RESEARCH TO PRACTICE (r2p)

April 2013

NIOSH and Signal Peak Energy Renew Partnership

Recently, NIOSH and Signal Peak Energy (SPE) renewed their partnership, extending their agreement to September 2016. This new agreement extends collaborative efforts between SPE and NIOSH that are related to demonstration of instrumentation and tools for mine ventilation design and job hazard management. The gas analysis information obtained from this joint effort has safety benefits to both SPE and the broader underground coal mining community. For more information contact Robert Krog at (412) 386-6729 or RKrog@cdc.gov.

March 2013

New Partnership with the French National Research and Safety Institute

Dr. John Howard, director of NIOSH, and Dr. Stéphane Pimbert, director of INRS, the French National Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (Institut national de recherche ed de sécurité) have signed a partnership agreement committing to cooperate in sharing knowledge and preventive measures to improve worker safety and health. An initial activity will be the keynote presentation by Dr. Jean Meade, NIOSH medical officer, entitled “Understanding Cutaneous Occupational Allergy: A Necessary Step for Prevention” at the INRS April 2013 Conference on Occupational Allergies in Nancy, France. See http://en.inrs.fr/ for additional information about INRS.

February 2013

New NIOSH Partnership with the Center for Health Design©

Recently, NIOSH and the Center for Health Design© (CHD) signed a new partnership agreement. NIOSH and CHD will collaborate in the development of guidance documents and other materials that incorporate safety and health considerations of both patients and workers during the design and construction of healthcare facilities. For more information, contact Eileen Storey at (304) 285-6382 or EStorey@cdc.gov

January 2013

NIOSH-developed Mine Safety Lighting Leads to a Commercial Product

NIOSH signed a nonexclusive licensing agreement with RSL Fiber Systems to market the NIOSH-designed visual warning system.This system is a fiber-optic-based lighting system that outlines a mining machine to improve machine visibility and reduce struck-by and pinning accidents.(Mention of a company or a commercial product does not represent a commercial endorsement by NIOSH.)  For more information, contact John Sammarco at (412) 386-4507 or JSammarco@cdc.gov.

December 2012

NIOSH and Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency Renew Partnership

In October, NIOSH and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) signed an agreement to renew their partnership. NIOSH and KOSHA plan to continue activities initiated in December 1996, to use their collaborative efforts and expertise to advance the protection of workers and to promote best practices to improve worker safety and health. For more information, please contact Dr. Margaret Kitt at MKitt@cdc.gov.

November 2012

NIOSH/International Safety Equipment Association Renew Partnership

In September, NIOSH and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) signed a new partnership agreement renewing their long-time collaboration. NIOSH and ISEA recognize the benefits of a collaborative partnership to improve personal protection requirements and equipment for workers. The collaboration addresses personal protective issues for all workers, including emergency responders engaged in potential or actual responses to incidents of national significance. For more information, contact Maryann D’Alessandro at (412) 386-6111 or MDAlessandro@cdc.gov.

NIOSH Buy-Quiet Web Tool

NIOSH recently launched its Buy-Quiet Web tool to help construction and manufacturing organizations in their implementation of a Buy-Quiet program. The tool assists in ensuring the best available noise control technologies are considered when purchasing new equipment, and it’s available to the public. Register now at http://niosh.tier1performance.com/hlp/BuyQuietProgram/Default.aspx  to begin using this tool. It provides the necessary platform for making, documenting, tracking, and promoting your organization’s Buy-Quiet purchases, including capturing your machine and equipment inventory, setting up policy documentation, and promoting your Buy-Quiet program with customers and suppliers. For questions or additional information, please contact Chuck Hayden at chayden@cdc.gov or 513-533-8152.

October 2012

NIOSH-developed HPD Well-Fit™ System leads to a Commercial Product

NIOSH signed a nonexclusive licensing agreement with Michael and Associates, Inc., (www.michaelassociates.com) to manufacture a hearing conservation system based on the NIOSH-developed Hearing Protection Device (HPD) Well-Fit™ System. HPD Well-Fit™ allows a hearing conservation professional to quickly and accurately assess the attenuation of essentially any commercially available earplug and to use these data to estimate a worker’s noise exposure. For more information on NIOSH research related to noise and hearing loss prevention, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/prevention.html or contact William Murphy at WMurphy@cdc.gov. Mention of the company name or products does not constitute a NIOSH commercial endorsement.

NIOSH Collaborates with Ventanilla de Salud Advisory Council

NIOSH researcher Michael Flynn was recently named to the newly created advisory council for the Ventanilla de Salud (VDS) program. The VDS is the health promotion program of Mexico’s Department of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is implemented through the 50 Mexican consulates in the United States. This formal recognition of NIOSH’s ongoing collaboration with the Mexican government will ensure that occupational safety and health becomes a central component of the VDS program. For more information contact Michael Flynn at MFlynn@cdc.gov or (513) 533–8568.

September 2012

NIOSH and State of Alaska Renew Partnership

In June, NIOSH and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services renewed their long-time partnership. NIOSH and the state of Alaska have been in partnership since 1991. The collaboration covers activities for the prevention and control of workplace traumatic injuries and fatalities. An epidemiology bulletin titled Work-related Injuries; Alaska 2001–2010 was recently co-authored by staff from NIOSH and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (http://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/bulletins/docs/b2012_13.pdf ). For more information, contact Jennifer Lincoln at (907) 271-2383 or JLincoln@cdc.gov.

NIOSH Collaborations on Respirator Technology

NIOSH signed partnership agreements with two respirator manufacturers, 3M and Scott Safety, to enhance an existing collaboration with the Veterans Health Administration on Project BREATHE (Better Respirator Equipment and Advanced Technologies for Healthcare Employees), which seeks to improve respirator compliance among healthcare workers by developing innovative respirator designs. As part of this collaboration, NIOSH is studying the factors affecting respirator comfort and performance. By working with these partners, this information could translate into a respirator specifically for healthcare workers. For more information, please contact Ronald Shaffer at (412) 386-4001 or RShaffer@cdc.gov.

August 2012

New NIOSH Technology in Oil and Gas

Recently, NIOSH and EnCana Oil and Gas signed an agreement to partner and conduct a field evaluation of the NIOSH-developed mini baghouse retrofit assembly. The assembly is a patent-pending exhaust ventilation engineering control system, designed to contain and capture silica dust released during sand mover refilling. For more information, contact Eric Esswein at (303) 236-5946 or EEsswein@cdc.gov.

July 2012

NIOSH is pleased to announce that 11 new partnership agreements have been signed to use the NIOSH-developed anthropometric database of U.S. firefighters to develop fire apparatus and personal protective equipment to reduce firefighter ground-related fatal and nonfatal injuries. The agreements were signed with the following partners: Globe Manufacturing, Honeywell, H.O. Bostrom Inc., Indiana Mills and Manufacturing Inc., International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services, Lion Apparel, Inc., National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, Mine Safety and Appliances Company, OSHKOSH Corporation, Seats Incorporated, and E-ONE Inc. This collaborative effort with private and industry partners is key to ensuring a successful transition of research into practice. For more information, contact Hongwei Hsiao at (304) 285-5910 or HHsiao@cdc.gov.

June 2012

Extraction Funnel for Metalworking Fluids Now Available

NIOSH announces the development and commercial availability of a newly designed funnel for the analysis of samples of metalworking fluids, pursuant to NIOSH Method 5524. This 37-mm ID funnel permits extraction of metalworking fluid aerosols from solid particulates. However, it also may be useful for other applications requiring an extraction funnel of this dimension. For more information about the funnel go to http://www.casecustomenvironmentalequipment.com. For information about NIOSH Method 5524 and its use, contact Robert Glaser at (513) 841-4270 or RGlaser@cdc.gov. Mention of this company name or linking to its Web site does not constitute a NIOSH commercial endorsement. Image (right): A 37-mm ID funnel.

NIOSH and ASSE Renew Partnership

Recently, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and NIOSH renewed their partnership agreement. The partnership will build opportunities for ASSE members and their employers to partner in NIOSH-led occupational safety and health research and promote and facilitate the translation of research on occupational injury prevention strategies and technologies. For more information, contact Dawn Castillo at (304) 285-5894 or DCastillo@cdc.gov. Photo (right):NIOSH Director, Dr. John Howard and ASSE President Terrie Norris, sign the agreement.

NIOSH and Board of Certified Safety Professionals to Partner

In May, NIOSH and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) signed a partnership agreement. NIOSH and BSCP will work together to improve the protection of workers through effective prevention strategies and technologies and to encourage students and other professionals to choose occupational safety and health as a career and advance their competency in that field. For more information, contact Dawn Castillo at (304) 285-5894 or DCastillo@cdc.gov.

May 2012

New Partnership Between NIOSH and ANSES

On March 19, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) and NIOSH signed a 10–year agreement that will be part of a collaborative effort to use expertise from both agencies to advance the protection of workers and to promote best practices to improve worker safety and health.

