In certain industries, Missouri workers may still be at risk for asbestos exposure. The U.S. has no general ban on asbestos, and more than 100 countries continue to use this toxic mineral. Previous estimates have placed the annual number of asbestos-related deaths throughout the world to between 105,000 and 110,000. However, a study from the International Commission of Occupational Health shows that the real number is much higher.
Data shows an increase in asbestos-related deaths
Safest and most dangerous states for work vehicle drivers
Missouri residents who drive commercial vehicles for work purposes will want to know about a study recently conducted by Verizon Connect, a fleet management systems provider. The company analyzed driver behaviors from more than 6,200 of its fleet customers to find out which states were the safest and most dangerous for work vehicle drivers. The data spanned from October 2015 to September 2017, and the customers ranged from small to mid-size businesses with 2 to 200 work vehicles.
Distracted driving is a real problem in Missouri
An increasing number of accidents in Missouri and elsewhere are caused by distracted driving. Driver distraction has become a monumental problem, and it does not appear to be slowing down.
Mining workers need more protection against black lung
According to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, not enough is being done to protect coal mining workers from black lung disease. The report, called 'Monitoring and Sampling Approaches to Assess Underground Coal Mine Dust Exposures," suggests ways that miners can be further protected beyond that lax standards in place as of 2018. For miners in Missouri and beyond, the rising rate of black lung is a major concern.
How to combat heat stroke and stress at work
Workers who are exposed to hot temperatures can experience negative health consequences whether they work indoors or outdoors. Missouri employers and others should take steps to help their employees stay safe while exposed to hot temperatures. For instance, workers should be encouraged to drink water and eat snacks while on the job. Water can help keep the body cool while the snacks can replace electrolytes lost through sweat.
CVSA Brake Safety Week scheduled to begin Sept. 16
Truck drivers in Missouri can expect closer scrutiny from law enforcement and truck inspectors during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Brake Safety Week, which starts Sept. 16. The nonprofit organization of industry representatives and federal, state and local safety officials chose to conduct a one-day brake-related safety blitz in 2017, which resulted in almost 1,700 semi-tractor trailers being ordered off the road.
