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  • Bird Flu-related Death Heightens Awareness

    Bird Flu-related Death Heightens Awareness

    The first severe human case of bird flu to occur during the nation’s current outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1) has become the first human fatality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Jan. 6. The man who died was over 65 and had underlying medical conditions, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

    Following the release of news about the infected Louisiana man who was hospitalized in December, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to help expedite the state’s response to the infections spreading in its dairy industry. 

    Since April, 66 human cases of bird flu have been confirmed in the United States. Avian influenza is a viral infection that primarily afflicts birds. It is a public health and economic concern because of its potential to mutate, spread among farm animals, and be passed from infected animals to people. 

    The CDC continues to rate the U.S. public’s overall exposure risk as low. Avian influenza viruses do not easily infect humans, and no cases of human-to-human transmission have been detected in the U.S.  

    Personal Protection  

    As a precaution, personal protection measures are recommended for workers with risk of exposure to animals and animal byproducts that are or may be infected. This includes poultry and livestock farmworkers, slaughterhouse employees, wildlife workers, veterinarians, and healthcare personnel. In response to the Louisiana case, which was caused by exposure to sick and dead wild birds, hunters, backyard flock owners, and other bird enthusiasts are now also being advised to take precautions.  

    “We anticipate increased occupational exposure risk to avian flu in some areas for our client employees, for example, for personnel in facilities, HVAC, building maintenance, construction, and pest control occupations who have potential contact with bird guano,” said Patrick O’Callahan, M.D., M.P.H., WorkCare’s vice president for on-site clinical operations. “If dairy farm outbreaks are associated with contaminated shared equipment and personnel, we may see sporadic cases involving transport workers and employees at product delivery sites.” If avian flu eventually spreads to commercial beef and pork industries, he added, there could be a major impact on employees at meat processing plants.

    Recommendations include:  
    • Avoiding unprotected, direct physical contact or close contact with sick or dead animals, carcasses, feces, or litter.  
    • Wearing personal protective equipment such as an N95 filtering facepiece respirator, eye protection, and gloves when contact cannot be avoided. 
    • Frequent and thorough handwashing when handling raw eggs, milk, or meat, and thoroughly cooking eggs and meat. 

    In healthcare settings, clinicians are advised to consider the possibility of H5N1 virus infection in patients with symptoms. Avian flu symptoms can range from fever, cough, sore throat, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and muscle aches to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and multiple-organ failure. Severe symptoms require emergency care and can be fatal. When treating those with confirmed infections, the CDC recommends using close contact and airborne precautions in combination with standard personal protection. 

    People with symptoms who suspect they have been exposed to an infected source animal are encouraged to contact their personal provider. 

    Surveillance

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is facilitating national milk supply surveillance and dairy herd status programs that involve several government agencies. It has reported 311 new infected cattle herds in California, and one each in Nevada and Texas in the last 30 days, bringing the total for the current outbreak to 865 cattle herds in 16 states.   

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the potential for the H5N1 virus to infect bulk raw cow’s milk prior to pasteurization, a heating process that skills the virus. The FDA reports that about 99 percent of the nation’s commercial milk supply comes from farms that comply with controls that help ensure the safety of dairy products. 

    Testing and Treatment Challenges 

    Bird flu is caused by influenza type A viruses, which are classified into subtypes based on two proteins on the virus surface: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins University notes that testing to confirm bird flu in humans is limited. Researchers believe the actual number of cases may be underreported because: 

    • Commercial testing for H5N1 is unavailable. 
    • When a flu test is positive for influenza A and cannot be subtyped, the CDC must retest it to confirm bird flu. 
    • Commercial farms with infected animals must be receptive to health department interventions. 
    • Workers may be reluctant to report symptoms to their employer. 

    Bird flu viruses can develop resistance to antiviral drugs (e.g., oseltamivir), which are often used to treat human influenza infections.  

