eNews: Volume 18, Number 6 (October 2020) | NIOSH | CDC

eNews: Volume 18, Number 6 (October 2020) | NIOSH | CDC

Inside NIOSH:
New Process Identifies Hazards to Assess Respirator Canisters’ Protection
Air-purifying respirators (APR) equipped with chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) canisters protect emergency responders from hazards during emergency response activities. The canisters undergo NIOSH approval testing using 11 chemicals, called test representative agents, originally identified in 2001 from seven chemical families.  

We asked lead author Lee Greenawald, NIOSH physical scientist, to explain a recent hazard assessment study of CBRN canisters, reported in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene .

COVID-19 Update   As part of NIOSH’s efforts to keep our stakeholders up to date on the CDC and NIOSH COVID-19 response, below is a summary of new information posted: A recent NIOSH Science Blog Post, The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Opioid Overdose Epidemic: A Perfect Storm for Workers?, discusses the interlinked nature of the COVID-19 and opioid misuse, opioid use disorder, and overdose. The new challenges and stressors workers face during the pandemic may lead to an increase in substance use. CDC has published a new webpage on Optimizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Supplies. This resource provides links for strategies to optimize the supply of various types of PPE, as well as general PPE information. A new infographic on COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing in Nonhealthcare Workplaces is available. When a COVID-19 case is identified that impacts a workplace, the health department may ask the employer for help. This infographic provides tips for employers if they are asked to assist a health department with case investigations and contact tracing. National Occupational Injury Research Symposium (NOIRS) Papers Available in the Journal of Safety Research  A special issue of the Journal of Safety Research, featuring select papers from NOIRS 2018, is now available. Open access to this issue will continue through March 2021. Topics include the leading causes of occupational injury, cross-cutting issues such as organizational-based prevention, and emerging issues associated with advancements in technology, as well as other occupational safety and health topics. The next NOIRS is scheduled for October 19–21, 2021. NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety Strategic Plan, 2020–2029  The NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety’s (CMVS) strategic plan for 2020–2029 is now available. The plan identifies research needs for four priority industry sectors and describes how we envision those stakeholders will put research results into practice. The purpose of the strategic plan is to guide NIOSH-funded research to prevent work-related motor vehicle crashes—the leading cause of workplace deaths in the U.S.—and encourage collaboration between the CMVS and external partners. NIOSH Seeks Input on Distribution and Use of Elastomeric Half Mask Respirators in Healthcare NIOSH, in coordination with the Strategic National Stockpile, posted the Federal Register Notice (FRN) A National Elastomeric Half Mask Respirator (EHMR) Strategy for Use in Healthcare Settings During an Infectious Disease Outbreak/Pandemic. EHMRs are reusable respirators that may be worn in a healthcare setting. They can supplement the supply of disposable respirators available to healthcare workers. Through this FRN, NIOSH is seeking input about the national distribution plan of purchased EHMRs, as well as identifying potential organizations interested in receiving some of these EHMRs in exchange for a report of user acceptability and feasibility of implementation. Comments must be received by October 14.  Special Virtual Session: COVID-19 & Occupational Safety and Health The XXII World Congress on Safety and Health at Work International Organizing Committee is offering free virtual sessions on COVID-19 and occupational safety and health. These virtual events will be on October 5, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EST), and October 6, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (EST). The sessions will feature thought leaders discussing emerging innovations to address COVID-19 in the workplace, how the future of work is being shaped by the global pandemic, and the relevance of promoting a culture of prevention to address COVID-19.

NIOSH Congratulates NIOSH Director Receives President’s Award The International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) presented the Samuel Gompers Award to NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard. IAIABC presents awards to those who are committed to reducing occupational injuries and illnesses. Dr. Howard’s distinguished career at NIOSH focuses on improving occupational safety and health for American workers. The award specifically recognizes that under his leadership, NIOSH launched the Center for Workers’ Compensation Studies seeking to encourage collaboration and data sharing across public health and workers’ compensation agencies at the state and federal levels.