Occupational Diseases: March 2007 Archives

Long-Term Loss of Wages Caused By Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause people to lose time they could be spending at work and can affect their earning potential for years to come. An analysis of nearly 8,800 workers' compensation claims made in Washington state revealed that workers who had been diagnosed with carpal tunnel lost more days of work and had a sharp drop in their long-term wages compared to those who had filed for injuries due to an arm fracture. On average, six years after filing for their injuries, workers with carpal tunnel syndrome were making less than half of their pre-injury wages.

Long-Term Loss of Wages Seen After Wrist Disorder

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the wrist and the hand and is caused by a pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve runs from the forearm into the hand through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand, fingers, and wrist. Research has suggested that many people are genetically predisposed to carpal tunnel. Popular thought has long maintained that repetitive actions, such as typing, can lead to carpal tunnel, though little evidence supports this theory. Working with vibrating instruments has been linked to worsening carpal tunnel symptoms.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 09:14 PM | Permalink

Lunar Dust Poses Hazard for Astronauts

Researchers say that astronauts face a further danger while in space: a risk of silicosis from particles in lunar soil. Any particles smaller than 2.5 microns can become stuck in lung tissue. Most of these particles are made of glass and are formed from the impact of micrometeorites on the surface of the moon. Many of these particles pose an even further risk because they can "de-energize" hemoglobin molecules that carry oxygen to the blood tissues.

Lunar dust may pose hazards for astronauts

When the dust reaches the lungs, inflammation occurs and, ultimately, a scar tissue called a fibroid grows around the particle. The scar tissue replaces cells which are needed in the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide. "This is the process at work in the condition silicosis - an occupational hazard in mining, quarrying and foundry work - and asbestosis, which results from inhaling asbestos fibers. It also occurs in bronchitis and as a consequence of smoking. If you took a healthy pair of adult lungs and smeared them out, they would cover a football field. Once you are down to the size of a square table's worth of surface area in your lungs that is usable; you are just about dead," said Professor Larry Taylor, the director of the Planetary Geosciences Institute in Tennessee.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 08:39 PM | Permalink

Firefighters Face Heart Risk While Fighting Fires

Firefighters have a significantly greater risk of dying from heart problems while fighting a fire than had been thought. A large study shows that the risk of dying of a heart-related cause was up to 100 times greater than the risk during times of rest. Roughly 100 firefighters die while fighting fires each year and nearly half of those deaths are due to heart-related causes. Experts say that diet and exercise should be emphasized more at firehouses.

Firefighters face heart risks in a blaze

Dr. Linda Rosenstock, the dean of the UCLA School of Public Health, said that "You may not be able to prevent all these deaths, but to the degree you can prevent some deaths by paying attention to underlying risk factors and better fitness programs, that's the goal." The study does not discuss whether firefighters have a higher risk of dying from heart disease than the general population.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 07:34 PM | Permalink

Workers Miss Out on Occupational Disease Benefits

Thousands of workers miss out on medical treatment, compensation, and benefits because occupational diseases are not properly diagnosed in Thailand. Employers and employees often are hesitant to notify Socso because they fear consequences. Datuk Seri Dr. Fong Chan Onn said, "when a worker is injured, everybody knows about it. He gets treated and enjoys Socso benefits. But, unfortunately, when a worker falls ill because of his occupation, it's not diagnosed or reported and he loses his benefits."

Silence Robs 60,000 Workers of Benefits

Fong said that the ministry worries about the drop in the number of occupational diseases reported to the Social Security Organization. In 1995, 1,247 cases of work-related illnesses were reported to Sosco; in contrast, only 170 cases were reported last year. "Don’t just treat a worker for his illness," recommended Fong to doctors. "Take the extra effort to check if it is related to his occupation or the environment he works in, and whether he is exposed to hazardous chemicals."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 02:19 PM | Permalink

Nesca Says Radiation Not to Blame for Illness

The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, Nesca, says that an independent investigation into the health of former employees has not found a correlation between cancer in former employees and work at Nesca. The only occupational disease that has been linked to work at Nesca is noise induced hearing loss.

