Author: Annemieke Tapp

A report from Insurance Journal details the first confirmed silicosis case in Massachusetts among a stone countertop fabrication worker after 14 years of industry exposure. Public health officials issued a safety alert urging employers to implement stronger workplace controls to reduce respirable silica dust exposure. While silicosis historically occurred in mining and construction, the growing use of engineered stone has expanded exposure risk to countertop fabricators. The article emphasizes that although silicosis is preventable, it remains incurable and progressive, underscoring the importance of dust controls and employer responsibility. To read the article in its entirety, please click here.

The article in ehsleaders examines the growing problem of violence against women in the workplace, framing it as an underrecognized occupational health hazard. It outlines how women in many industries face heightened risks of harassment, threats, and physical violence, often made worse by poor reporting systems, lack of training, and organizational cultures that minimize psychosocial harm. The piece emphasizes that gender-based violence has long-term consequences for both worker well-being and workplace safety overall. It calls on employers, safety professionals, and regulators to integrate violence-prevention strategies into safety programs, improve reporting protections, and view gender-based violence as a preventable workplace hazard.…

In an online article from Safety+Health, it reports new findings showing that a large majority of workers perceive their workplaces as “toxic,” citing issues such as psychological stress, lack of support from management, bullying, and poor communication. Survey data show a significant increase in the number of workers who feel their mental health needs are not being met. The article stresses that these psychosocial hazards directly affect injury risk, burnout, and turnover, making them a critical occupational health concern. It urges employers to acknowledge toxic workplace culture as a legitimate safety issue and to invest in mental-health resources, healthier communication…

Safety+Health, an NSC publication, included a national survey of construction workers revealed that mental health concerns remain a serious issue in the industry. About 64 percent of respondents reported experiencing anxiety or depression in the past year, which is a sharp increase from 54 percent in the previous survey. Nearly half said they feel ashamed to discuss their mental health struggles at work, and more than one-third said they have faced discrimination for doing so. Among company leaders, almost half reported personal experiences with anxiety or depression, yet some still believe employees who seek help may be seen as less…

In a recent article in Occupational Health and Safety Online, author Emily Tischler emphasizes the increased hazards at construction sites face during the fall season due to shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and weather-related challenges. The article also discusses that preventing falls which is the leading cause of construction fatalities requires comprehensive planning, effective training, and daily vigilance. Safety professionals are urged to use a multi-layered approach including guardrails, harnesses, and safety nets, while also preparing for fall rescues through regular drills. A strong safety culture that prioritizes communication, equipment maintenance, and proactive hazard identification is essential for protecting workers…

In a recent article from EHSLeaders, editor Jay Kumar wrote about how the recent government shutdown has impacted OSHA’s operations, and how it limited its enforcement capacity and pausing many of its routine functions. While emergency response services and investigations into serious workplace incidents will continue, most routine inspections and outreach programs are suspended. Safety professionals are advised to stay informed about changes to OSHA’s availability and continue to follow best practices in workplace safety independently. The article highlights the importance of employer accountability during periods of reduced federal oversight. To read the article in its entirety, please click here.

National Safety Council experts report that AI’s entry into workplace safety brings transformative opportunities such as predictive analytics for injury prevention and automated hazard detection, but also challenges such as algorithm bias, data privacy concerns, and workforce displacement. The Council emphasizes the need for transparent implementation, worker engagement, and regulatory guidance to maximize AI’s benefits while minimizing risks. To read the article in its entirety, click here.