    Conclusion 

    While the overall risk of work-related exposure to bird flu in the U.S. is low and symptoms are usually relatively mild, individuals in affected occupations are strongly advised to adopt strict safety measures when there is an outbreak. Ongoing surveillance and biosecurity practices have been shown to significantly reduce animal-to-human transmissions.  

    WorkCare’s occupational health physicians and other members of our medical monitoring team are well-prepared to assist employers in affected workplaces with the implementation of protective measures for employees with bird flu exposure risk. Visit our website to learn more about our capabilities. 

  • AI Revolutionizing Occupational Healthcare

    AI Revolutionizing Occupational Healthcare

    Posted by Peter P. Greaney, M.D.

    The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies in healthcare is poised to transform the delivery of occupational health services in the U.S.

    Healthcare is becoming a highly technical field, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of the human touch. Occupational health is both a science and an art. AI can serve as a valuable tool to enhance both dimensions.

    I agree with other thought leaders who see AI-related technology as a tool physicians should use to augment their medical practice, not as a replacement for doctors. Using AI, occupational health providers will have instantaneous access to diagnosis and treatment recommendations based on the best medical practices and data from millions of cases.

    The use of algorithms and machine learning will help make these recommendations even more robust, accurate, and individualized over time. AI-driven technology will also encourage employee adherence with care guidance and help streamline administrative functions for more efficient and cost-effective healthcare management.

    At WorkCare, our plans include the use of proprietary employee health information management platforms that put AI at the forefront of our business processes. For example, we will use AI to:

    • Build on our years of experience in the practice of occupational medicine
    • Simplify telehealth triage and medical management transactions
    • Streamline appointment scheduling with qualified providers
    • Auto-populate and securely store electronic medical records
    • Provide self-service access to certain functions and work-status reports
    • Help expedite hiring, job placement, and return-to-work decisions

    These efforts are driven by professionals at WorkCare who understand industry regulations, workplace environments, and the benefits of caring deeply about employee health and safety.

     FDA Guidance – A Related Development

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released guidance on Dec. 4, 2024, that is intended to streamline the market submission approval process for medical devices that use AI, including those that enable a machine or system to learn and improve its performance over time.

    In the guidance document, the FDA supports revisions to its approval process for the development and release of AI-enabled device software functions (AI-DSFs). It states that the process should be the “least burdensome for manufacturers” while providing reasonable assurance of device safety and effectiveness.

    Under the newly released guidelines, manufacturers can seek approval to change AI-enabled products without having to file a new submission. Applicants are expected to describe planned changes to a device, outline the testing needed to ensure the device remains safe and effective, and include a risk-mitigation strategy.

    The FDA recognizes that AI-related technology has the potential to improve methods of disease detection, diagnosis, therapeutics, and user experiences. The agency also notes that its guidance exemplifies its commitment to developing innovative approaches to the regulation of device software functions, in general.

    If you believe, as I do, that the practice of preventive medicine and population health management depends on astute pattern recognition, you will understand why the FDA is taking steps to support the iterative processes that are needed to drive technological advancements.

    Dr. Peter P. Greaney is WorkCare’s Founder, Chief Medical Officer, and Executive Chairman.

  • Preventing Ergonomic Injuries in Warehouse and Delivery Operations

    Preventing Ergonomic Injuries in Warehouse and Delivery Operations

    In anticipation of the holiday shopping season, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report that prods the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to do more to prevent ergonomic-related injuries in warehouses and short-distance delivery operations.

    Preventable work-related sprains, strains and other types of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common occurrences in these settings. Contributing factors may include overexertion, force, repetition and awkward or static postures. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, e-commerce warehouses and last-mile delivery operations had the highest serious-injury and illness rate among 19 transportation and warehousing sectors in 2022, with an estimated 3.8 cases per 100 workers.

    OSHA developed an ergonomics standard that was signed into law in 2000 during the Clinton administration. However, the law was rescinded in 2001 by the Bush administration in response to opposition from business groups, lawsuits, and enforcement-related complexities. In the absence of a specific standard, OSHA cites employers for ergonomic-related exposure hazards under the general duty clause of the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act.