Radiation not responsible for illnesses - Necsa

The review looked at the health of 45 former employees, four current employees, and one contract worker. After reviewing the past and present medical histories of the workers, "Nesca can categorically state that not one of these former employees presents symptoms that relate to the adverse effects of radiation,” says the organization, in a public notice. “If one looks at the results of the medical investigations, [the] people [examined] are sick but in some cases these can not be related to Necsa,” says Necsa CEO Dr Rob Adam. The review took place because activist group Earthlife Africa suggested that radiation from one of Nesca's worksites may have contributed to cancers. A second phase of the investigation is still continuing.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 01:35 PM | Permalink

ISEA Requests OSHA to Lower Noise Limit

The International Safety Equipment Association, the ISEA, has petitioned the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to reduce the noise exposure limit in workplaces. ISEA President Dan Shipp says that the rules need to be changed because "current U.S. regulation for occupational noise exposure was promulgated over 20 years ago and it was based in large part on research conducted in the 1960s."

href="http://www.occupationalhazards.com/News/Article/45812/ISEA_Asks_OSHA_to_Lower_Noise_Limit.aspx">ISEA Asks OSHA to Lower Noise Limit

OSHA's current permissible exposure limit for workplace noise is 90 decibels. This means that workers must wear hearing protection equipment if noise exposure exceeds 90 dBA. The rule also demands that employers have hearing conservation programs in place at all workplaces in which noise levels equal or exceed 85 dBA as an 8-hour time-weighted average. ISEA has asked that OSHA reduce the PEL requirement to 85 dBA as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Since ISEA has filed the petition with OSHA, ISEA has asked more than 20 other hearing conservation stakeholders to write OSHA to further support the petition.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 09:19 PM | Permalink

OSHA Identifies Worksites With High Illness Rates

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has declared that approximately 14,000 employers have been notified that injury and illness rates at their workplaces are higher than average and assistance is available to help improve the safety of their business. OSHA says that the notification was a proactive measure to help employers realize the importance of workplace safety.

OSHA Identifies Worksites With High Injury/Illness Rates

"This identification process is meant to raise awareness that injuries and illnesses are high at these facilities," said the Assistant Secretary of Labor, OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. The workplaces with the highest injury and illness rates were determined by OSHA through employer-reported data from a 2006 survey of 80,000 worksites. Employers who were sent the notifications were given copies of their injury and illness data and a list of the more often violated OSHA standards for their business. The list of 14,000 employers can be found on, OSHA's website.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 08:36 PM | Permalink

Office Workers Prone to Blood Clots

Those who spend their days in front of computer screens are at a greater risk of developing deep-vein thrombosis, or deadly blood clots, than long-distance air travelers. The study, performed by New Zealand researchers, discovered that 34 percent of patients who came to the hospital with blood clots had been seated on the job for extensive periods of time.

Office workers more prone to blood clots

Deep-vein thrombosis, also referred to as DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the leg veins. If the clot breaks off, it could potentially travel to block a blood vessel in the lungs; this often is fatal. DVT has been linked to long-distance air travel and has become known as "economy class syndrome" because passengers in the economy class to do have the space to stretch in order to reduce the risk of blood clotting. "There are considerably more people who are seated for long periods at work as part of their normal day than there are traveling," said Richard Beasley from New Zealand's privately funded Medical Research Institute, which sponsored the study. Beasley also said that the occupation that saw its workers most frequently affected were information technology and in-call centers.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 10:10 PM | Permalink

Shipyard Workers Sick from Asbestos

Fifteen compensation claims have been filed by the Canadian Auto Workers Association on behalf of Newfoundland shipyard workers who developed cancer after being exposed to asbestos. Seven cases of lung cancer and eight cases of gastrointestinal cancer are being blamed on asbestos that workers were exposed to while working at the Newfoundland shipyard. “There is no question in my mind that some of our members have suffered illness and even death as a result of their exposures to workplace chemicals over the years at the shipyard,” says CAW president Henry Moores. “Most of the exposures happened under the ownership of the government of Newfoundland, and it’s time for the WHSCC to ensure that those workers or their surviving family members are fully compensated.”

Shipyard Workers Complain of Illness from Asbestos

"Extensive amounts of asbestos" were used in ships for insulation. Other hazardous chemicals also were used in the shipyard. Many former workers are trying to determine if their health has been affected by their work at the shipyard.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 03:47 PM | Permalink

Asbestos Demolition Rules Loosened

Twelve hundred more houses in South Mississippi that have been destroyed by hurricanes will be torn down under looser asbestos-handling rules. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency No Action Assurance will continue until September 30 for houses in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, and Pearl River counties. At the end of the time period, about 4,200 houses will have been destructed, said officials from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. The MDEQ is responsible for regulating air emissions of asbestos from building demolition and renovations in Mississippi.

