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April 2009
Army Industrial Hygiene
News and Regulatory
Summary
This information is published by the Industrial Hygiene and Medical Safety Management (IHMSM) for the U.S. Army Center for
Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine as a service to the Army Industrial Hygiene Program, Federal agencies, and industrial
hygienist throughout the Federal and private sector.
Table of Contents TOPIC OF THE MONTH
Page #
TOPIC OF THE MONTH- Swine Influenza (Flu)
Swine Influenza (Flu) .................................... 1
KEY INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE TOPICS .......... 2 Human cases of swine influenza A
Ergonomics .................................................... 2 (H1N1) virus infection have been
Hazardous Substances.................................... 3 identified in the United States. Human
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE ISSUES ................. 8
SAFETY ........................................................... 10 cases of swine influenza A (H1N1)
DEPLOYMENT HEALTH .............................. 11 virus infection also have been
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PROFESSIONAL identified internationally. The current
NEWS ............................................................. 11 U.S. case count is provided below.
AIHA ........................................................... 11
NIOSH ......................................................... 13
OSHA .......................................................... 13 An investigation and response effort surrounding the
outbreak of swine flu is ongoing.
USACHPPM The CDC is working very closely with officials in states
5158 Blackhawk Road where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been
Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD 21010-5403
identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada
Phone: (410)436-2439 and the World Health Organization. This includes deploying
Fax: (410)436-8795 staff domestically and internationally to provide guidance
E-mail: ihnews@amedd.army.mil and technical support.
We’re on the Web!
http://CHPPM-www.apgea.army.mil/ihmsm The CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to
coordinate the agency's response to this emerging health
POC: threat and yesterday the Secretary of the Department
Sandra Parker-Monk, CIH Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared a public
Program Manager health emergency in the United States. This will allow funds
IHMSM
to be released to support the public health response. The
CDC's goals during this public health emergency are to
reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide
information to assist health care providers, public health
officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed
by this newly identified influenza virus. To this end, CDC
has issued a number of interim guidance documents.
Use of trademarked names does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Army but
is intended only to assist in identification of a specific product.
TOPIC OF THE MONTH (con’t)
In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral
drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak.
Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs
oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new
information as it becomes available.
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
(As of April 26, 2009 9:00 AM ET)
State # of laboratory
confirmed cases
California 7 cases
Kansas 2 cases
New York City 28 cases
Ohio 1 case
Texas 2 cases
TOTAL COUNT 40 cases
International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
See: World Health Organization
More information can be found at www.cdc.gov
KEY INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE TOPICS
Ergonomics
Attendees at the 24-25 March 2009 DoD Track of the Applied Ergonomics Conference heard expert
presentations on how the department achieves its ergonomics goals through comprehensive risk assessments,
innovative equipment design, ergonomic interventions, and collaborative installation program development.
These presentations are now available for downloading!
Go to www.ergoworkinggroup.org and follow the link on the home page to access these full conference
presentations, listed alphabetically by author:
• Elements for Funding, Implementing, and Creating Ergonomics Solutions
Richard Borcicky
• Hand-Arm Vibration at a U.S. Army Installation
Steven Chervak
• A DoD Frontier: Ergonomic Safety for Patients and Staff
Patricia Collins
• Ten Terrific Tips to Improve DoD Workers’ Compensation Outcomes
Connie Fox-Samson
• Assessing Musculoskeletal Injury Risk During Product Development
Don Goddard
“The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of the Army, Department of
Defense, or the U.S. Government.”