    In its report on Why OSHA Should Take Steps to Better Identify and Address Ergonomic Hazards at Warehouses and Delivery Companies, the GAO notes that warehouse and last-mile delivery employers received more than 2,500 OSHA citations between fiscal years 2018 to 2023. Of those, only 11 identified specific ergonomic hazards. This suggests that validating connections between work-related ergonomic factors and the occurrence of MSDs in a workplace remains a challenge.

    National Emphasis Program

    OSHA launched a three-year National Emphasis Program on Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations in July 2023 to help address rising incident and injury rates in the rapidly expanding e-commerce marketplace. In addition to ergonomics, the program focuses on the operation of powered industrial vehicles, material handling and storage activities, walking-working surface and egress safety, fire protection, and work in hot environments. Employee exposures to ergonomic hazards must be assessed during:

    • Review of an employer’s injury and illness logs
    • Employee interviews
    • Workplace walkthroughs

    When ergonomic and/or heat exposures are identified, the scope of an OSHA inspection must be expanded to include potential employee health impacts.

    Recommendations

    In its report, the GAO says OSHA “can do more.” It makes five recommendations to the U.S. Department of Labor, which oversees OSHA:

    1. Ensure that OSHA compliance officers can easily obtain musculoskeletal disorder occurrence dates during inspections, potentially by adding a new column to recordkeeping forms.
    2. Make OSHA inspectors’ training on workplace ergonomic exposure hazards more robust.
    3. Direct the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health to review and make needed changes to internal and publicly available guidance that compliance officers and employers use to identify, assess, and address ergonomic hazards. This may include clarifying and updating industry-specific guidance.
    4. Direct OSHA to conduct timely follow-ups with establishments that receive post-inspection ergonomic hazard-alert letters to evaluate the extent of corrective actions that have been taken.
    5. Direct OSHA to evaluate the effectiveness of its national emphasis program and document next steps to correct any deficiencies that may be identified.

    How WorkCare Can Help

    WorkCare employs specialists in injury prevention and customized ergonomic programs, and it has taken the National Safety Council’s MSD Solutions Lab pledge to help employers dramatically reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Understanding the regulations and implementing injury prevention programs can seem like a daunting task. WorkCare is here to help. Connect with our team to learn about proven ways to create safer, healthier workplaces.

  • Natural Disaster Preparedness Promotes Resilience

    Natural Disaster Preparedness Promotes Resilience

    Mother Nature and human threats can deliver harsh lessons no matter how well prepared you or your organization may be. Forests regenerate after wildfires, fierce winds, avalanches and volcanic eruptions because they have grown deep, interconnected root systems to withstand these threats. Similarly, people are more resilient when they have a plan and are prepared to join forces in the event of a natural disaster.

    Preparedness involves anticipating and planning for challenges such as a need for medical care, loss of electricity, communication lapses, lack of safe shelter, and limited supplies of fresh water, food, fuel and other necessities. After-effects to consider include exposure to hazardous conditions during clean-up operations, economic impacts and post-traumatic stress.

    Natural disaster victims often experience stress responses such as depression, anxiety, grief and hypervigilance. In addition to basic first-aid knowledge and planning for access to survival essentials such as food, water, shelter and fuel, it’s also important to be aware of ways to protect emotional health during an emergency. Physical and mental self-care enables people to help each other and promotes recovery over time. People with preexisting physical and mental health conditions should be ready to continue with their treatment plans during an emergency and monitor for any new symptoms.

    Preparedness Plan

    Here are some simple ways to be better prepared:

    1. Familiarize yourself with the types of natural disasters that could occur and their effects.
    2. Develop preparedness plans in collaboration with others – businesses, employees, local officials, family members, friends and neighbors.
    3. Create and share an emergency contact list.
    4. Identify ways to reconnect if communication is cut off, such as a meeting place.
    5. Identify evacuation routes and potential shelter (in place or elsewhere).
    6. Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition and has enough fuel/battery storage.
    7. Assemble personal disaster preparedness kits for your home, vehicle(s) and workplace.
    8. Take a natural disaster planning/first-aid course. Join community preparedness activities.

