The morning of September 11, 2001, changed the world. Nearly 3,000 people were killed when airplanes struck the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

Since that day, however, the number of first responders who have died from 9/11-related illnesses now almost equals the number of firefighters who died that day.

We are reminded of the continued fight for healthcare and recognition for those who are still impacted by 9/11 more than 20 years later. #OccEnvMed #911

Looking for the latest information on OEM? Look no further than OccPod, ACOEM's official podcast.

The latest episode of OccPod features guests Drs. Robert Bourgeois and Brett Perkison in conversation with host Dr. Ismail Nabeel and ACOEM's Erin Ransford, and offers a glimpse into the impact of heat stress on worker health. #OccEnvMed

The podcast can be found on the ACOEM site and major platforms including Amazon, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
acoem.org/occpod

Monday may have been Labor Day, but it is more than a day off of work.

At ACOEM, protecting the health and safety of workers and workplaces is at the core of what we do – through education and open dialogue across OEM.

We hope you took the chance this Labor Day to reflect on the importance of providing safe and healthy workplaces. #LaborDay is an opportunity to honor the hard work and dedication of every individual who contributes to the prosperity of our nation and world. #OccEnvMed

Those returning to what remains of the beachside town of #Lahaina, Hawaii, and other Maui communities after one of the nation's deadliest wildfire disasters face more dangers, beyond the 2,200 buildings and dozens of lives already lost. The fires also left lingering #healthrisks for humans and wildlife. #OccEnvMed
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/maui-fires-human-health-risks-in-air-water-buildings/

A summer of prolonged heat waves has renewed awareness about the danger of heat-related illness and death. Both are highly dangerous, but can be preventable. Refreshing some of the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic can help employers ensure their workers are safe and healthy. #OccEnvMed
https://www.triplepundit.com/story/2023/heat-related-illness-workplace-prevention/780361

How are you helping patients and workers navigate dangerously high heat this Summer?

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, exposure to extreme temperatures places workers at risk of #heatstress that can lead to heat rashes, heat cramps, and even heat stroke. Heat stroke is by far the most concerning as death or permanent disability can be the outcome. #OccEnvMed

https://blog.memorial.health/work-outside-soaring-temps-create-hazardous-outdoor-work-environments/

Today, in solidarity with over 60 million individuals living with a disability in the United States, we honor the 33rd anniversary commemorating this historic day also known as National Disability Independence Day. ACOEM is committed to inclusion of all groups, including those living with visible and invisible disabilities—ACOEM’s JEDI Committee is proactively seeking ways to ensure that all members feel both welcomed and supported within our organization. #OccEnvMed

An accurate rating of hand activity and force is essential in risk assessment and for the effective prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, it is unclear whether the subjective ratings of workers and observers correlate to corresponding objective technical measures of exposure. In this study, 59 workers were video recorded while performing a hand-intensive work task at their workplace. #OccEnvMed
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/10/7/867

OSHA has published a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarify the personal protective equipment, #PPE, standard for the #construction industry.

Currently, the PPE standard for the construction industry, unlike for general industry or maritime, does not state clearly that PPE must fit each affected employee properly. OSHA’s proposed change would clarify that PPE must fit each employee properly to protect them from occupational hazards. #OccEnvMed
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/osha-moves-to-clarify-construction-ppe-1384830/

In the 50th episode of OccPod, which is now available on major podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple, and Spotify, Erin, Dr. Nabeel, and guest Dr. Gary Toups discuss hyperbaric medicine, including the recent #implosion of the #Titan submersible. Dr. Toups also discusses decompression illnesses in divers and case-on workers. #OccEnvMed
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/Pnlm0DWpxBb

Despite the burden of #COVID19 among workers, little is known about work-related exposures and COVID. Infectious disease surveillance systems were unprepared to collect occupational data, presenting a barrier to assessing #occupational risks. #OccEnvMed
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/13/6307

Looking for a great way to share your OEM knowledge, connect with peers, and empower the vibrant #OccEnvMed community?

ACOEM is now accepting concurrent session proposals for the 108th American Occupational Health Conference (AOHC) which will take place from May 19 - 22, 2024, at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando.

The deadline to submit a proposal for #AOHC2024 is Friday, September 8, 2023.

https://acoem.planion.com/Web.User/LogReg?ACCOUNT=ACOEM&CONF=CFP24&FT=ABSREG

Due to their workplace environments, construction workers are at an increased risk of #respiratory hazards and diseases that have adverse health effects, according to a recent study. #OccEnvMed

The authors observed an increased risk of these health conditions associated with exposure to dust, respirable crystalline #silica, fumes, vapors, asbestos fibers, and gases.
https://www.ajmc.com/view/construction-workers-at-increased-risk-of-respiratory-hazards-diseases

In case you missed it, ACOEM's next stop is Havana, Cuba!

In December, ACOEM will be developing a delegation of members to visit Havana.

The goal of this exchange is to learn how occupational and environmental health professionals in Cuba function within the #healthcare system, advocate for worker health and provide education about workplace safety.

If you would like to learn more, click the link below! #HavanaBound #OccEnvMed
https://culturalvistas.jotform.com/231454702691859

Work-related psychosocial risks have been identified as significant occupational health and #safety risks. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes related to anxiety and depression traits in #workers exposed to stress-related work. #OccEnvMed
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37057651/

Have you been keeping up with OccPod, ACOEM's official podcast?

In the most recent episode, Erin, Dr. Nabeel, and guest Dr. Michael Sauri discuss #Mpox and the current status of outbreaks and vaccinations. #OccEnvMed
https://acoem.org/Social-Media/OccPod-The-Official-ACOEM-Podcast/Episode-List

Globally, there is a rising trend in the misuse of prescription drugs, including those used for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, such as Ritalin and Adderall.

In the competitive work environments of today, employers may find the concept of having highly energized and productive employees appealing. However, it is crucial to highlight the negative consequences of unprescribed #stimulant medication usage in the workplace. #OccEnvMed 
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=7cb26e68-f6f2-44ec-a75a-fd7999e2137f

In #healthcare settings, the safety and well-being of healthcare workers are paramount. One overlooked area of concern is the occurrence of needlestick and #sharps injuries. These incidents, often a consequence of mishandling medical waste, pose a risk to healthcare workers. #OccEnvMed

https://ohsonline.com/articles/2023/06/21/preventing-needlestick-and-sharps-injuries.aspx?m=1

ACOEM's next stop? Havana, Cuba!

In December, ACOEM will be developing a delegation of members to visit beautiful Havana, Cuba. The goal of this exchange is to learn how occupational and environmental health professionals in Cuba function within the healthcare system, advocate for worker health and provide education around workplace safety. 

If you would like to learn more, click the link below! #HavanaBound #OccEnvMed

https://culturalvistas.jotform.com/231454702691859

There is no shortage of podcasts to listen to – but if you are a member of the #OccEnvMed community or have an interest in public health, the one to listen to is OccPod, ACOEM's official podcast!

In the latest episode, which is available on major platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, Erin and Dr. Nabeel discuss air quality and the effects of climate change, highlighting the active #wildfires in eastern Canada and #haze over New York and other areas.
https://lnkd.in/gqzzfWXu