eNews: Volume 17, Number 4 (August 2019) | NIOSH | CDC

eNews: Volume 17, Number 4 (August 2019) | NIOSH | CDC

From the Director's Desk John Howard, M.D., Director, NIOSH

Using Occupational Exposure Banding to Assess Chemicals Hazards in the Workplace

Someone once said, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So is a lot.” They may have been on to something. NIOSH believes that having the right amountof knowledge helps protect workers from harmful levels of chemicals. For this reason, NIOSH recently released a report on occupational exposure banding to assess chemical hazards in the workplace.	Photo by ©Getty Images.

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New Book on the Total Worker Health Concept The American Psychological Association (APA) recently published a new book that explains various facets of the Total Worker Health® concept. The book includes an overview of the historical development of the concept and summarizes the seminal theory and research that underpins the case for integrative workplace prevention strategies. It includes a discussion on the applications of organizational approaches for integrated interventions and evidence of their effectiveness in various occupational and industry contexts. The book’s editors include NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard and NIOSH Total Worker Health Office Director Dr. Casey Chosewood. For more information, including an excerpt from the book, go to the APA webpage.

Study Examines the Connection Between Work-related Injuries and Drug-related Deaths and Suicides NIOSH Economist Dr. Abay Asfaw is a coauthor on a new paper on suicide and drug‐related mortality following occupational injury. Studies suggest that injured workers have elevated rates of depression and opioid use, but no studies have measured excess mortality related to these risks. This study linked New Mexico workers’ compensation data with Social Security Administration earnings and mortality data and National Death Index cause of death data. The results of the study showed that drug‐related deaths and suicides may be important contributors to the long‐term excess mortality of injured workers. Could Your Supervisor Make You Sick? New Study Looks at Connection Between Work Environment and Cardiovascular Disease A NIOSH-published paper reporting analyses of the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index was recently featured in a Gallup blog article. The survey asked whether people felt that their supervisor always creates an open and trusting environment. The study found an association between a mistrustful environment and seven cardiovascular disease risk factors. Based on the results, it may be useful for workplaces to improve workplace social capital, particularly as it relates to trust and supervisor competencies, as a means to improve worker safety, health, and well-being. This paper is one of five that have been published using the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index. NIOSH’s findings have been of interest to Gallup, which shared a previous NIOSH paper with its readers in 2017, and plans to share the remaining papers in the future. This provides a broader reach for NIOSH’s research, providing access to new audiences and stakeholders.. NIOSH Releases DRIFT Mining Software Update The NIOSH Mining Program has launched an updated version of the DRIFT software to improve blast designs in mines. Using any of the nine blast damage models in the program, engineers can develop precise blast designs that reduce the risk of post-blast ground falls, which are a serious threat to the safety of miners. Mining Awards Nomination Deadline Extended The NIOSH Mining Program has extended the deadline for nominations for the NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award series in the coal and metal categories. Nominations will now be accepted through September 1. For more on the award series, and how to enter, see the award webpage.

Last Call to Register for Safe + Sound Week 2019! Safe + Sound Week is just around the corner! During August 12–18, NIOSH, Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and partners will join with workers and job creators across the country for Safe + Sound Week, a nationwide event that recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe. Have you signed up?

NIOSH Congratulates NIOSH Scientist Wins Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers NIOSH Scientist Emily Haas recently was awarded the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to outstanding scientists and engineers who are beginning their independent research careers and show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology. Photo right: Emily receives her award from Kelvin Droegemeier, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.