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KEY INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE TOPICS (con’t)
• Ergonomic Challenge: Pentagon and Leased Facilities for 60,000 Workers
Brian P. J. Higgins
• Army Installation Program Development
Kelsey McCoskey
• Initiating and Sustaining Ergonomics Interventions in Decentralized Organizations
Sean McDonald
• ErgoFix: A Field Test of a Computer Workstation Self-Assessment Program
John Pentikis
• Navy Mishap Prevention and Hazard Abatement Program
Cathy Rothwell
• Keeping Employees Healthy at Work Through Proper Ergonomics
Sharon Terrell-Lindsay
• Embracing Vendor Relationships to Improve Quality
Sharon Wilson
• Defense Occupational Health Readiness System: Identifying Ergonomic Hazards
Kevin Wisniewski
• Ergonomics: An Army Industrial Hygienist’s Corporate Perspective
Kevin Wisniewski
Hazardous Substances
Asbestos
Summary of Retrospective Asbestos and Welding Fume Exposure Estimates for a Nuclear Naval
Shipyard and Their Correlation with Radiation Exposure Estimates
In support of a nested case-control study at a U.S. naval shipyard, the results of the reconstruction of historical
exposures were summarized, and an analysis was undertaken to determine the impact of historical exposures to
potential chemical confounders. The nested case-control study (N = 4388) primarily assessed the relationship
between lung cancer and external ionizing radiation. Chemical confounders considered important were asbestos
and welding fume (as iron oxide fume), and the chromium and nickel content of welding fume. Exposures to the
potential confounders were estimated by an expert panel based on a set of quantitatively defined categories of
exposure. Distributions of the estimated exposures and trends in exposures over time were examined for the
study population. Scatter plots and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to assess the degree of
association between the estimates of exposure to asbestos, welding fume, and ionizing radiation. Correlation
coefficients were calculated separately for 0-, 15-, 20-, and 25-year time-lagged cumulative exposures, total
radiation dose (which included medical X-ray dose) and occupational radiation dose. Exposed workers'
estimated cumulative exposures to asbestos ranged from 0.01 fiber-days/cm3 to just under 20,000 fiber-
days/cm3, with a median of 29.0 fiber-days/cm3. Estimated cumulative exposures to welding fume ranged from
0.16 mg-days/m3 to just over 30,000 mg-days/m3, with a median of 603 mg-days/m3. Spearman correlation
coefficients between cumulative radiation dose and cumulative asbestos exposures ranged from 0.09
(occupational dose) to 0.47 (total radiation dose), and those between radiation and welding fume from 0.14 to
0.47. The estimates of relative risk for ionizing radiation and lung cancer were unchanged when lowest and
highest estimates of asbestos and welding fume were considered. These results suggest a fairly large proportion
of study population workers were exposed to asbestos and welding fume, that the absolute level of
.
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KEY INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE TOPICS (con’t)
confounding exposure did not affect the risk estimates, and that weak relationships existed between monitored
lifetime cumulative occupational radiation dose and asbestos or welding fume.
Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Volume 6, Issue 7 July 2009 , pages 404 - 414
(Available with AIHA membership)
Bleach
Safety with Sodium Hypochlorite
The Chlorine Institute Inc. (CI) has published an updated version of its online Sodium Hypochlorite
Incompatibility Chart, which provides guidance to avoid accidental mixing of sodium hypochlorite
(commonly known as bleach) that could lead to dangerous conditions.
Sodium hypochlorite – or bleach, as it is often called – should not be mixed with any other chemical unless
adequate engineering controls are in place and personal protective equipment is used. Accidental mixing may
cause dangerous conditions that could result in injury to people and damage to property or the environment.
Incompatible materials addressed in the chart include:
• Acids and acidic compounds;
• Chemicals and cleaning compounds containing ammonia;
• Organic chemicals and chemical compounds;
• Metals;
• Hydrogen peroxide;
• Reducing agents; and
• Oxidizing agents.
In addition, sodium hypochlorite should not be exposed directly to sunlight or ultraviolet light.
Common locations where accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals can occur include containment
systems, drains, sinks, unloading piping and warehouse storage areas. The chart covers the more common
industrial chemicals where incompatible mixing can occur, and explains briefly the potential hazards that can
result. It is intended primarily for industrial sodium hypochlorite users.
Sodium hypochlorite is used for water and wastewater disinfection; a weak solution is used for household
bleach. Notification about this updated chart is part of a new CI initiative to provide a vast majority of its
informative technical resources free to help improve chlor-alkali safety and security.
The Sodium Hypochlorite Incompatibility Chart is free and can be downloaded as a PDF.
Source: http://ehstoday.com/industrial_hygiene/news/safety-sodium-hypochlorite-9671/
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KEY INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE TOPICS (con’t)
Blood Borne Pathogens
Canadian Standard Targets Airborne Contaminants in the Operating Room
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) announced a standard to help protect health care workers in
surgical, diagnostic, therapeutic and aesthetic settings exposed to noxious airborne contaminants, collectively
called "plume."