    It’s advisable to tailor plans and supplies to daily routines such as work, school or appointments, as well as personal needs. For example, essential workers, infants, children, frail elderly or disabled people may need special assistance. Other considerations may include:

    • Dietary restrictions and preferences
    • Medications and medical equipment
    • Language, cultural and religious beliefs
    • Care of pets or service animals

    A mock drill to test a preparedness plan can be used to identify any potential gaps or limitations.

    Survival kit supplies should be stored in airtight containers or bags and kept in sturdy backpacks. Enough water to last at least three days during an evacuation and for two weeks at home should be securely stored. Plan on one gallon per person, per day. Emergency supplies should be inspected annually and replaced after expiration dates.

    Essential Communication

    Not knowing what is going on causes confusion and anxiety. It’s a wise practice to follow the directions of emergency response personnel, whose primary job is to protect lives. Regarding communication, plan to have an alternative power source available for a mobile phone and/or computer in case there is no electricity. A text message uses less bandwidth and may be received when a phone call won’t connect.

    Here are some other sources of information:

    • Integrated Public Alert and Warning System: Delivers messages as texts with unique sound and vibration.
    • Emergency Alert System: National public warning system that requires broadcasters, satellite digital audio service and direct broadcast satellite providers, cable television and wireless cable systems to allow authorities to deliver emergency information.
    • NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR): A nationwide network of radio stations that broadcasts continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office.

    More Recommended Resources

    WorkCare advises companies on preparedness planning and supports the health and safety of employees who respond to natural disasters. Our Incident Intervention telehealth program features 24/7 self-care guidance and referrals to local providers for non-emergency conditions. We also provide work-related injury prevention programs and medical surveillance services for employees with exposure risks. Contact sales@workcare.com to learn more.

  • National Suicide Prevention Month: How You Can Help

    National Suicide Prevention Month: How You Can Help

    September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a life-saving observance that raises awareness about suicide risk and the resources available for prevention. According to the World Health Organization, more than 720,000 people die annually due to suicide. Among teenagers and adults under 30, suicide is the third leading cause of death worldwide.

    In the U.S., there were an estimated 49,449 suicides in 2022, the most recent reporting year, 3 percent higher than in 2021.  This equates to one death every 11 minutes. In addition, more than 13 million adults are annually estimated to seriously consider or attempt suicide. The rate of suicide increased 37 percent between 2000 and 2018, tapered off by 50 percent between 2018 and 2020, and returned to a peak in 2022.

    More men than women die of suicide. Older people have the highest rates of suicide in the U.S., but younger people are at risk, too. Firearms are used in more than 50 percent of suicides, compared to 25 percent by suffocation, 12 percent by poisoning and 8 percent other methods.

    Recognizing Signs

    Anyone can be suicidal regardless of their age, gender, background or occupation. Early recognition of signs of suicidal ideation like these can help save lives:

    • Verbal expressions of wanting to die or feeling hopeless
    • Increased isolation from friends and family
    • Dramatic mood swings
    • Changes in sleeping and eating habits
    • Being bullied, feeling trapped or suffering from unbearable mental and/or physical pain
    • Self-medicating or drinking alcohol to relieve symptoms of depression or anxiety

    How You Can Help

    • Listen actively: If someone you know appears to be at risk, take the time to listen without judgment. Being heard can make a difference.
    • Stay connected: Regular check-ins can make a vulnerable person feel valued and less isolated.
    • Secure firearms: If you have firearms or know someone who does, make sure are stored in a secure, locked location.
    • Encourage professional help: If you see signs of suicidal ideation, suggest that the person seek help from a therapist, counselor or helpline.

    Resources

    National Strategy for Suicide Prevention 2024 – comprehensive, 10-year action plan.