NIOSH Partners with DOE

NIOSH recently signed a partnership agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy/National Renewable Energy Laboratory (DOE/NREL). Through this partnership, NIOSH and DOE/NREL will share information and coordinate research activities to advance worker safety and health in the renewable energy sector, including wind, solar, and biomass energy. This work will include identifying and eliminating hazards at the planning stage—a concept known as Prevention through Design—and developing innovations to maximize worker protection. For more information, contact Max Kiefer at MKiefer@cdc.gov.

April 2012

NIOSH Lifting Equation—There’s An App For That

A new mobile application based on the widely used NIOSH Lifting Equation has been developed by the company Humantech. For more information about the application, go to http://www.humantech.com, or for information about the NIOSH lifting equation, contact Tom Waters at (513) 533-8147, or TWaters@cdc.gov. Mention of this company name or linking to its Web site does not constitute a NIOSH commercial endorsement.

March 2012

NIOSH and EPA Establish New Partnership

NIOSH has signed a partnership agreement with the National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA), Environmental Protection Agency. Through the partnership, NIOSH and the EPA/NCEA will work cooperatively to share information and coordinate research activities as they relate to the development of risk assessment methods for evaluating the risks of chemical exposures in the workplace and environment. For more information, contact Christine Sofge (NIOSH) at CSofge@cdc.gov.

February 2012

NIOSH Partnership Continues with AAOHN

On December 9, 2011, the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) and NIOSH renewed their collaborative partnership. Both groups are committed to working together to network with interested parties to address goals of the National Occupational Research Agenda, the Healthy People Initiative, and other integral projects. The partnership was signed by NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard and AAOHN President Catherine Pepler and will continue through December 2016. For more information, contact John Decker at (404) 498-2582 or JDecker@cdc.gov.

NIOSH Partnership Continues with AOHP

On December 13, 2011, the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) and NIOSH renewed their collaborative partnership. NIOSH and AOHP agree to work collaboratively to promote best practices associated with workplace safety and health issues in the healthcare setting. The partnership was signed by NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard and AOHP Executive President Dee Tyler and will continue through December 2017. For more information, contact John Decker at (404) 498-2582 or JDecker@cdc.gov.

January 2012

Engineering Controls for Reduction of Silica Dust

NIOSH researchers identified occupational health risks for respirable crystalline silica exposure at hydraulic fracturing sites in five states (CO, ND, OK, PA, and TX). To control exposures, the researchers conceived two engineering designs to contain silica-containing respirable dust associated with sand-moving equipment at hydraulic fracturing well sites. The first control is the minibaghouse retrofit assembly; the second control is a more extensive engineering retrofit called the screw augur assembly. Used in tandem, both are anticipated to control respirable silica generation up to 90%. For more information, contact Eric Esswein at (303)236-5946 or EEsswein@cdc.gov, Michael Breitenstein at (513)533-8290 or MBreitenstein@cdc.gov, or John Snawder at (513) 533-8496 or JSnawder@cdc.gov.

NIOSH and IFA Enter into New Partnership Agreement

NIOSH and the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA) recently signed a partnership agreement to pursue collaborative efforts to advance the protection of workers and promote best practices to improve worker safety and health. Dr. Dietmar Breuer of IFA is working closely with Dr. Kevin Ashley of NIOSH to exchange information and to harmonize procedures that are used to evaluate worker exposures to airborne chemical agents. For more information, contact Kevin Ashley at (513) 841-4402 or KAshley@cdc.gov.

December 2011

NIOSH Partnership Continues with NSC

On November 1, the National Safety Council (NSC) and NIOSH renewed their collaborative partnership through 2013 to work together to improve safety and health conditions in workplaces throughout the United States and, more specifically, to provide evaluation research, communication, and professional development opportunities for occupational safety and health professionals. The partnership agreement was signed by NIOSH Director John Howard and NSC Director and CEO Janet Froetscher. "We value the partnership of the National Safety Council in working together to identify and seize opportunities to prevent work-related injuries," said Dr. Howard. For more information, go to http://www.nsc.org/Pages/NSCandNIOSH.aspx.

NIOSH Partnership Leads to Advancement in Standards

The Permeation Calculator created by NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory has become an adjunct to a new standard from ASTM International (F2815, Standard Practice for Chemical Permeation Through Protective Clothing Materials: Testing Data Analysis by Use of a Computer Program). The free calculator, used for automating and standardizing permeation testing data analysis, can be downloaded at www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-143C/. For more information, please contact Pengfei Gao at (412) 386-6885 or PGao@cdc.gov, who led the task group of the ASTM International Committee F23.30 that developed the standard.

November 2011

NIOSH and Loss Prevention Foundation Renew Partnership

NIOSH and the Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) recently signed a new agreement to continue their partnership, which started in 2009. LPF is a trade organization serving the retail loss prevention industry in the United States. Since the initial agreement was signed, hundreds of retailers and wholesalers have received advance training under their certification program. The program has prepared LPF to address workplace safety issues with information supplied by NIOSH and other credible sources. For additional information, contact Vern Anderson at VAnderson@cdc.gov or visit http://www.losspreventionfoundation.org/.

Respiratory Protection Patent Issued

The U.S. Patent office has issued a patent for a new technology that can be used for respiratory protection. The technology—incorporating an optical fiber-mounted porous photonic crystals and sensors—was developed jointly by NIOSH and researchers at the University of California at San Diego. This technology enables remote sensing of environmental toxins and volatile organic compounds. It can be used for environmental sensing and as an end-of-service-life indicator in respiratory protection devices. For more information contact Jay Snyder at jsnyder@cdc.gov.

October 2011

Web-based First Responders Tool for Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management (CHEMM) is a web-based resource developed to help first responders and other healthcare providers and planners to plan for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of mass-casualty incidents involving unintentional or terrorist chemical releases. CHEMM was produced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, in cooperation with NIOSH and other partners. CHEMM is available on the Web or downloadable in advance if the internet becomes inaccessible during an event (http://chemm.nlm.nih.gov/download.htm). For more information, contact Scott Dotson at (513) 533-8540 or GDotson@cdc.gov.

September 2011

NIOSH Synthesized Chemical now Commercially Available

Isocyanates are potentially harmful chemicals used in occupational settings that range from application of paints and varnishes to creating rigid and flexible foams and fibers. NIOSH research led to the development of the reagent 1-(9-anthracenylmethyl) piperazine (MAP), which can be used to measure workplace exposures to isocyanates. The MAP reagent was originally synthesized by NIOSH researchers and provided to external researchers and laboratories upon request. Now, it is commercially available at Chemical Standards Laboratory, DBA Chemical Service Laboratories (www.chemicalstandards.com). To learn more about the MAP reagent contact Robert Streicher at rstreicher@cdc.gov or go to the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods and see Method 5525. Mention of this company name does not constitute a NIOSH commercial endorsement.

August 2011

Using YouTube to Communicate Worker Safety and Health Information

The recently released NIOSH video, "Man Overboard: Prevention and Recovery", is now available on YouTube. Through the use of YouTube, NIOSH has a greater potential to raise awareness of the second leading cause of death in commercial fishing and how to prevent and effectively respond to overboard events. This video is approximately 17 minutes long and was available only on DVD until recently. To view the video, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT17QGVd4jc. To learn more about Man Overboard: Prevention and Recovery, contact Ted Teske at tteske@cdc.gov. To stay apprised of occupational safety and health issues in the fishing industry, follow the NIOSH Fishing Program on Twitter: @NIOSHFishing.

July 2011

NIOSH-Patented Design Leads to Commercial Fall Protection System

NIOSH signed an exclusive patent licensing agreement with AES Raptor, LLC, (www.raptorsafety.com) to manufacture a safety rail system based on a NIOSH-patented design aimed at preventing worker falls from roofs and other unguarded edges. The guardrail system was developed by NIOSH researchers for a variety of unprotected workplaces in residential, industrial, and commercial construction. For more information on NIOSH research related to fall protection, visit www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/ or contact Thomas Bobick at TBobick@cdc.gov. Mention of the company name above does not constitute a NIOSH commercial endorsement.

NIOSH Focal Point of New Industry Standard

The Permeation Calculator computer program developed by NIOSH has become a new industry standard, ASTM F2815. The standard provides directions in using the calculator to analyze data following a permeation test in order to determine when chemicals have gotten inside chemical protective clothing. The standard aims to help users avoid time-intensive calculations, minimize variability in determining ranges for harmful exposures, and provide manufacturers of chemical protective clothing with consistent results about permeation parameters. To learn more about this free computer program or the new standard, read an interview featuring Dr. Pengfei Gao at www.astmnewsroom.org/default.aspx?pageid=2494 and visit www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/PermeationCalculator/permeationcalc.html or www.astm.org/Standards/F2815.htm.

June 2011

NIOSH & CPWR Engage in 20 Years of Partnership

In 1990, CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training and NIOSH formed a partnership to promote occupational safety and health within the construction industry. CPWR is the NIOSH-funded National Construction Center. Over the past 20 years, this successful collaboration has resulted in many impacts, which are described in the recently released report, Highlights 2010: 20 Years of Partnerships. Two examples include the National Academies 2008 report citing "significant progress" for preventing injury, illness, and fatality in construction, and the development of an award-winning storyline for a popular Spanish-language TV series to educate viewers about the risks of occupational injury associated with falls from ladders. To learn more about construction safety and health at NIOSH, please visit www.cdc.gov/niosh/construction/. For more information about this long-term partnership and its impacts and to read the Highlights report mentioned above, visit www.cpwr.com.