Procedures that require instruments such as surgical lasers to treat a patient can generate toxic smoke and
other vapors that may create an occupational health risk for health care workers and other professionals. The
use of surgical lasers, electrosurgical generators, broadband light sources, ultrasonic instruments, and bone
saws create plume as human tissue is cut, ablated or coagulated. This plume can contain a variety of
contaminants, including viable bacteria, viruses, cellular debris and toxic aerosols.
Research into the long-terms effects of plume has only recently begun, but numerous studies indicate that
health risk-factors are present. Studies have shown that one puff of plume can be the same as three puffs from
an unfiltered cigarette and that plume may contain serious and even deadly bacteria or viruses that can infect
others in the operating room.
The Plume Scavenging Standard is a voluntary standard designed to enhance the safety of individuals in
surgical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and aesthetic settings. The standard provides guidance on the purchasing,
installation, testing, use, servicing, and regular maintenance of systems that collect and filter contaminants
that might otherwise enter the atmosphere.
Plume occurs in a variety of settings in addition to operating rooms and also may pose a danger to workers in
dental clinics, laboratories, R&D, veterinary, cosmetic, teaching and manufacturing facilities. Generally,
patients are not at risk from plume. As a precaution, procedures are outlined in the standard to protect both
patients and clients.
CSA Z305.13-09 Plume Scavenging Standard is available for purchase at www.shopcsa.ca
Dust
Dust Control Effectiveness of Drywall Sanding Tools
In this laboratory study, four drywall sanding tools were evaluated in terms of dust generation rates in the
respirable and thoracic size classes. In a repeated measures study design, 16 participants performed simulated
drywall finishing tasks with each of four tools: (1) ventilated sander, (2) pole sander, (3) block sander, and (4)
wet sponge. Dependent variables of interest were thoracic and respirable breathing zone dust concentrations.
Analysis by Friedman's Test revealed that the ventilated drywall sanding tool produced significantly less dust,
of both size classes, than did the other three tools. The pole and wet sanders produced significantly less dust
of both size classes than did the block sander. The block sander, the most commonly used tool in drywall
finishing operations, produced significantly more dust of both size classes than did the other three tools. When
compared with the block sander, the other tools offer substantial dust reduction. The ventilated tool reduced
respirable concentrations by 88% and thoracic concentrations by 85%. The pole sander reduced respirable
concentrations by 58% and thoracic by 50%. The wet sander produced reductions of 60% and 47% in
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the respirable and thoracic classes, respectively. Wet sponge sanders and pole sanders are effective at
reducing breathing-zone dust concentrations; however, based on its superior dust control effectiveness, the
ventilated sander is the recommended tool for drywall finishing operations.
Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Volume 6, Issue 7 July 2009 , pages 385 - 389
(Available with AIHA membership)
Mercury
EPA Proposes Significant Mercury Emissions Reductions
The EPA is proposing to significantly reduce mercury emissions from Portland cement kilns, the fourth-
largest source of mercury air emissions in the U.S., according to an agency press release. The proposal would
set the nation’s first limits on mercury emissions from existing Portland cement kilns and would strengthen
the limits for new kilns.
The proposed standards also would set emission limits for total hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and sulfur
dioxide from cement kilns of all sizes, and would reduce hydrochloric acid emissions from kilns that are large
emitters.
Mercury in the air eventually deposits into water, where it changes into methylmercury, a highly toxic form
that builds up in fish, according to EPA. Americans are primarily exposed to mercury by eating contaminated
fish. Because the developing fetus is the most sensitive to the toxic effects of methylmercury, women of
childbearing age and children are regarded as the population of greatest concern.
The majority of the toxic emissions at cement kilns come from the burning of fuels and heating of raw
materials. When fully implemented in 2013, EPA estimates that this rule would reduce annual emissions by at
least:
Mercury – 11,600 pounds, a reduction of 81 percent Total hydrocarbons – 11,700 tons, or 75 percent
Particulate matter – 10,500 tons, or 96 percent Hydrochloric acid – 2,800 tons, or 94 percent Sulfur dioxide –
160,000 tons, or 90 percent
The EPA estimates the benefits of this proposed rule will significantly outweigh costs.
