Category: Occupational Heatlh
CDC launches new online heat-risk resources
New Heat and Health Initiative, developed in response to increased health risks from heat exposure, aims to improve American’s ability to stay safe during heat events
Hottest temperatures of the year forecasted for Western Washington this week
National Weather Service issues excessive heat warning for much of Puget Sound
Hot Weather Precautions
Severe heat may cause illness or even death. When temperatures rise to extreme highs, reduce risks by taking the following precautions.
Booster Mandates Are A Tough Call for States, Businesses
Many governments, employers and universities are struggling with whether to mandate boosters, leading to mixed messages to the public and a patchwork of policies across the country, even as COVID-19 cases see a winter surge.
Workplaces can help promote exercise, but job conditions remain a major hurdle
Supportive workplace facilities that offer standing desks, stairs, on-site showers and gyms and easy access to walking paths can make it easier for people to fit in exercise and reduce sedentary time. However, these are mostly available to white-collar, higher-income workers who already face fewer barriers to exercise outside of work
The Pandemic Has Devastated the Mental Health of Public Health Workers
Public health workers have been vilified by a portion of the public and attacked by some political leaders and media figures.
Scorching Heat Is Killing Workers. Some States Are Stepping In.
When American farmworkers, construction laborers and trash collectors die in extreme heat, it’s rarely because their employers have broken any rules. It’s because there are none.
Scientists Call on CDC to Better Protect Workers From Covid
Letter calls for stronger action to protect high-risk workers from airborne exposure to the coronavirus
After Hundreds of Meatpacking Workers Died From COVID-19, Congress Wants Answers
To date, more than 50,000 meatpacking workers have been infected and at least 250 have died.
Can your boss require you to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The general rule is yes – with some exceptions.
Why you should be cautious when you’re taking a break at work
The place you go to relax on the job can be a high-risk location for transmission of the coronavirus. Here’s two local examples.
Meatpacking Industry Drafted an Executive Order to Keep Plants Open
Hundreds of emails offer a rare look at the meat industry’s influence and access to the highest levels of government.
Washington ranked #1 state for workers during pandemic
Oxfam America study ranks Washington best state — based on worker protections, healthcare and unemployment during COVID pandemic
Meatpacking Companies Dismissed Years of Pandemic Warnings
Government officials predicted that a pandemic would threaten critical businesses and warned them to prepare. Meatpacking companies largely ignored them.
COVID Plans Put to Test as Firefighters Crowd Camps for Peak Wildfire Season
Firefighting is an inherently dangerous job that now carries the additional risk of COVID-19 transmission.