May 2011

NIOSH Partners to Combat Hand-arm Vibration Diseases

Work-related hand-arm vibration diseases are caused by multiple hazards. NIOSH researchers partnered with the Department of Defense, General Service Administration and industrial partners to combat the root causes of hand-arm vibration diseases. Through this partnership, researchers have evaluated many anti-vibration gloves and some powered hand tools, significantly improved the test methods of the gloves and tools, identified better gloves and tools, raised issue awareness, increased extensive training and outreach, and developed a model for future collaborative efforts to improve process management and worker safety. For more information, contact Ren Dong at RDong@cdc.gov or Thomas McDowell at TMcDowell@cdc.gov.

April 2011

Stay in Touch with NIOSH Through its Varied Social Media Sites

NIOSH is an active participant in many social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, a Science Blog, Youtube and Flickr. Each platform communicates current occupational safety and health information to varied target audiences. Currently, NIOSH has a total of more than 99,000 followers of its five Twitter sites, which are primarily tailored to specific industry groups; a Facebook page with over 7,000 likes that provides information about worker safety and health activities; a MySpace page dedicated to reaching firefighters; and a Blog to discuss current research findings. NIOSH also maintains YouTube and Flickr accounts as platforms for disseminating videos and photos related to worker safety and health. To stay in touch with NIOSH through its social media sites, visit www.cdc.gov/niosh.

March 2011

NIOSH Activities Highlighted in 2011 Calendar

NIOSH research and emergency response efforts were featured in this year's calendar for the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) for Technology Transfer, Southeast Region. Featured activities include research to reduce occupational carbon monoxide (CO) exposure from commercial and recreational houseboats, as well as efforts to assess potential exposures and health effects related to containment, cleanup, and other work involved in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon response. In collaboration with partners, the NIOSH boating research stimulated the development of new emission control devices and industry regulations that have dramatically lowered CO build-up in the rear of houseboats. The emergency response efforts resulted in recommended best practices to protect oil-response workers from risks of work-related injury, illness, and fatality and guidance reports that addressed topics such as avoiding exposure, preventing heat stress, and coordinating data collection efforts. To order a calendar or for more information about the FLC Southeast Region go to http://www.flcsoutheast.org.

February 2011

Asphalt-Milling Partnership Accomplishments

Accomplishments of a diverse partnership to reduce exposures to silica in asphalt milling are described in the January-February 2011 issue of HMAT (Hot Mix Asphalt Technology) magazine. NIOSH provided leadership in encouraging the partnership, conducting field trials to assess silica dust exposures, and providing technical assistance to help design controls for milling machines. http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/NAPS0111/index.php#/36

January 2011

Over 1200 Attend Largest North American Oil and Gas Safety Conference

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Oil and Gas Safety Conference was recently held in Dallas, Texas. Based on attendance, this conference was the largest safety conference ever held in North America for this industry. NIOSH worked with its oil and gas extraction partners to both help plan the conference and to lead development of one of nine educational tracks titled Resources from Agencies and Associations. In addition, the National STEPS Network and the NIOSH Oil and Gas National Occupational Research Agenda Council meetings were held following the conference to further explore safety issues in this industry and pave the way for future research. For more information about the NIOSH Oil and Gas extraction research program, visit www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/oilgas/.

December 2010

Learn About Impact Around NIOSH

A series of communication products have been developed that highlight NIOSH or NIOSH-funded research activities demonstrating impact on worker safety and health. These Impact Sheets briefly describe an occupational safety or health hazard, the specific research activity conducted, the resulting impact or scientific recommendations, and significant statistics surrounding the issue. Several of these products feature award-winning projects, as well as projects from the first and second decades of the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). NIOSH continues to develop and publish Impact Sheets to further educate and raise awareness of occupational safety and health research activities. Impact Sheets can be found at www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/impact/. For more information please contact Elizabeth Dalsey at edalsey@cdc.gov.

November 2010

NIOSH is collaborating with Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science (DBIS) to develop a series of videos that feature its research efforts in science, engineering, and technology and that demonstrate impact. Two segments were recently broadcasted by DBIS and can be seen on subscribing television stations across the United States or by visiting the DBIS Web site. Warning: Power Tools Hurt Hands features research about the adverse effects of power tool vibration on the body (http://www.ivanhoe.com/science/story/2010/10/776a.html) and Saving Lives: Building a Better Face Mask features research on the best way to measure faces to advance the development of respirators to better fit the diversity of human face sizes and shapes (http://www.ivanhoe.com/science/story/2010/10/777a.html). To view the other DBIS videos featuring NIOSH research, visit http://aip.org/dbis or contact Fred Blosser (FBlosser@cdc.gov) for more information.

October 2010

NIOSH Twitter Site Launched for Manufacturing Community

Follow NIOSH and the Manufacturing Sector on Twitter to stay connected with the National Occupational Research Agenda (http://twitter.com/NIOSHManuf). Tweets provide information related to occupational safety and health research and interventions for manufacturing, including partnerships, publications, facts, statistics, news, and conferences. For more information on the site or to learn more about the NIOSH Manufacturing Research Program, contact Michael Baskett (MBaskett@cdc.gov) or Greg Lotz (WLotz@cdc.gov) or visit the NIOSH Manufacturing topic page at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/manuf.

September 2010

NIOSH Technologies Help Prevent Lead Poisoning in Nigeria

Recent deaths among Nigerian children mining and processing gold (in some cases by hand) from lead-bearing ore bodies triggered Doctors without Borders to seek NIOSH assistance (www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5927.pdf, p. 846). NIOSH was asked to provide lead decontamination wipes.Upon this request NIOSH facilitated with licensing partners to donate the decontamination wipes to help prevent future lead exposure in persons living and working in these remote villages. For more information on the lead wipes contact Eric Esswein at eje1@cdc.gov.

August 2010

NIOSH Twitter Site Launched for Transportation Community

Follow NIOSH and the transportation community on Twitter (http://twitter.com/NIOSHtransport) to stay connected to industries such as those that transport passengers and cargo, provide scenic and sightseeing transportation, and support activities related to modes of transportation. Tweets will address information related to occupational transportation including safety and health research, facts and statistics, news and updates, conferences, and publications. For more information contact Elizabeth Dalsey (edalsey@cdc.gov) or Jim Helmkamp (jhelmkamp@cdc.gov) or go to http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/twu.

July 2010

NIOSH Twitter Site Launched for Transportation Community

Follow NIOSH and the transportation community on Twitter (http://twitter.com/NIOSHtransport) to stay connected to industries such as those that transport passengers and cargo, provide scenic and sightseeing transportation, and support activities related to modes of transportation. Tweets will address information related to occupational transportation including safety and health research, facts and statistics, news and updates, conferences, and publications. For more information contact Elizabeth Dalsey (edalsey@cdc.gov) or Jim Helmkamp (jhelmkamp@cdc.gov) or go to www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/twu.

June 2010

The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Manufacturing Sector Council is seeking partners to lead or contribute to its goals identified in the NORA National Manufacturing Agenda. This includes program priority areas such as contact with objects and equipment, falls, musculoskeletal disorders, hearing loss, cancer, health disparities, small businesses, and catastrophic incidents. For more information, visit the NIOSH Partnership Opportunities Web site (www.cdc.gov/niosh/r2p/partner.html) or contact Greg Lotz, Program Manager, at (513) 533-8462 or Michael Baskett, Program Coordinator, at (513) 533-8153.

May 2010

NIOSH Announces Bullard-Sherwood r2p Award Winners

On April 28, NIOSH recognized significant contributions made by NIOSH researchers and their partners to occupational safety and health over the past year.

The Alice Hamilton Award for scientific excellence of NIOSH technical and instructional materials http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/awards/hamilton/

The Bullard-Sherwood Research to Practice (r2p) Award http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/awards/bullard-sherwood/

The James P. Keogh Award for Outstanding Service in Occupational Safety and Health http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/awards/keogh/

The Director's Award for Extraordinary Intramural Science, presented this year for the first time http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/awards/DIA

April 2010

Trenching Safety Classes

NIOSH, in partnership with the Associated General Contractors of Kentucky, Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, and Heckmann Sales and Leasing, sponsored a series of trenching safety classes in Lawrenceburg, Ky., on March 16 and 17. Approximately 85 people were trained over the two days. Participants included small business employers and employees, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) instructors, safety consultants, military personnel, and students. For more information about the classes, contact Ray Sinclair at rsinclair@cdc.gov . For more information about trenching safety, contact T.J. Lentz at tlentz@cdc.gov or visit www.cdc.gov/​niosh/​topics/​trenching/.

March 2010

National Fire Service Seat Belt Pledge

NIOSH has reaffirmed its support and participation in the United States Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Service Seat Belt Pledge Program. Certificates are awarded to fire departments that have 100% of their firefighters pledging to wear their seat belts. Recently, NIOSH participated in a ceremony in honor of the Amarillo Fire Department’s 100% participation in the Seat Belt Pledge. More information about the Seat Belt Pledge can be found at http://www.​trainingdivision.​com/​seatbeltpledge.​asp.