Asbestos Demolition Rules Loosened for Coast

By allowing the demolitions to occur under the looser standards, county and city governments will not need to examine each structure that is to be torn down if the structure appears to be unsound. Additionally, only one set of paperwork needs to be filled out to demolish entire streets or subdivisions. Trudy Fisher, the MDEQ executive director, says that "we appreciate the efforts of the EPA in recognizing the continued need for this flexibility. This flexibility has substantially helped the progress of hurricane recovery efforts along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and its continuance is necessary to ensure the current pace toward recovery."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 02:09 PM | Permalink

China Says Migrants Need More Awareness of Occupational Diseases

China's Ministry of Health asked the help of its citizens to help raise migrant worker awareness about laws and rights pertaining to occupational diseases. Migrant workers are important for sustainable development and if too many of them become sick as a result of occupational diseases, China's economy could be affected. "Migrant workers account for up to 90 percent of occupational diseases, even though they are protected by the Law on Occupational Disease Prevention," Vice-Minister of Health Chen Xiaohong.

"Make Migrants Aware" of Occupational Diseases

Chen added that China has many workplace risks and this dangers have potential to affect the sustainable development of labor resources. Meng Guofang, 43, has been working at a construction site in Beijing for years, but said he knew nothing about occupational disease protection programs until after attending a program designed to help workers understand their rights; "now I know I have a law to protect myself," he said. Ministry statistics show pneumoconiosis is the most widespread occupational disease in China; 600,000 workers suffer from it and 140,000 have died from it.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 09:42 PM | Permalink

Take Breaks to Avoid Back Injury at Work

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that workers who lift heavy objects for a living need to take frequent breaks in order to minimize their risk for back injury. The study also recommends that those who are new to the job take even more breaks than experienced workers and that the risk of injury is highest at the end of a work shift.

Take More Breaks To Avoid Back Injury At Work, Study Says

Those who participated in the study lifted boxes onto conveyor belts for eight hours while researchers measured the amount of oxygen that was reaching the muscles in their lower backs. Oxygen levels indicate how hard muscles are working and whether or not the muscles are becoming fatigued. Data showed that even though participants were performing the same job at the same pace all day, their back muscles needed more oxygen as the day progressed. A lunch break helped muscles recover from the morning's work, but once workers began lifting again, their muscles fatigued rapidly. "That was alarming to us, because it means that their muscles were becoming fatigued much faster during the afternoon, and we know that fatigue increases the risk of back injury," said William Marras, a lead researcher of the study.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 01:36 PM | Permalink

Dying Veteran Says Ex-Sailors Should be Warned about Asbestos

Harvey Friesen, a Canadian veteran who is dying of lung cancer, says that the government needs to warn ex-sailors about the health consequences of their exposure to asbestos. Friesen's doctors say he likely developed the cancer because of exposure to asbestos while he served in the 1960s on the HCMS New Glasgow, a frigate based in Nova Scotia. The ship's pipes had been sprayed, wrapped and insulated in asbestos; asbestos is has been linked to cancer and lung disease.

Warn ex-sailors about asbestos, dying veteran urges military

Veterans Affairs Canada has compensated Friesen more than $100,000 for his asbestos exposure and the following cancer. Friesen, however, says that the agency should be doing more to warn others who may have been exposed to asbestos: "Everyone who served on there was exposed to asbestos. It certainly was a secret to me, and I'm sure to many other servicemen, that there was help available."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 09:26 PM | Permalink

Mt. Bachelor Fined $15,700 for Lift Accident

Mt. Bachelor, Inc. will pay $15,700 in fines for five violations that the Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Administration categorized as "serious." The charges came after an accident that injured four workers as they were rigging a life-cable last year. Kevin Weeks, OSHA's public information officer, said that he had not yet seen a written appeals request from Mt. Bachelor, but Mt. Bachelor reportedly has indicated that it will appeal three of the five allegations. "The appeal rights window is open until March 20," said Weeks.

OSHA fines Mt. Bachelor $15,700 in lift-line accident

OSHA says that “employees were rigging a lift line for a "shortening splice”. The plate clamp failed while attempting to re-torque bolts on the clamp of a line that was under a tensioned load. The line was released and struck three employees, and fragments struck a fourth employee. The accident victim that was hospitalized with critical injuries was struck by the line and thrown into the air. The victim struck the ground with serious injuries received from the line and received additional serious injuries when he struck the ground. The other two employees received serious injuries when they were struck by the line. On-site emergency medical care was provided by paramedics who were members of the ski team. Emergency transport was requested, and two accident victims were transported by LifeFlight to a hospital in Bend. The third accident victim was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The fourth was transported by company vehicle to Immediate Care and was treated for minor injuries. Three of the victims were treated and released the same day.”