The proposal is in response to a request to reconsider the December 2006 emissions standards for Portland
cement manufacturing facilities.
The EPA will take public comments on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The
EPA will hold a public hearing on the proposal if one is requested. Hearing requests must be received within
15 days of publication in the Federal Register.
Source: http://www.ishn.com/CDA/Articles/Industry_News/BNP_GUID_9-5-
2006_A_10000000000000575424
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KEY INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE TOPICS (con’t)
Silica
ISEA will Petition OSHA to Prohibit Silica Use for Abrasive Blasting
The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) Board of Trustees has approved a petition to OSHA
that will ask the agency to amend regulations at 29 CFR 1910.94 to prohibit using silica (sand) for abrasive
blasting.
Establishing a prohibited practice, the petition notes, is an expedited manner of protecting workers since the
regulatory process required to establish permissible exposure limits can take a number of years (silica has
been on OSHA’s regulatory agenda since 1974). In fact, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health has recommended banning the use of silica in abrasive blasting since 1974.
The petition notes that sandblasting continues to be one of the areas of greatest exposure to respirable
crystalline silica, and that other countries have banned the use of silica sand in abrasive blasting. Several state
departments of transportation have banned the use of silica for abrasive blasting in outdoor projects, such as
bridges.
The petition fits with OSHA’s own National Emphasis Program on silica, which began in January 2008. The
program directs OSHA’s field offices to inspect workplaces with elevated silica exposures and to provide
compliance assistance to employers. The Agency has said that reducing and ultimately eliminating the
workplace incidence of silicosis has been a primary goal of OSHA’s since its inception. The ISEA member
company representatives have met with their congressional delegations to build support for the petition. The
Risk and Insurance Management Society has already stated its support for the petition. Other organizations
have been asked to sign on.
Source: http://ehstoday.com/issue_20090401/
Toluene
The Effect of Workload on Biological Monitoring of Occupational Exposure to Toluene and N-Hexane:
Contribution of Physiologically Based Toxicokinetic Modeling
A physiologically based toxicokinetic model was used to examine the impact of work load on the relationship
between the airborne concentrations and exposure indicator levels of two industrial solvents, toluene and n-
Hexane. The authors simulated occupational exposure (8 hr/day, 5 days/week) at different concentrations,
notably 20 ppm and 50 ppm, which are the current threshold limit values recommended by ACGIH® for
toluene and n-hexane, respectively. Different levels of physical activity, namely, rest, 25 W, and 50 W (for 12
hr followed by 12 hr at rest) were simulated to assess the impact of work load on the recommended biological
exposure indices: toluene in blood prior to the last shift of the workweek, urinary o-cresol (a metabolite of
toluene) at the end of the shift, and free (nonhydrolyzed) 2,5-hexanedione (a metabolite of n-hexane) at the
end of the shift at the end of the workweek. In addition, urinary excretion of unchanged toluene was
simulated. The predicted biological concentrations were compared with the results of both experimental
studies among human volunteers and field studies among workers. The highest predicted increase with
physical exercise was noted for toluene in blood (39 μg/L at 50 W vs. 14 μg/L at rest for 20 ppm, i.e., a 2.8-
fold increase). The end-of-shift urinary concentrations of o-cresol and toluene were two times higher at 50 W
than at rest (for 20 ppm, 0.65 vs. 0.33 mg/L for o-cresol and 43 vs. 21 μg/L for toluene).
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Urinary 2,5-hexanedione predicted for 50 ppm was 1.07 mg/L at 50 W and 0.92 mg/L at rest (+16%). The
simulations that best describe the concentrations among workers exposed to toluene are those corresponding
to 25 W or less. In conclusion, toxicokinetic modeling confirms the significant impact of work load on toluene
exposure indicators, whereas only a very slight effect is noted on n-hexane kinetics. These results highlight
the necessity of taking work load into account in risk assessment relative to toluene exposure.
Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Volume 6, Issue 7 July 2009 , pages 415 - 432
(Available with AIHA membership)
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE ISSUES
SAMHSA Offers Guide for Health Issues Related to Financial Stress
A new online guide provides information and resource referrals for people dealing with emotional or other
health problems associated with economic hard times. The “Getting through Tough Economic Times” guide
provides practical advice on identifying health concerns, developing coping skills and finding help.
Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) the guide outlines
the risks that unemployment and other forms of economic distress (foreclosure, severe financial losses, etc.)
can pose to health.
Based on a review of the scientific literature published in the last 20 years, the guide notes that although these
economic problems may affect individuals differently, for many people economic hardship contributes to
increased risk for a variety of conditions including:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Compulsive Behaviors (over-eating, excessive gambling, spending, etc.)
• Substance abuse
The guide also provides individuals and communities with practical steps that can be used to get through these
tough periods and achieve restored health and productivity. In particular the guide provides:
• Important information on identifying the warning signs of depression, suicidal thinking and other serious
mental illnesses.
• Effective steps to help manage emotional distress, such as through exercise, strengthening connections
with family and friends, and developing new job skills.
• Resources for getting help -- such as the National Mental Health Information Center
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/ for information on where to access help on a wide range of
mental illnesses.
Source: http://www.samhsa.gov/economy
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PREVENTIVE MEDICINE ISSUES (con’t)
The Army Reduces Carbon Bootprint
The Army embarked on a service-wide effort to measure its "carbon
bootprint," with the aim of reducing the effect it has on the
environment while at the same time optimizing its use of fossil fuels.
The Army completed a proof-of-concept study at 12 installations to
measure the amount of greenhouse gases it puts into the environment.
The total amount of gasses put into the environment by an organization
constitutes its "carbon footprint." The study looked at emissions that
included water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone
and chlorofluorocarbons. The most predominate of those emissions are
carbon dioxide and then methane.
The greenhouse gas proof-of-concept study was conducted at Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Benning, Ga.;
Letterkenny Army Depot, Pa.; Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.; Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.; Redstone Arsenal,
Ala.; Fort Drum, N.Y.; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Rucker, Ala.; Fort Campbell, Ky.; Fort Hood, Texas;
and Fort Stewart, Ga., said Davis.
From that proof of concept, the Army kicked off a series of similar studies at all Army installations. Those
studies categorize the greenhouse gasses produced by the activities of an installation into three "scopes”.
Emissions of buildings, on-post generators, tactical vehicles including tanks and helicopters, and non-tactical
vehicles, including privately owned vehicles and government vehicles are included in Scope 1.
Scope 2 includes greenhouse gas emissions that are the result of energy used on an installation but produced
off the installation.
Finally, Scope 3 measures emissions from contractor-related activities on an installation and also emissions
related to things like employee travel. For a Soldier traveling on temporary duty, for instance, the Army
would calculate the greenhouse gas emissions generated by his travel.
The Bush administration put into place a directive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by some 30 percent by
2015. Reducing the amount of carbon the Army puts into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels
will require a reduction in the use of fossil fuels. That can be accomplished by finding non-fossil-fuel sources
of energy to power the Army mission and also by making more efficient those parts of the mission that will
continue to rely on fossil fuels.
Source: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/04/06/19315-army-aims-to-reduce-greenhouse-gases-carbon-
bootprint/
New Research Highlights New Way to Kill Superbugs
A new technique using proteins to guide a drug targets superbugs such as MRSA much more accurately than
previous methods. Laboratory experiments showed that the technique was 1,000 times more effective at
killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria than using the same drug without the
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PREVENTIVE MEDICINE ISSUES (con’t)
proteins to home in on the infections, they said. The drug, tin chlorin 6, is normally activated by light to
produce toxic compounds that attack infections. The researchers added protein fragments called peptides that
attach to the bacteria in topical infections such as burns and wounds.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE52U8IA20090331
Got Germs? Zap ’em the High Tech Way!
New NIOSH document offers new, research-based guidelines for healthcare facilities on the use of UV light
to kill tuberculosis bacteria as part of strategic systems to protect employees from risk of work-related
infection.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2009-105/
Chinese Drywall Poses Potential Risks
At the height of the U.S. housing boom, when building materials were in short supply, American construction
companies used millions of pounds of Chinese-made drywall because it was abundant and cheap. Now that
decision is haunting hundreds of homeowners and apartment dwellers who are concerned that the wallboard
gives off fumes that can corrode copper pipes, blacken jewelry and silverware, and possibly sicken people.