February 2010

NIOSH Technologies Featured in Federal Laboratory Consortium Calendar

Two NIOSH technologies were highlighted in the Southeast 2010 Federal Laboratory Consortium calendar to demonstrate outstanding research and technology transfer efforts. The first technology, a cyclone bioaerosol sampler, is currently being used by public and private research institutions in the United States and internationally to examine potential air hazards. To receive a copy of the calendar or for more information contact Kathleen Goedel at KGoedel@cdc.gov.

January 2010

NIOSH Collaborates with Industry to Protect Workers Using Hydraulic Stump Cutters

NIOSH and Vermeer Corporation have collaborated to apply capacitive sensing technology to detect operators at the controls of a hydraulic stump cutter. This partnership provides an opportunity for the technology to be adapted into a commercial product. Vermeer effectively transferred NIOSH’s basic research and integrated the concepts into their stump cutter product line. Collectively, these efforts produced a stump cutter that can detect an operator at the machine’s controls, which will benefit equipment owners and operators. To learn more, please contact John Powers at jpowers@cdc.gov. References to companies and commercial products do not constitute a NIOSH commercial endorsement.

December 2009

Collaborative Opportunity - Evaluation of Source Capture Ventilation System

NIOSH researchers are soliciting partners, including developers, manufacturers, distributors, and vendors, to participate in a collaborative study involving the evaluation of source capture ventilation system (SCVS) units for use in nail salons. Systems (or units) can include downdraft-vented nail tables and portable SCVS units. The deadline to submit units to NIOSH is February 28, 2010. For more information, go to http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-27387.htm or contact Susan Reutman at 513-533-8286, SReutman@cdc.gov.

November 2009

NIOSH Pocket Guide Now Available for the iPhone

The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) is now available as a mobile application for the iPhone and iPod touch. The information found in the NPG helps users recognize and control chemical hazards. All 667 chemicals in the NPG, including resources, are now immediately accessible for safety professionals in the application, NIOSH Pocket Guide 1.0, at http://www.dangerousdecisions.com/apps.html. For more information go to http://press-releases.techwhack.com/42232-dangerous-decisions or contact Mike Barsan (MBarsan@cdc.gov).

October 2009

NIOSH Seeks Partners

NIOSH is seeking partners to further develop and commercialize a new point-anchoring device, the Bolthead Clamp. The device provides a temporary or permanent anchoring point to assist with pulling, lifting, suspending, and material handling where there are exposed square-head bolts and where S-hooks and other suspension devices are not adequate or feasible. Numerous industries can benefit from this device, such as tunneling, mining, construction, maintenance, and renovation. Please contact Kathleen Goedel at Kgoedel@cdc.gov or 513-533-8686 for more information.

NIOSH and the National Safety Council Renew Partnership

NIOSH and the National Safety Council have renewed their partnership to improve occupational safety and health conditions in the workplace. The renewal reaffirms the commitment of both organizations to advance the protection of workers, promote best practices, and encourage employers to develop and utilize occupational safety and health management programs and effective prevention strategies and technologies. For more information, please contact Nancy Stout at Nstout@cdc.gov.

September 2009

NIOSH Signs A New Licensing Agreement

NIOSH signed a new licensing agreement with Micro Fresh Filters to manufacture a new NIOSH invention—a diesel particulate detection system to measure engine emissions. The system is comprised of a sampling pump and special disposable filters to determine levels of air particles in engine exhausts. The technology is designed to be used to improve diesel exhaust controls. Mention of a company name does not constitute a NIOSH commercial endorsement. For more information, contact Kathleen Goedel at Kgoedel@cdc.gov or go to http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/pubs/pdfs/fmodp.pdf .

August 2009

NIOSH Seeks Partners

NIOSH is seeking partners to commercialize a new Passive Organic Dermal (POD) Sampler. NIOSH researchers will be presenting their research at the International Symposium on Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds on September 20–24 in Charleston, SC. To learn more about partnering with NIOSH, please contact Kathleen Goedel at Kgoedel@cdc.gov.

July 2009

Research to Practice Launches New Website

The NIOSH Office of Technology Transfer has launched a new research to practice (r2p) website, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/r2p/. Learn about r2p across NIOSH, r2p success stories, and partnership opportunities and resources. The site will be updated as new NIOSH licensing and partnership opportunities become available for collaboration on occupational safety and health research. For additional information about r2p, please email researchtopratice@cdc.gov or call 513-533-8662.

June 2009

NIOSH Presents Research-to-Practice Awards

On May 7, NIOSH presented the Bullard-Sherwood Research-to-Practice Awards for excellence in occupational safety and health. This year the awards and honorable mention went to projects on developing an MBA course in occupational safety and health and addressing issues on aerial lifts, ambulances, protective clothing, and roof bolters. Congratulations to the 2009 recipients who are listed at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/awards/bullard-sherwood.

May 2009

NIOSH Seeks Partners

NIOSH is interested in identifying partners to help commercialize the QuickFit earplug device and move it into the workplace. This simple, inexpensive, handheld device lets earplug users easily check the fit of their earplugs and test the effectiveness of the earplugs against potentially hazardous noise. More information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/pubs/pubreference/outputid3060.htm, or contact Bob Randolph (RRandolph@cdc.gov).

April 2009

NIOSH Seeks Partners

To better improve safety and protect workers, NIOSH developed the JamAlert system which automatically terminates power to a machine when a jam is detected and initiates a system that prevents the machine from being turned back on before the jam is cleared. This technology was granted a patent (US 7,493,854) on February 24, 2009. The newly developed JamAlert could be adapted to machinery that is prone to jamming and/or requires a secondary level of lock-out control. NIOSH is interested in identifying partners to further test and move the technology into the workplace. To learn more about this partnering opportunity contact John Powers (Jpowers@cdc.gov).

January 2008

Featured Partner
NIOSH has a long history of working with partners to achieve our mission of protecting workers from illness and injury. The Research to Practice (r2p) initiative has confirmed NIOSH’s commitment to partnership involvement throughout the research process by promoting the adoption of technologies, interventions, and knowledge in the workplace. The Featured Partner section will appear quarterly to recognize active partners who currently work with NIOSH to achieve improved worker safety and health.

Pan American Health Organization
NIOSH has been a Collaborating Center of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Americas region of the World Health Organization, since 1976. Through the NIOSH Global Collaborations cross-sector program in partnership with PAHO, several projects have seen success for workers in the Americas, including the Americas Initiative to Eliminate Silicosis, Global Road Safety for Workers, and Needlestick Injury Prevention. NIOSH and PAHO also work together on technical assistance for the Americas region. Dr. Maritza Tennassee and her team at PAHO are valued partners of NIOSH.

December 2007

Award of Excellence for Public Health Training
Congratulations to the team who developed the Safe Patient Handling and Movement Training Program for the Schools of Nursing. The team, which is comprised of researchers from NIOSH, the Veterans Health Administration and the American Nurses Association, received the Award of Excellence for Public Health Training from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Education and Promotion Network. The award is given each year to the training program that has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in public health education. The new evidence-based curriculum developed by the team focuses on the use of modern patient handling equipment, such as powered ceiling and floor lifts, powered and un-powered lateral transfer aids, and other high-tech transfer equipment which removes the high risk physical labor associated with patient transfer tasks. To learn more, visit the NIOSH Web page, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/safe-patient/introduction.html or contact Tom Waters at TWaters@cdc.gov.

November 2007

Filling the Gap, Data on Contract Worker Safety and Health
NIOSH has partnered with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and ORC Worldwide supported by the Duke Energy Foundation to fill a critical data gap – data related to occupational safety and health of contract workers. Reliance on contract workers to perform a wide array of functions and tasks appears to be a long-term trend. But national, state, and industry-level data bases for assessing safety and health for this population are either absent or extremely limited. A Task Force of representatives from each partner will review existing data, identify the types of data that need to be collected, and the effectiveness of enhancing data systems. Learn more about this effort by contacting Elyce Biddle at EBiddle@cdc.gov.

October 2007

NIOSH and AIHA Renew Partnership
NIOSH and the American Industrial Hygiene Association have renewed their partnership to improve occupational safety and health conditions in the workplace. The renewal reaffirms the commitment both groups made last year to use collaborative efforts and expertise to advance the protection of workers, promote best practices, and encourage employers to develop and utilize occupational safety and health management systems and effective prevention strategies and technologies. The renewed partnership will continue through December 31, 2008. 

September 2007

Power Tool Noise Reduction 101
College students get involved in occupational safety and health. Starting again this fall, NIOSH will sponsor college engineering student groups to evaluate and redesign power tools to reduce noise emissions as part of a class project. The projects are made possible by multiple partnerships between NIOSH and Michigan Tech University, Penn State University, Iowa State University, Purdue University, and the University of Cincinnati. These partnerships help to reduce risk of noise induced hearing loss among construction workers while promoting interest in occupational safety and health to engineering students. To learn more, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/collegeStudents/studentpresentations.html.

