Aviation accidents are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities in Alaska. Pilots in Alaska die at a rate nearly 100 times the mortality rate for all U.S. workers, and over five times the rate for all United States pilots. Unlike the rest of the country, many of Alaska's villages are not connected by a road system; commuter and air taxi operators serve as the main link between these villages and regional hubs, transporting people, cargo, and mail. Although several federal programs have begun to address the issues surrounding aviation safety in Alaska, work remains to be done. This...

La construccion es una ocupacion que requiere de mucha actividad fisica y que a la vez constituye una parte vital de nuestra nacion y de la economia estadounidense. En el 2006, segun los datos de la Oficina de Estadisticas Laborales de los Estados Unidos, el promedio total anual de trabajadores en la industria de la construccion aumento a un nivel sin precedentes de casi 7.7 millones. Esta inmensa fuerza laboral trabajo en diversas actividades entre las que se incluyen levantar cargas pesadas y realizar trabajos repetitivos, por lo que los trabajadores estuvieron expuestos a sufrir lesiones...

Construction is a physically demanding occupation, but a vital part of our nation and the U.S. economy. In 2006, the total annual average number of workers employed in construction rose to an all-time high of nearly 7.7 million, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This large workforce handled tasks that range from carrying heavy loads to performing repetitive tasks, placing them at risk of serious injury. The physically demanding nature of this work helps to explain why injuries, such as strains, sprains, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders, are so prevalent and are the...

Underground coal mining companies that operate continuous miner sections often apply to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for approval to take extended cuts to depths of up to 40 ft as a means of improving productivity. Historically, MSHA has granted approval of this practice if the mine has successfully demonstrated the ability to control the roof, methane, and respirable dust while extracting these extended cuts. A key component for controlling dust generated by continuous miners in 40-ft cuts has been the utilization of flooded-bed scrubbers. These fan-powered scrubbers pull...

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requests help in protecting poultry workers from infection with viruses that cause avian influenza (also known as bird flu). Although human infection with avian influenza viruses is rare, workers infected with certain types of these viruses may become ill or die. Some types of avian influenza viruses can cause serious illness or death in poultry and other birds. These viruses are referred to as highly pathogenic viruses. Rarely, these viruses may be passed to humans who contact infected poultry or virus-contaminated materials...

The material in this Information Circular was presented at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) open-industry briefing held during the 2004 Northwest Mining Association conference in Spokane, WA. The open-industry briefing discussed results of recently completed and on-going mine safety- and health-related research conducted at NIOSH's Spokane and Pittsburgh Research Laboratories on the human side of mining-the miner. The first paper sets the stage for what mining has achieved and what we mean by "getting to zero." The second paper, "Help Experienced Miners...

This guide is intended for nursing home owners, administrators, nurse managers, safety and health professionals, and workers who are interested in establishing a safe resident lifting program. Research conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Veterans' Health Administration (VHA), and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has shown that safe resident lifting programs that incorporate mechanical lifting equipment can protect workers from injury, reduce workers' compensation costs, and improve the quality of care delivered to residents. This guide also...

Commercial fishermen continue to risk their lives and livelihood as they labor to bring food to tables around the world. Few occupations are as dangerous as that of a commercial fisherman's, and we at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health place the safety of these workers as a high priority. We call upon the readers of this proceedings volume to join our efforts to support safety training for commercial fishermen and the acquisition and use of safety equipment, including personal flotation devices, survival suits, and radio equipment, for all commercial fishing vessels....

In 1996, NIOSH began the Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention Initiative to prevent farm related injuries to the millions of youth less than 20 years of age who are exposed to agricultural hazards each year. Youth on farms may be exposed to a wide range of work and non-work-related hazards, including falls, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and animals. As a place of work and a place of residence, the farm presents unique challenges for injury prevention. The NIOSH initiative is based on a comprehensive program of surveillance, research, and partnerships. In keeping with the breadth of the...

In 1996, NIOSH began the Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention Initiative to prevent farm related injuries to the millions of youth less than 20 years of age who are exposed to agricultural hazards each year. Youth on farms may be exposed to a wide range of work and non-work-related hazards, including falls, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and animals. As a place of work and a place of residence, the farm presents unique challenges for injury prevention. The NIOSH initiative is based on a comprehensive program of surveillance, research, and partnerships. In keeping with the breadth of the...