Shipping records reviewed by The Associated Press indicate that imports of potentially tainted Chinese
building materials exceeded 500 million pounds during a four-year period of soaring home prices. The
drywall may have been used in more than 100,000 homes, according to some estimates, including houses
rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina… The drywall apparently causes a chemical reaction that gives off a rotten-egg
stench, which grows worse with heat and humidity.
Source:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jpih0xS6cypWMaQgq3Idjhmyik0AD97GN5GO1
SAFETY
USACE Revises Safety Manual
The US Army Corps of Engineers revised the 2008 Safety and Health Requirements Manual, EM-385-1-1.
The 1,050 page document has been updated to reflect current standards and requirements. The manual
provides safety guidelines to all USACE personnel and contractors working in construction, maintenance,
research and development, and other daily operations. The new manual focuses on improving safety and
efficiency by providing guidelines that are clear, concise and user-friendly. The revised manual may be found
at www.usace.army.mil/CESO/pages/home.aspx
Unified Facilities Criteria-April 2009
The Updated UFC 4-510-01, Medical Military Facilities is available at:
http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/DOD/UFC/ufc_4_510_01.pdf
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DEPLOYMENT HEALTH
U.S. Wages War on Bugs Afflicting Troops Abroad
Researchers in the Pentagon's Deployed Warfighter Protection Research Program highlighted pest-fighting
innovations this week at the American Mosquito Control Association convention attended by some 800
scientists and insect control experts. Their aim: to take no prisoners among disease-carrying flies, mosquitoes
and other bugs that threaten Americans in uniform abroad. Even the common fly is counted among the enemy.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090410/ap_on_re_us/war_and_bugs
Safety Team: Iraq Site Wiring Deemed Risky
A military team sent to evaluate electrical problems at U.S. facilities in Iraq determined there was a high risk
that flawed wiring could cause further “catastrophic results” — namely, the electrocutions of U.S. soldiers.
The team said the use of a required device, commonly found in American houses to prevent electrical shocks,
was “patchy at best” near showers and latrines in U.S. military facilities. There also was widespread use of
uncertified electrical devices and “incomplete application” of U.S. electrical codes in buildings throughout the
war-torn country.
Source: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/04/ap_electrocutions_iraq_safety_040809/
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PROFESSIONAL NEWS
AIHA
AIHA Announces Results of Board of Directors Election
Leadership will focus on promoting, protecting, and enhancing industrial hygiene
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) announced the results of its 2009 election for the
AIHA Board of Directors.
The new board members will be inducted into office at AIHA’s annual business meeting on Thursday, June 4,
during the annual American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce) in Toronto, May 30–June
4. This meeting will also mark the beginning of the terms of Cathy L. Cole, CIH, CSP, as president; Michael
T. Brandt, DrPH, CIH, as president-elect; Lindsay E. Booher, CIH, CSP, as past president; and Cynthia A.
Ostrowski, CIH, as secretary. Allan K. Fleeger, CIH, CSP, will continue his term as treasurer.
The results of the AIHA election are as follows:
• Elizabeth L. Pullen, CIH, was elected AIHA’s new vice president. Pullen served as a member of the
AIHA Board of Directors from 2003–2006 and as secretary since 2006. She has been a member of
AIHA since 1982 and serves as industrial hygiene manager for the Clariant Corporation.
• Harry J. Beaulieu, PhD, CIH, CSP, was elected AIHA’s treasurer-elect. Beaulieu served as a member of
the AIHA Board of Directors from 2004–2007 and is currently a member of the AIHA Finance
Committee. He has been a member of AIHA since 1975 and serves as president and senior scientist for
Industrial Hygiene Resources.
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INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PROFESSIONAL NEWS (con’t)
• Alan J. Leibowitz, CIH, CSP, was elected to the AIHA Board of Directors. He has been a member of
AIHA since 1980 and serves as the director for Environmental Health and Safety for the ITT
Corporation.
• Charles F. Redinger, PhD, CIH, was elected to the AIHA Board of Directors. He has been a member of
AIHA since 1986 and serves as principal for Redinger & Associates, Inc.
• David C. Roskelley, MSPH, CIH, CSP, was elected to the AIHA Board of Directors. He has been a
member of AIHA since 1998 and serves as principal for R & R Environmental, Inc.