August 2007

Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science
NIOSH and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) have partnered with Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science (DBIS), a series that communicates science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in programming for local television stations. Story segments will tie NIOSH research with the industrial hygiene profession and AIHA experts. DBIS provides twelve 90-second segments each month to subscribing local stations. Two of the segments are delivered in Spanish to Spanish-language stations. This collaboration is part of the NIOSH and AIHA memorandum of understanding to advance the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses and facilitate the transfer of research results to practice.

July 2007

Several notable partnerships and initiatives under NIOSH’s Research to Practice (r2p) program are discussed elsewhere in this issue, in “From the Director’s Desk.” More information on these accomplishments is available from the following sources:

• The recent partnership agreement between NIOSH and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB): Matt Gillen, NIOSH, at Mgillen@cdc.gov.
• Partnership with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA): DeLon Hull, NIOSH, at Dhull@cdc.gov.
• Partnership in developing the new Permeation Calculator: Pengfei Gao, NIOSH, at PGao@cdc.gov.
• NIOSH’s combined effort with partners to validate a standardized portable fluorescence method for determining trace beryllium in workplace air and wipe samples: Kevin Ashley, NIOSH, at KAshley@cdc.gov.
• The new method to quickly access the location and levels of methamphetamine contamination on surfaces to protect police officers and public health, safety, and security professionals from this significant health risk: Eric Esswein, NIOSH, at Eesswein@cdc.gov.

June 2007

"2007 National Institute for Farm Safety Conference"
The "2007 National Institute for Farm Safety conference" will be held in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada, from June 24-28. The theme for the conference is “Applying What We Know” and will be hosted by the Farm and Ranch Safety and Health Association (FRSHA). Learn more about the conference at http://www.farsha.bc.ca/event.php.

May 2007

National Safety Council Webinar
The National Safety Council (NSC) presents “Putting Research into Practice: Innovations in Safety at Work,” a series of four Webinars or Web-based seminar broadcasts covering current workplace safety and health issues. Each webinar features NIOSH scientists and industry experts connecting the latest research findings with applications and actions that address risks found in many workplaces. The series begins May 8. http://www.nsc.org/email/79499niosh.

NIOSH and EPA MOU
To advance research concerning environmental microbiology in the area of Homeland Security, NIOSH and the National Homeland Security Research Center of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on February 20 to work collaboratively. To learn more about this MOU contact Ken Martinez at KMartinez@cdc.gov.

April 2007

February 27, 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a new safety rule that builds on findings from NIOSH injury investigations and work with other partners to prevent injuries caused by oxygen resuscitator fires. NIOSH conducted several injury investigations involving portable oxygen resuscitators and worked with NASA to develop a new testing method for oxygen regulators. More information on the Fire Fighter Fatality and Investigation and Prevention Program is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/. More information on the proposed rule can be found at http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/E7-3253.htm.

February 2007

Ergonomic Patent for a Wearable Kneel-Sit Support Device
On December 26, 2006, three NIOSH employees received U.S. Patent Number 7,152,919 for the “Wearable Kneel-Sit Support Device.” Developed by Steve Wurzelbacher (former employee), Ova Johnston (deceased), and Steve Hudock, the device is a product of research on ergonomic interventions in the shipbuilding and repair industries. Researchers observed that many shipyard employees spent a large percentage of time in kneeling to perform cutting, grinding, or welding tasks at floor or deck level. Also, an uncharacteristically high rate of lower extremity injuries and disorders was noted. This device is worn on the lower calf just above the worker’s boot and, when kneeling, the worker can deploy the device to create a support for the back of the thighs. Sitting back on the support results in less hyperflexion of the knee than without the device. For more information, contact Steve Hudock at shudock@cdc.gov.

January 2007

In collaboration with a private company and Los Alamos National Laboratory, NIOSH researchers validated a standardized portable fluorescence method for determining trace beryllium in workplace air and wipe samples. Laboratories can now be accredited for this field-portable technique through the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Laboratory Accreditation Program. This technique offers a rapid and sensitive analysis of beryllium exposure in the workplace. This method has been published as an ASTM International Standard (ASTM D7202) and is in the approval process for inclusion in the fifth edition of the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. For information, contact Dr. Kevin Ashley at KAshley@cdc.gov.

December 2006

NIOSH begins testing prototype for rapid detection of anthrax vaccination status in the field
NIOSH researchers and their colleagues recently established a device capable of rapidly assessing an individual’s anthrax vaccination status with high sensitivity (Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 13:541-546, 2006). This device, an anthrax lateral flow immunoassay, works similar to a home pregnancy test using blood from a fingerprick. NIOSH researchers will soon initiate beta testing of the serological lateral flow prototype under a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Naval Institute for Dental and Biomedical Research. Contact Raymond Biagini at RBiagini@cdc.gov for more information.

November 2006

NIOSH Safety Engineer Awarded for Investigation of Oxygen Regulator Fires
Tim Merinar, Safety Engineer in the NIOSH Division of Safety Research, was recognized by the Virginia Beach VA, Fire Department for meritorious service to the department. In February 2005, the Fire Department experienced a near-miss incident in which a device on an oxygen tank, an oxygen resuscitator regulator, spontaneously ignited and burned. As a result of a request to NIOSH from the Fire Department for technical assistance in determining the cause of the ignition, Mr. Merinar coordinated an investigation and worked with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a forensic evaluator to identify likely cause. From the findings, he further coordinated a joint FDA and NIOSH Public Health Notification that rapidly alerted fire departments, emergency responder agencies, and healthcare services across the U.S. to the potential hazard, and provided guidance on avoiding it. Presenting Mr. Merinar with an inscribed, bronze, presentation fire-axe, the Fire Department said that the response to its request exemplifies how the government and the private sector should work hand-in-hand. The joint FDA and NIOSH Public Health Notification can be found at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/safety/042406-o2fires.html. For additional information on the technical investigation, contact Tim Merinar at TMerinar@cdc.gov.

NIOSH and Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare Agreement
NIOSH and the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) have established a collaborative partnership to improve workplace safety and health in the healthcare setting. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on October 5 by NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. and AOHP Executive President Denise Knoblauch. "The MOU allows us to combine our resources to put NIOSH research into practice in the health care setting,” said Dr. Howard.

October 2006

New NIOSH Partnership with the National Homeland Security Research Center
NIOSH and the U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development recently teamed to provide their unique expertise in methods and technologies that contribute to homeland security. NIOSH researchers, providing expertise in air sampling methods, are working to update a manual of “Standardized Analytical Methods for Use During Homeland Security Events."

September 2006

NIOSH and AIHA co-host Chinese delegation
NIOSH and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) had the pleasure of co-hosting a delegation of Chinese occupational safety and health officials and industry leaders on August 17, 2006. Marilyn Fingerhut, NIOSH Office of the Director, and Ed Thimons, NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, represented NIOSH at the event. Dr. Fingerhut provided details on NIOSH global activities and Mr. Thimons presented the NIOSH mining safety and health research program with particular emphasis on methane and dust control. This meeting furthers our partnership agreement with AIHA and extends the global exchange of occupational safety and health information.

Two Revised Standards Released by National Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently released two revised personal protective equipment (PPE) certification standards. As part of a Memorandum of Understanding between NIOSH and NFPA, personnel from the NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory serve as members of the NFPA committees revising the standards and contributed scientific, technical and user information that was critical to the revision process. NFPA 1994 Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to CBRN Terrorism Incidents sets minimum levels of protection for emergency first responders to incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) particulate terrorism agents. The revised standard sets ensemble protective performance of hazard environments requiring the use of respiratory protective devices approved to NIOSH CBRN respirator standards. NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting now includes an optional protection category for CBRN hazards. More information on the revised standards can be found on the NFPA Web site, http://www.nfpa.org.

August 2006

NIOSH and DuPont advance nanotechnology safety and health
NIOSH and E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. will collaborate on work to evaluate current product performance, test methods, and research gaps related to personal protective equipment used to reduce occupational exposures to nanoparticles. The agreement came in a memorandum of understanding signed in June. The agreement is part of NIOSH’s larger strategic program to advance research on the occupational safety and health applications and implications of nanotechnology in the workplace. This agreement is effective through December 2007.

July 2006

Two NIOSH designed field methods for detecting methamphetamine now commercially available
NIOSH scientists recently partnered with SKC Inc., a prominent manufacturer of sampling technologies, to commercialize two low-cost, NIOSH-designed field methods to help first responders, public health officials, and remediation workers quickly detect the presence of methamphetamine on various environmental surfaces. Now, a single sampling technique can be used to detect trace levels of the illicit drug on surfaces, or used to evaluate decontamination efforts or clearance.

The kits are available from SKC Inc. at http://www.meth-wipe.com. Mention of this company’s name does not constitute a NIOSH commercial endorsement.