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 08:54 PM | Permalink

Silicosis Screener Fined for X-Ray Procedure

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has fined Most Health Services Inc., a New Jersey medical screening company, $80,500 for x-raying possible silicosis plaintiffs at motel parking lots without authorization or the presence of a licensed medical practitioner. Most Health already has appealed the lawsuit. Most Health offers a range of health screening programs and other services to industry, labor organizations, and government groups. Charles B. Kemeny, the president of Most Health, says that the state and silica defense bar have unfairly singled out his company.

Silicosis Screener Fined for X-Raying Potential Plaintiffs in Parking Lots

Kemeny admits that the x-rays that Most Health took in Pennsylvania were taken without state-required standard and the x-rays also were sent prior to interpretation to Provost & Umphrey, who in turn had then read by others for silicosis.

For a while silicosis mass claims were thought to have potential to produce enough lawsuits to become "the next asbestos." However, U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack reviewed the 10,000 cases transferred to her and said in an advisory memorandum in June 2005 that a majority of silicosis claims were without merit.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 02:43 PM | Permalink

City of Toronto Labeled a "High-Risk" Employer

The Ontario Ministry of Labor has classified the City of Toronto a "high-risk" employer. The City of Toronto is considered "high-risk" because of its poor health and safety record. The designation means that the city will have more frequent and intensive safety inspections.

City of Toronto labeled 'high-risk' employer

The workers who lost the most time from work in 2006 because of accident or occupational illness were those who worked in homes for the elderly, water staff, firefighters, and paramedics. The city had 1,840 lost-time accidents in 2006. Toronto currently faces one charge under the Occupational Health and Safety Act over the death of a building inspector in 2003; the city has been charged with not providing the worker with adequate training.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 02:02 PM | Permalink

Cancer Study Wake Up Call

A new study has raised concerns about the link between carcinogens and the development of cancer in the construction trades. The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers says that the construction industry needs to provide more disease prevention. Fatality claims from occupational-related diseases have been on an upward trend in the past 10 years, with 259 in 2005.

Cancer study wake-up call for industry

Aaron Wrixon, a spokesman for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, said that illness often does not occur until many years after exposure. “The WSIB considers occupational disease adjudication to be a high priority, and is developing a continuous improvement plan,” he said. Currently, construction workers are not protected against many of the carcinogens that workers in other occupations are.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 01:30 PM | Permalink

Health Care Workers Exposed to HIV on Should Undergo Treatment

A review of research suggests that health-care workers should undergo a month of preventive treatment if they are exposed to HIV while working. However, reviewers say that there has not been enough research into occupational post-exposure prophylaxis or into what should be done when health-care workers are exposed to patients who are resistant to some drugs.

Health-care workers should undergo preventive drug treatment if exposed to HIV on the job

Doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals have been at risk for HIV exposure since the AIDS epidemic began in the early 1980s. Because AIDS can be transmitted through a simple needle stick, anyone who is treating a patient could be at risk. However, the risk of transmission is fairly low: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined in 2005 that the risk of HIV transmission through a contaminated needle stick is 0.3% or about 1 in 333. The low transmission risk likely is because only a small amount of virus gets into the body through the puncture wound and the barrier to the virus provided by the lower levels of the skin. However, the 0.3% risk is not insignificant and workers should do all they can in order to prevent against AIDS.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 01:06 PM | Permalink

Report Says Commuting is Dangerous to Health

A new report released by environmental groups and the American Lung Association of North Carolina says that diesel exhaust from vehicles poses a major health risk to North Carolina commuters. The report says that commuters are exposed to more than half of their overall exposure to deadly fine particle pollution during the daily commute, even though the commute is only a small part of the day. Diesel exhaust is a major contributor to fine particle pollution, which can cause lung cancer, stroke, heart attack, and premature death. Diesel vehicles emit exhaust at a level where people breathe, which also can cause asthma attacks and make people more likely to have allergies.

Report: Diesel exhaust and commuting endanger health

The report was released by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Carolinas Clean Air Coalition, American Lung Association of North Carolina and Environment North Carolina. The groups say that such pollution is inexcusable because technology exists that could reduce diesel pollution from trucks, buses, and other sources by over 85%. While North Carolina has made great progress in cleaning up soot from power plants, Elizabeth Ouzts, the state director for Environment North Carolina says that the report shows clearly that North Carolina leaders now need to act to clean up soot pollution from vehicles.”

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:50 PM | Permalink

Businesses Urged to Take Action on Asbestos

February 27 is Action Mesothelioma Day and the day hopes to raise awareness about mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and the lower digestive tract. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. While asbestos is not used as insulation any longer, asbestos-related mesothelioma cases are expected to peak in 2015 because it takes a while for cancer to set in after asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked in the construction industry and in their families.