AIHA’s continuing board members for 2009–2010 include: Daniel H. Anna, CIH, CSP; Cindy Coe, CIH;
Barbara J. Dawson, CIH, CSP; Kevin G. Gara, CIH; Steven E. Lacey, PhD, CIH, CSP; and Shelley R.
Wheeling-Park, MPH, CHMM, CSP, CIH.
On the same ballot, membership approved a bylaws amendment to change the definition of student member to
include part-time graduate students for up to two years. Prior to this bylaws change, only full-time graduate
students were eligible for student membership.
Occupational Safety & Health Professional Day - May 6, 2009
Occupational safety, health and environmental professionals work day in and day out to make sure millions of
people worldwide continue to go to and return home from work every day.
To recognize and celebrate their ongoing commitment to protecting people, property and the environment,
Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day (OSHP) is celebrated every year during North American
Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH) on that Wednesday. This year NAOSH Week runs from
May 3 – 9 and OSHP Day is on May 6, 2009.
OSHP Day also aims to further raise awareness and pride in the profession, a profession where one is
qualified by education, training and experience and where one identifies hazards and develops appropriate
controls for these hazards all aimed at preventing occupational injury, illness and property damage. The safety
and health professional follows a Code of Professional Conduct and brings to bear technical knowledge, skills
and expertise along with management abilities developed through years of continued education and practical
experience. Currently there are about 100,000 occupational safety, health and environmental practitioners in
the U.S. today in what has become one of the most challenging and rewarding career fields.
What you can do to celebrate OSHP Day on May 6, 2009
• Host a special event at your company to recognize the contributions of your occupational SH&E
professionals
• Include an article about SH&E professionals in your company newsletter, or include a focus piece or
profile on the different SH&E professionals in your workplace
• Honor long time safety and health professionals at your company for their commitment to the safety,
health and environmental (SH&E) profession with an event or special commemoration
Source: http://www.asse.org/newsroom/naosh09/what-is-oshp-day.php
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INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PROFESSIONAL NEWS (con’t)
NIOSH
NIOSH Revises Advice to Protect Responders from Airborne Pathogens
NIOSH recently revised its recommendations about personal equipment for protecting first responders from
airborne pathogens in potential bioterrorism situations. The "Recommendations for the Selection and Use of
Respirators and Protective Clothing for Protection Against Biological Agents" were updated to reflect
changes in equipment ratings and standards since the previous version was issued in 2001. The revised
version includes respirators rated for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) hazards as well
as updated National Fire Protection Association standards (NFPA) for protective clothing.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2009-132/
OSHA
OSHA Notifies more than 13,500 High Injury and Illness Rate Workplaces
OSHA notified more than 13,500 employers nationwide that their injury and illness rates are considerably
higher than the national average.
A letter sent to those employers explained that the notification was a proactive step to encourage employers to
take action now to reduce these rates and improve safety and health conditions in their workplaces.
OSHA identified businesses with the nation's highest rates of workplace injuries and illnesses through
employer-reported data from a 2008 survey of 80,000 worksites (this survey collected injury and illness data
for calendar year 2007). Workplaces receiving notifications had rates more than twice the national average
among all U.S. workplaces for injuries resulting in days away from work, restricted work activity, or job
transfer.
Employers receiving the letters were also provided copies of their injury and illness data, along with a list of
the most frequently cited OSHA standards for their specific industry. The letter offered assistance in helping
to reduce these numbers by suggesting, among other things, the use of free OSHA safety and health
consultation services provided through the states, state workers' compensation agencies, insurance carriers, or
outside safety and health consultants.
Source: www.osha.gov
OSHA Reform Bill Filed Again in Congress
The Protecting America's Workers Act (HR 2067) has been filed again in Congress, with Democrats on the
Education and Labor Committee determined to see it enacted into law. HR 2067 would amend the OSH Act to
expand OSHA's jurisdiction to cover more employees and would allow felony prosecutions against employers
who commit willful violations that result in death or serious bodily injury.
The bill would raise OSHA's civil penalties and index them to inflation; it also would set mandatory minimum
penalties for violations involving a worker's death and require OSHA to investigate all cases of death and
serious injuries (incidents that result in the hospitalization of two or more workers).
Source: http://ohsonline.com/Articles/2009/04/24/OSHA-Reform-Bill-Filed-Again-in-Congress.aspx?p=1
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