those in less physically demanding jobs. These findings highlight the need for interventions to mitigate the risk of dementia in physically demanding occupations and emphasize the "physical activity paradox" where leisure time physical activity is associated with better cognitive outcomes, while work-related physical activity can lead to worse cognitive outcomes.
The CDC's proposed updated guidelines for infection control in healthcare settings, which may be adopted by hospitals, have raised concerns among experts. The guidelines make little mention of aerosol transmission of viruses and suggest there is no difference in protection between N95 respirators and surgical masks, contrary to scientific evidence. The studies cited as supporting evidence have flaws, including recall bias and small sample sizes. The lack of focus on ventilation and worker safety, as well as the potential conflict with OSHA standards, has raised alarm among experts who believe the guidelines prioritize cost-cutting over protecting frontline workers. The lack of transparency and stakeholder input in the guideline development process has also been criticized.