June 2006

NIOSH and partners receive Safe Patient Lifting Award
A NIOSH collaboration was recently recognized by the prestigious 2005 Safe Patient Handling and Movement Awards, presented by the Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 8. The Safe Patient Handling and Movement Educator Award was presented to the collaboration between NIOSH, the American Nurses Association and the Veterans Affairs Patient Safety Center for the development and evaluation of a new Safe Patient Handling and Movement curriculum module to be used in schools of nursing. Faculty members from 26 geographically-dispersed schools participated and were able to successfully integrate the new approach into their existing curricula. From these the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill School of Nursing; Boise State School of Nursing; and the Belmont University School of Nursing were selected as winners of the Educator Award for Safe Patient Handling, based on outstanding efforts to change the curriculum, including evidence-based approaches to safe patient handling. A draft of the curriculum can be accessed on the NIOSH Web site, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/safe-patient.<</p>

May 2006

Safe Lifting and Movement of Nursing Home Residents
NIOSH has issued a new guide, Safe Lifting and Movement of Nursing Home Residents, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-117, highlighting the benefits of a safe resident lifting program. Intended for nursing home owners, administrators, nurse managers, safety and health professionals and workers who are interested in establishing this program, the guide also presents a business case for investment in lifting equipment and training. Research conducted by NIOSH, the Veterans Health Administration, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has shown that safe resident lifting programs incorporating mechanical lifting equipment can protect workers from injury, reduce workers’ compensation costs, and improve the quality of care delivered to residents. The guide can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2006-117.

April 2006

New ANSI Standard on motor vehicle fleet safety
NIOSH was actively involved in the development of a new voluntary standard for preventing motor vehicle crashes. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z15.1, Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations, was approved on February 15, 2006. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of workplace fatalities and a major contributor to workers’ compensation and liability costs, lost productivity and property loss. The standard is designed for organizations whose employees drive on the job, contains minimum requirements for workplace traffic safety programs, and is the first occupational safety standard offering comprehensive guidance to protect all workers who operate motor vehicles as part of their job. More information on the standard can be found at http://www.asse.org/z15.

NIOSH signs agreements with autoworkers and nurses associations
NIOSH, General Motors Corporation (GM) and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to engage in a cooperative occupational safety and health research and development program. Through the MOU, the organizations will focus activities in the areas of healthy work issues, nanoparticulates, safe vehicle operation and hearing loss.

On March 22, 2006, NIOSH signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) during their 53^rd Congress in Washington, D.C. Under the agreement, NIOSH and AORN will work to identify emerging workplace safety issues, develop effective guidelines, and disseminate prevention and safety strategies for those working in peri-operative areas, areas where operative or other invasive procedures are performed.

March 2006

NIOSH and Occupational Health Nurses Association Partner to Advance Occupational Safety and Health Research and Outreach
On January 27, NIOSH and the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further research and outreach efforts for the prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses. The agreement, signed by NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. and AAOHN President Susan Randolph, is in effect until October 2008 and can be extended. More information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-02-21-06.html.

NIOSH Collaborates for Control and Prevention of CO poisonings on Recreational Boats
Based on results of NIOSH evaluations conducted through partnerships with other federal and state agencies and other stakeholders, numerous houseboat manufacturers have pursued new interventions for preventing occupational and recreational exposures to hazardous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) from exhaust emissions on houseboats. For example, numerous houseboat manufacturers have adopted, as a standard for the construction of new boats, a “stack” design in which CO emissions are routed to a level above the deck, where they will not be breathed in. Other solutions are also being explored. The Department of Interior Web site posts NIOSH and other reports on the following link,
http://safetynet.smis.doi.gov/COhouseboats.htm.

NIOSH Technology Provides Basis for Approved Mine System
A NIOSH-developed technology provided a basis for a warning system approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) on February 6, 2006, for preventing miners from being crushed or pinned by continuous mining machines. Some 29 such fatal incidents have occurred since 1984. The warning system approved by MSHA, TramGuard^TM, is based on technology developed by NIOSH under the HASARD research initiative. A transmitter on a continuous mining machine sends a signal to a receiver worn by a miner, prompting an alarm if the miner approaches too closely to the machine in the busy confines of a mine. The MSHA notice is available at http://www.msha.gov/regs/complian/PIB/2006/pib06-03.asp. More information about NIOSH’s HASARD research is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/topics/machinesafety/equipmentdsgn/hasardsystem.htm. The mention of a trademarked product does not constitute a NIOSH commercial endorsement.

February 2006

Decontaminating chemical protective clothing and equipment subject of new document from AIHA
Pengfei Gao, of the NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, is the lead author of Guidelines for the Decontamination of Chemical Protective Clothing and Equipment, recently published by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Dr. Gao is a member of AIHA’s Protective Clothing and Equipment Committee. The guidelines offer methodologies for decontaminating chemical protective clothing (CPC) and equipment, including the most current practices for regulatory compliance, decontamination work plans, waste management, hazard and risk assessments, CPC reuse, quality assurance, and training. Dr. Gao's participation provided a means for NIOSH's research and expertise on protective clothing and equipment to be incorporated into the guidelines. The views and policies expressed in the guidelines do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of NIOSH. Ordering information can be found on the AIHA Web site, http://www.aiha.org.

January 2006

WANTED: Partners to move science to solutions. The NIOSH Research to Practice (r2p) program is seeking partners for improving workplace safety and health in the areas of mining, emergency preparedness and construction. Here are examples of impact resulting from NIOSH partnerships.

• Collaboration with mining companies throughout the U.S. has resulted in the use of directional lifelines, chemical light sticks and hand-held lasers for assisting miners in evacuating underground mines during emergencies.
• NIOSH and stakeholders established new respirator standards for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards which have been endorsed by the National Fire Protection Association and adopted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for use on equipment purchased by DHS grant funds.
• A partnership resulted in significantly lower lead levels among Connecticut construction workers participating in a NIOSH-funded program compared with counterparts in other states.

Interested in joining NIOSH move science to solutions? Contact the NIOSH r2p Office at nioshr2p@cdc.gov. More information on these and other partnerships can be found on the r2p Web site, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/r2p.

December 2005

NIOSH conducts research to prevent illness and injury among workers. Good stewardship requires research we conduct to be highly relevant, high quality, and result in maximum impact. As a means of focusing our research on these drivers, NIOSH research now follows a process called Research-to-Practice (r2p). Conducting research under r2p utilizes partnerships to help address relevance and evaluation to help ensure quality. Partnerships are utilized in all phases of the research process (frequently with different partners in the different phases) for several reasons: ensuring relevant issues are being addressed; identifying all appropriate stakeholders; and translating results into a format that is most useful for stakeholders. The number of formal partnerships with NIOSH has doubled during the last year. Evaluation – again in all phases of the research process – is used to ensure that the highest quality research is being planned, conducted, translated and disseminated to stakeholders. The following link provides more information on r2p at NIOSH, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/r2p.

November 2005

NIOSH and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) signed a memorandum of understanding on October 31 to facilitate partnering, cooperation, and coordination of activities involving personal protective equipment (PPE). The primary focus of the agreement will include emergency responder protective clothing and equipment, including PPE for response to all emergency incidents involving fire, technical rescue, hazardous materials, emergency medical, special operations, and terrorism incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive hazards. Primary focus also will include the development of standards for emergency responder organizations and personnel concerning the safety, deployment, operations, and protection of emergency responders. The agreement was signed by NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D., and NFPA President and Chief Executive Officer James M. Shannon.

October 2005

New Instrument for Prevention of Vibration Disorders
It was originally developed to advance NIOSH research on preventing pain, numbness, and other work-related conditions of the hands and arms that are associated with vibration. Now it has additional prospects in the commercial market, with the same ultimate goal of reducing impairment among people who use powered hand tools for a living.

“It” is the 3-Axis Hand-Transmitted Vibration Simulator, which was developed through collaboration between NIOSH and MB Dynamics, Cleveland, Ohio. The device is an instrument handle that reproduces the vibration from power tools. NIOSH provided the specifications, looking for a device that could reproduce vibration from many directions, or axes, as the handles of actual power tools do. A public advertisement of their request yielded a number of proposals, and after an extensive review process, the NIOSH research team settled on MB Dynamics design. MB Dynamics, working through the awarded purchase order from NIOSH, turned the specifications into a working device. NIOSH uses the device to gain better insight into the factors that link occupational exposures to vibration with given physiological outcomes. MB Dynamics plans to market a commercial version of the device at conferences to researchers in both the academic and government worlds who are studying hand-transmitted vibration exposure and to companies interested in testing the components and assemblies that may be used on cars, trucks, and airplanes. Mention of a commercial product does not represent a NIOSH endorsement of the commercial product. More information on the NIOSH research program for preventing vibration-related hand-arm vibration disorders is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/97-141/ergotxt5c.html.

September 2005

An article appearing in the August issue of Professional Roofing magazine demonstrates how NIOSH investigations prompted quick actions to decrease potential exposures of roofers to silica dust. The actions came after NIOSH conducted a series of Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs) in 2003 and 2004 in Phoenix, AZ to examine exposures of roofing contractor employees to silica dust while dry-cutting cement tiles. NIOSH subsequently established a screening program to identify potential indications of silicosis. NIOSH, along with representatives from government, professional organizations, industry and worker groups, gathered to strategize ways of discuss the problem and form a working group to identify work practices to decrease exposures among these workers. The article can be accessed on the Professional Roofing Web site, http://www.professionalroofing.net.

