Occupational Health Management Archives – February 1, 2008
February 1, 2008
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Research indicates night shift workers are at high risk for cancer and heart disease
If an employee complained about fatigue, insomnia, or difficulty concentrating, you would probably suspect their health problem was due to working the night shift. But what if that worker was diagnosed with cancer? -
These interventions may help night shift workers
With evidence mounting of links between serious medical conditions and night shift work, you should evaluate your shift work policies and practices to make sure they adhere to recommended best practices, such as minimizing schedule disruptions, says Robert Emery, DrPH, assistant vice president for safety, health, environment, and risk management at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. -
Treatment may help workers with arthritis
Treatment with a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha blocker may help keep workers with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) employed, at least those with disease duration of 10 years or less, says a new study. -
Surgery or injections: Which is the better option?
Over the long term, surgery may be a better treatment option than local injections of corticosteroids when treating carpal tunnel syndrome, according to a recent study. -
Are you in 'employee health' or 'occ health'?
Question: What's the difference between an employee health nurse and an occupational health nurse? Answer: "Occupational health" is a specialty with certification that requires knowledge of workers' compensation, injury prevention, and wellness. -
As flu season hits, remember accreditation requirement
Occupational health professionals are reminded that a new standard from The Joint Commission requires accredited organizations to offer influenza vaccinations to staff. The Joint Commission requires that all accredited hospitals and long-term care accreditation programs: -
NIOSH sets 35-lb limit as the max for safe lifts
A 180-pound patient is partially dependent, able to lift only about half his weight. He's in a chair and needs help standing. How many nurses would it take to help him safely if they have no lift equipment? -
Invasive MRSA rises in the community
While the news that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) had eclipsed the annual death toll of HIV drew most of the attention, there was another disturbing finding in a recently published study that was largely overlooked: Nearly 14% of the invasive MRSA cases found were acquired in the community.