Businesses urged to take action on asbestos

The British Lung Foundation says that more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in Britain. Some dies from mesothelioma every five hours. Businesses who do not adequately protect their employees from asbestos frequently must pay high settlements. Action Mesothelioma Day urges companies to do more to protect their employees from asbestos.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 02:55 PM | Permalink

Women Non-Smokers Face Greater Lung Cancer Risk

A new study suggests that women non-smokers may make up a much greater percentage of lung cancer cases than previously thought. Stanford University researchers found that 20 percent of women with lung cancer had never smoked; this is nearly double the rate currently thought by the American Cancer Society. Only eight percent of men who have lung cancer are non-smokers. Researchers think women may get more exposure to secondhand smoke at home and at work.

Women Non-Smokers Face Much Bigger Risk of Lung Cancer

It is believed that about 10-15 percent of lung cancer cases occur in people who never have smoked. Air pollution, exposure to radon, and occupational exposure to smoke all have been suggested as increasing lung cancer risk. Experts believe that secondhand exposure to cigarette smoke is the largest risk factor in those who never have smoked.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 02:44 PM | Permalink

East Orange Loses Disability Fight

A state appeals court denied East Orange's request to stop giving disability payments to Kenneth Larsen, a 31-year career firefighter. Larsen worked as an East Orange firefighter from 1969 to 2000 and was exposed to smoke, asbestos, chemicals and carcinogens during his career. Larsen was stationed at the city's main firehouse, which was fitted with asbestos insulation. A judge decided that Larsen should be paid $341 a week because the job conditions contributed to Larsen's pulmonary disease and colon cancer.

East Orange Loses Fight on Disability

East Orange argued the ruling, saying that Larsen did not prove his claim using objective medical evidence. The city said that Larsen did not show that he suffered from an occupational disease. However, a two-judge Appellate Division panel sided with Larsen, saying that "we are satisfied that there was ample credible evidence to support the workers' compensation judge's conclusion that petitioner suffered permanent disabilities and that the disabilities were causally connected to petitioner's exposure to smoke, asbestos and other irritants during the course of his employment."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 02:29 PM | Permalink

Building Firm Sued Over Asbestos Compensation Plan

Australia's corporate regulator has begun a civil suit against building materials giant James Hardie Industries NV for misleading investors about the cost of compensating the victims of its asbestos products. The Australian Security and Investments Commission says that James Hardie and its executives did not "act with requisite care and diligence" when they told investors in 2001 that their asbestos compensation had the funds necessary to pay for asbestos compensation plans when it actually was short $1.3 Australian dollars.

Building Materials Firm Sued Over Australian Asbestos Compensation Plan

Ten former and current James Hardie officials are named in the suit; each faces penalties of up to $200,000 Australian dollars. Jeffrey Lucy, the ASIC chairman, said that James Hardie should be praised for its new compensation plan, but executives should not go unpunished. "While the new compensation agreements are very much welcomed, they do not diminish the need for those responsible for the breaches we have identified to be held to account for their actions,'' Lucy said.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 01:51 PM | Permalink

March 30, 2007

Long-Term Loss of Wages Caused By Carpal Tunnel

March 29, 2007

Lunar Dust Poses Hazard for Astronauts

March 28, 2007

Firefighters Face Heart Risk While Fighting Fires

March 27, 2007

Workers Miss Out on Occupational Disease Benefits

March 26, 2007

Nesca Says Radiation Not to Blame for Illness

March 23, 2007

ISEA Requests OSHA to Lower Noise Limit

March 22, 2007

OSHA Identifies Worksites With High Illness Rates

March 21, 2007

Office Workers Prone to Blood Clots

March 20, 2007

Shipyard Workers Sick from Asbestos

March 19, 2007

Asbestos Demolition Rules Loosened

March 16, 2007

China Says Migrants Need More Awareness of Occupational Diseases

March 15, 2007

Take Breaks to Avoid Back Injury at Work

March 14, 2007

Dying Veteran Says Ex-Sailors Should be Warned about Asbestos

March 13, 2007

Mt. Bachelor Fined $15,700 for Lift Accident

March 12, 2007

Silicosis Screener Fined for X-Ray Procedure

March 09, 2007

City of Toronto Labeled a "High-Risk" Employer

March 08, 2007

Cancer Study Wake Up Call

March 07, 2007

Health Care Workers Exposed to HIV on Should Undergo Treatment

March 06, 2007

Report Says Commuting is Dangerous to Health

March 05, 2007

Businesses Urged to Take Action on Asbestos

Women Non-Smokers Face Greater Lung Cancer Risk

March 02, 2007

East Orange Loses Disability Fight

March 01, 2007

Building Firm Sued Over Asbestos Compensation Plan