August 2005

r2p Focus of NORA Conference on Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk
The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) Team is co-sponsoring a working research conference titled "The Changing Nature of Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk: The Effects of Obesity and Aging in the American Workplace," to be held on September 7-8, 2005, in Seattle, Washington. Fundamental population changes in age and obesity will affect the design of work, workstations, and products. This workshop will build on existing MSD research which included age and body mass index in statistical models. Speakers will present the magnitude and complexity of these issues and their implications for MSD in the workplace. After initial presentations, the conference participants will work on a research agenda necessary to translate research findings to changing practices in the workplace. The objective of the conference is to develop a research to practice roadmap for addressing the changing nature of MSD risk in the workplace. Attendees are expected to include musculoskeletal researchers, policy makers, and occupational safety, health and ergonomics managers. Information about the conference is available at http://depts.washington.edu/ehce/NWcenter/course/MDR05.htm.

NIOSH Grantee Designs Ergonomic Interventions for the Fire Service
With NIOSH grant funding, researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) are designing and evaluating ergonomic interventions that have the potential to reduce the high number of musculoskeletal injuries experienced by firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) during emergency medical service (EMS) operations. Karen Conrad, Paul Reichelt, and Steve Lavender designed their research to have a very high level of participation with the fire service.

The UIC team began their project by conducting multiple rounds of focus groups with fire service personnel to generate ergonomic intervention concepts to improve the conduct of frequently performed and strenuous EMS tasks. Working with the fire service, the most highly ranked of these intervention ideas were then turned into alpha prototypes of devices. The devices were tested in their ergonomics laboratory by having firefighters and paramedics perform common patient handling tasks (e.g., carrying a patient down a flight of stairs) using the new devices and their standard equipment.

Using both the biomechanical data and evaluative feedback from the fire service personnel about the performance of the alpha prototypes, the researchers are now preparing to collect further evaluative data to facilitate the development of beta prototypes that can serve as manufacturing models. The university team will continue to work with the fire service to develop effective strategies for dissemination and implementation of the devices.

For additional information about this project, please contact Karen Conrad at kmconrad@uic.edu.

July 2005

Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in Minnesota and the United States. In rural Minnesota, adolescents are frequently employed in both agricultural and non-agricultural jobs and are injured at a higher rate than older workers. Recently, with support from NIOSH the Minnesota Department of Health evaluated the effectiveness of a pilot occupational safety and health curriculum for adolescents in rural Minnesota high schools. Work Safe Work Smart contains nine lessons to enhance knowledge, attitudes and beliefs related to occupational safety and health. Evaluation measured changes in attitudes and beliefs related to prevention, identified critical factors for incorporating the curriculum into existing school curricula, and promoted dissemination and utilization of the curriculum in rural schools.

Allan Williams, Principal Investigator, reported that “adolescents exposed to the curriculum demonstrated measurable changes in several outcomes that may be associated with beneficial behaviors in occupational safety and health. The measured changes in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs were largely limited to the same school year in which the curriculum was taught, suggesting that adolescents may need to be exposed to concepts of occupational safety and health on an ongoing or repetitive basis.”

Following completion of the evaluation, over 4,000 copies of the curriculum were requested on CD-ROM, and the curriculum was downloaded over 11,000 times from the Health Department Web site. The Work Safe Work Smart curriculum is available at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpcd/cdee/occhealth/wsws.html. Please send your comments about this important curriculum to nioshenews@cdc.gov.

June 2005

Automatically deployable Rollover Protective Structure (AutoROPS), a NIOSH Division of Safety Research project, has received funds from the Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization (OTTC) at the California State University San Bernardino which will assist the project in moving to the next phase of translating research to practice.

AutoROPS is a passive safety device to protect tractor operators in an overturn event. NIOSH, in partnership with industry, developed and tested the AutoROPS against the strict Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J2194 standard. After successfully meeting the SAE standard, NIOSH submitted and was awarded an OTTC grant to conduct a market feasibility study and prototype development and testing evaluation. A 12-week market study identified the manufacturers' need for a product that meets industry standards. Efforts by the marketing team resulted in the AutoROPS inclusion in the latest version of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 21299 standard. Current activities to further the advancement of the AutoROPS in the field include initiating a licensing and copyright background study, a field acceptance study and marketing of the AutoROPS at state fairs and equipment shows this summer. Contact Tony McKenzie at EMckenzieJr@cdc.gov for more information on the AutoROPS.

May 2005

The first Bullard-Sherwood Research to Practice (r2p) Award for Outstanding Application of Occupational Safety and Health Research recognizes those projects which have successfully translated research findings through knowledge, interventions or technology into practice within the occupational safety and health arena. The award is named in honor of two distinguished individuals who made significant improvement in workplace injury and illness prevention. Edward W. Bullard invented the most widely used protective safety equipment, the hard hat, thus protecting countless workers from head injuries. R. Jeremy (Jerry) Sherwood invented the personal industrial hygiene sampling pump, making it possible to readily determine individual worker airborne exposures.

The 2005 winners are:

Knowledge
Winner: NIOSH Alert: Preventing Occupational Exposures to Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Health Care Settings

Honorable Mention: Reducing Underground Miners’ Exposure to Diesel Emissions and Understanding and Preventing Beryllium Sensitization and Chronic Beryllium Disease

Interventions
Winner: Standards Development for Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) used by Emergency Responders at a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Terrorist Event

Honorable Mention: NIOSH Safety Checklist Program for Schools

Technology
Winner: Lockout/Tagout, Jammed, and Moving Machinery Controls

Honorable Mention: ROPS Technology Transfer Team

The nominations were judged on the basis of occupational safety and health relevance, impact in addressing needs, development of partnerships and identification of lessons learned. The winners were announced at the Alice Hamilton Awards Ceremony on April 28, 2005. To learn more about these innovative projects and view the NIOSH award winning scientists, visit the NIOSH Web site http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hamilton/bullard-sherwood.html.

April 2005

Four research, monitoring, and analytical products developed and owned by NIOSH are available for licensing. The four inventions include:

• A prototype exposure monitoring system which uses real-time sensors and local positioning system linkages. This system can identify potential hazardous exposures for employees in outdoor occupations who move frequently during the work day.
• A cough recording machine to detect work-related pulmonary disorders.
• An auscultatory computerized system for recognizing and analyzing sounds in the body.
• An automated “nail press test” which takes a look at how long blood-flow returns in the fingers. This new automated test can better help determine impairments such as hand-arm vibration disorder.

March 2005

National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL)
As mentioned in the “r2p Corner” of the February edition of NIOSH eNews, Breakthrough, a CD-ROM based computer model, assists users of air-purifying respirators with predicting the “end of service life” for respirator cartridges designed to protect against toxic organic vapors. Recognizing its importance, Roy McKay of the Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine at the University of Cincinnati has incorporated the software into the curriculum for a graduate course on Respiratory Protection. Through this course, Dr. McKay assists students with developing methods for cartridge change out schedules. This product is one of 20 methods used. In addition, Dr. McKay utilizes the software during a day and a half continuing education workshop on Respiratory Protection.

February 2005

Customer use highlights the successful implmentation of a NOSH research product. The product is a CD-ROM-based computer model developed by NIOSH and collaborating organizations, in conjunction with the Los Alamos National Laboratory, to help users of air-purifying respirators predict the “end of service life” (ESL) for respirator cartridges designed to protect against toxic organic vapors. ESL is the juncture at which time a toxic vapor will begin to penetrate a given filter, due to normal degradation of the filter over time. OSHA, beginning in 1998, has required employers to use ESL indicator devices that will alert users to replace cartridges in time to prevent toxic exposures from occurring. Such devices are unavailable for organic-vapor cartridges, necessitating the use of a predictive computer model as the next best thing.

Although ESL models for organic-vapor cartridges have been developed, they lacked an important feature that the NIOSH model provides. This is the incorporation of relative humidity into the various workplace factors (such as temperature, pace of work, and contaminant levels) that affect the integrity and performance of the filter. Humidity is a key factor, since it can reduce service life by 80 percent. In the 12 months since the program was made available in software form and uploaded to OSHA’s Web site as a compliance assistance tool (along with a user-friendly video tutorial):

• It has been downloaded from the OSHA Web site more than 1,700 times. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/respiratory/advisor_genius_wood/breakthrough.html.
• There have been more than 3,000 visits to the OSHA Web site to view the video or to ask questions about the model.
• Five hundred copies of a compact disc (CD) containing the model and the training video have been requested from NIOSH.

More information on the product, including a list of the many partners that helped in its development, is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-12-22-03.html. An updated version of the model will be released early this year, and NIOSH is developing a similar model for filter cartridges used against reactive gases.

January 2005

Mine Rescue and Response - Technologies
U.S. miners often rely on emergency responders to save their lives in the event of an underground emergency, such as a fire, explosion, roof fall, or water inundation. Approximately 700 underground coal mines and 240 underground metal/nonmetal and stone mines continue to operate in the U.S. They employ a total workforce of 40,000 coal miners, and 14,000 metal/nonmetal/stone miners. Additionally, there are 4,700 underground contractors that are employed by these mines. A recent survey conducted by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) indicated that there are 236 state and company mine rescue teams in the U.S.; 120 coal mine teams and 116 metal & nonmetal mine rescue teams with a total of about 1,700 rescue team members. This dedicated group of miners often put their lives in jeopardy to save others during a mine emergency. It is important that team members are provided with the latest personal protective equipment, be well trained, physically fit, and fully understand the hazards that may await them during rescue, exploration and recovery operations. Miners are often the first responders to a mine emergency, such as a fire, and must decide if they can fight the fire or evacuate the mine. Miners also need realistic training and adequate technology to safely and effectively conduct such operations.

Improved technologies for mine emergency responders are also being identified and evaluated. The technologies include chemical lightshapes, light vests, strobe lights, laser pointers, lifelines, wheeled stretchers, and thermal imaging cameras. These devices were shown to enhance the effectiveness and safety of mine rescue teams and evacuating miners in dark and smoke-filled passageways during realistic rescue and evacuation simulations at the NIOSH Lake Lynn Laboratory Mine and operating mines. Several mine rescue teams and coal mine operators have adopted the technologies.

Technology to enhance communications during mine emergencies has also been developed. When a rescue team explores complex underground passageways such as found in mines, a lifeline and reliable communication system are essential. Previous communication technology was based on a sound powered phone system that provided communication from only one team member to one other location, the underground fresh air base. Communication between team members required shouting through the breathing apparatus face pieces. NIOSH and Transtek, Inc. Pittsburgh, PA, collaborated in the development and evaluation of the Ron Conti Res-Q-Com System. This system is named after Ron S. Conti (deceased) to pay tribute to the NIOSH researcher who led its development. The Res-Q-Com is a self-contained, portable battery operated system that provides voice communication and a lifeline for rescue teams, such as those called out for an underground mine emergency. It is now commercially available.

These technologies have also been highlighted in the September 8 and September 15, 2003 issues of International Longwall News. The Res-Q-Com system was highlighted in the December 19, 2003 issue of International Longwall News. For more information contact Charles Lazzara at CLazzara@cdc.gov.

December 2004

NIOSH and Brush Wellman Inc., the leading U.S. producer of beryllium and beryllium-containing products, have partnered in an effort to prevent chronic beryllium disease. This partnership encompasses a variety of projects, including workplace medical surveillance studies, alternative exposure metrics for exposure assessment, physicochemical characterization of beryllium process samples, the study of the possible role of dermal exposure in the development of the immune response to beryllium, and exposure reduction through workplace interventions. Employees are an integral part of this partnership. In addition to helping implement changes that reduce exposures, partnership interactions have helped workers and management to be more cognizant of potential exposures and help identify additional ways to reduce these exposures. Brush Wellman, as part of their product stewardship program, also passes information on control strategies to their customers, further enhancing workplace disease prevention. Many of these lessons will also be shared at a conference that NIOSH is co-sponsoring, the International Beryllium Research Conference (Be2005), to be held on March 8-11, 2005. More information on the conference can be found at http://www.irsst.qc.ca/en/intro-be-2005.html

November 2004

NIOSH and EPA Partner to Reduce Work-Induced Hearing Loss
As a result of work conducted by NIOSH and industry partners, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to revise its regulation on hearing protector labeling. A public meeting was held in 2003 where NIOSH provided technical expertise. Since the original rule in 1978, the development of miniaturized electronics and new acoustic technologies has created several additional classes of hearing protectors not covered in the existing regulation. Among these are communication headsets, active noise reduction headsets, sound restoration hearing protectors, and nonlinear acoustic devices. NIOSH’s active research program has assisted in the development of specialized test methods to assess the attenuation performance of these newer protectors. EPA proposes to use those methods in its revised regulation. More information on NIOSH’s participation can be obtained from Bill Murphy at WMurphy@cdc.gov. More information on NIOSH hearing loss prevention activities can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise.

Training for Healthcare Workers on the Dangers of Bloodborne Pathogens
With funding from NIOSH, researchers at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health have developed a Web-based innovative learning program for healthcare workers about bloodborne pathogens. This simulation-training program is based on the premise that adults learn best when they actively participate in the learning process. Participants have an opportunity to read a simulated story based on a true event, make decisions, and come to conclusions on their own. Nurses who complete the training will receive up to three continuing education credits. For more information, visit the Bloodborne Pathogen Training for Nurses Web site at http://www.bbp-nursetraining.hs.columbia.edu/.

October 2004

NIOSH is working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to address potential occupational health concerns of employees who operate baggage screening x-ray machines at airports. NIOSH is assessing employees’ work practices, characterizing potential employee exposure to x-rays from screening machines, and providing recommendations for TSA and their employees. Since this study involves workers at several airports and is conducted across seasonal changes, providing the latest study findings to everyone is essential. Using the r2p approach, NIOSH developed a web site, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/airportscreener, to provide workers with effective techniques for reducing potential exposure and TSA with preliminary research findings and recommendations so that measures can be taken immediately. For additional information, contact John Cardarelli, NIOSH Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, at JCardarelli@cdc.gov.

September 2004

Software for Ground Control in Mine Design
From its research on ground control, NIOSH has developed a number of software packages to help mine planners, managers, and others in designing mines and troubleshooting problems to prevent roof falls that may result in death or serious injury to miners. The software packages include programs on “Analysis of Longwall Pillar Stability,” “Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability,” “Analysis of Horizontal Stress Effects in Mining,” “LAMODEL” for calculating stresses and displacements in thin seams or veins, “Analysis of Roof Bolt Systems,” Coal Mine Roof Rating,” and “Troubleshooting Guide for Roof Support Systems.” Users have hailed the programs as “very useful” and a “type of help [that] keeps us safer and more productive.” These software packages can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/topics/groundcontrol/. Further information is available from Christopher Mark, NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, at CMark@cdc.gov.

April 2004

Research to Practice (r2p) is a new NIOSH initiative focused on the transfer and translation of research findings, technologies, and information into highly effective prevention services and products which are adopted in the workplace. The goal of r2p is to reduce illness and injury by increasing workplace use of effective NIOSH and NIOSH-funded research findings. In order to achieve this, NIOSH is continuing to work with our partners to focus our research on ways to develop effective products, to translate research findings into practice, to target dissemination efforts, and to evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of these efforts in improving worker health and safety.

Several recent NIOSH successes exemplify the types of activities the new r2p initiative is designed to promote and enhance:

• In collaboration with manufacturers, labor and industry, NIOSH developed a new personal dust monitor (PDM) for assessing coal miners’ exposure to coal dust in underground coal mines. The first advancement in more than 30 years for monitoring exposures, the PDM provides real-time exposure data during a work shift. It warns of potential over-exposures in time for mine operators to reduce exposures that might lead over time to development of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis or “black lung,” a debilitating lung disease that caused 14,000 deaths between 1991 and 2000. NIOSH plans to conduct additional testing this year to verify its performance in a mine environment in collaboration with mine operators, miners, MSHA and the device developer Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc. NIOSH contact: Jon Volkwein JVolkwein@cdc.gov.
• Through a simple color change, a NIOSH-developed hand wipe method quickly and easily detects the presence of lead on both the skin and on surfaces in industries where lead is produced or used. This alert enables employers to take timely action to reduce lead exposures in the workplace and to prevent the risk of an employee inadvertently contaminating his or her home with lead dust on clothing, skin, or hair. Through this novel technology, lead exposure can be reduced for more than 10,000 workers and 900,000 children in the United States. NIOSH has patented, commercially licensed, and disseminated information on this method. NIOSH contact: Eric Esswein at eesswein@cdc.gov.
• NIOSH developed an innovation that provides the basis for a new, commercially available do-it-yourself kit to detect the mold Stachybotrys chartarum. S. chartarum is a toxigenic mold commonly found in chronically water-damaged buildings. Determining if a building is contaminated with S. chartarum has been difficult due to the lack of a good detection device. The NIOSH-developed innovation is a species-specific monoclonal antibody that is being used as a diagnostic reagent in this novel technology kit. This kit provides building inspectors, industrial hygienists and homeowners with a simple tool to detect the mold in less than 5 minutes. NIOSH contact: Detlef Schmechel at zvf9@cdc.gov.
• In partnership with an engineering firm, NIOSH in 2003 helped to produce a detailed, easy-to-read booklet recommending and describing engineering measures on commercial crab fishing vessels to prevent injuries in this highly hazardous industry. More than 3,000 copies of the booklet have been distributed in the U.S. and abroad. The recommendations in the booklet resulted from NIOSH’s partnerships with many stakeholders to develop practical interventions that address hazards posed by machinery, fishing equipment, and physical design and layout of fishing vessels. NIOSH contact: Brad Husberg at bjh9@cdc.gov.

Historically, NIOSH has been a leader in applying research into workplace solutions that reduce injury and illness. Now, as our mission grows increasingly complex and intensive, we are challenged to work more efficiently and effectively with our partners, to apply r2p practices at every turn, and to evaluate their effectiveness so that our best practices keep getting more focused to serve the needs of our customers. To learn more about the r2p initiative and for more examples of r2p, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/r2p. NIOSH contact: DeLon Hull at dhull@cdc.gov.