    Suicide Prevention Resource for Action – evidence-based recommendations

    988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – 24/7, confidential hotline for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress

    American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  – information on supportive prevention programs and tools in your area

    In the workplace, employees who are educated about signs of suicide ideation are better prepared to respond appropriately when the need arises. Prevention saves lives.

  • Employee Self-care is Not Selfish Care

    Employee Self-care is Not Selfish Care

    In recognition of National Wellness Month, we want to share our thoughts about self-care in the workplace.

    Workforce demographics are a critical consideration. Job tasks, rewards and performance expectations are as varied as the people doing the work. A one-size-fits all approach to workplace wellness programs will not get traction because it fails to address individual needs and workforce diversity, including age, gender identity, health status, racial and ethnic background, and socio-economic factors that affect quality of life.

    Wellness is muti-dimensional and means different things to different people. Consequently, WorkCare’s Wellness Solutions team has adopted these eight dimensions of wellness as the foundation for its service delivery model: financial, intellectual, occupational, social, physical, environmental, spiritual and emotional. The objective is to help employees achieve balance across all eight dimensions to optimize life satisfaction.

    Self-care promotes work-life balance, facilitates social connections that are essential to well-being and helps build resilience. Employers benefit when employees have access to wellness-related resources and activities because they become less vulnerable to stress, illness and injury and feel supported in their journey.

    Why Can You Do?

    The COVID-19 pandemic provided valuable lessons on the importance of self-care. Now, more than ever, people realize that self-care is not selfish care, and that it’s not possible to take good care of others when their own tank is empty.

    To an employer to support workforce population health and self-care, it may be necessary to first audit working conditions from a well-being perspective. There may be areas where reasonable adjustments can be made. For example, provide privacy-protected biometric screening to identify underlying health conditions; manage exposure to extreme temperatures; offer remote or flexible schedule options; facilitate access to fresh water, healthy food choices, educational materials and employee assistance programs; support friendly competitions that promote physical and mental health.

    Here are some additional suggestions:

    • Clearly articulate wellness program benefits so employees understand all the resources that are available to them. Keep it simple. Assist with time management so they can participate.
    • Foster a positive culture around self-care and address stigma associated with mental health interventions when it arises.
    • Don’t assume you know what motivates employees to change behaviors and achieve wellness goals. Ask them “What’s your why?” and about the resources they need.
    • Be a role model. Recognize employees’ efforts to be physically and mentally fit for work and life.

    We recently introduced the WorkCare Wellness Hub app to help employees track their self-care progress. Contact us to learn more.

  • How to De-escalate Incivility in the Workplace

    How to De-escalate Incivility in the Workplace

    Stranded airline passengers were mortified when a fellow traveler cut in line and berated a service agent. Two assembly line employees got into a shouting match about their political preferences and almost exchanged blows. Athletes made crude remarks about a teammate who they blamed for a loss. No one did anything to stop them, fearing they would escalate tensions.

    The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reports American workers experience an estimated 171 million acts of incivility a day. SHRM uses its Civility Index to measure degrees of civility in the workplace. On a scale of 1 to 100, civility was ranked 42.3 in the first quarter of this year; that score is expected to climb for the remainder of the year.

    In a March 2024 survey of 1,611 U.S. employees, SHRM found:

    • 66 percent agreed that incivility reduces productivity
    • 59 percent agreed that incivility affects employee morale
    • 58 percent said they believe American society is uncivil
    • 44 percent who experienced incivility said co-workers were involved
    • 25 percent said their supervisors are effective at handling incivility

    What is Civility?

    A civil society is one in which people listen, are respectful, polite and tolerant of opposing viewpoints. Civility creates a safe container for the exchange of ideas and constructive disagreements. On the flipside, incivility is associated with disrespect, rudeness, hostility, sarcasm and intolerance. In some instances, it can cause fear, induce anger or lead to workplace violence.

    Incivility in the workplace affects the health and well-being of businesses, co-workers, customers and vendors. On an individual level, research shows that anger and hostility can increase a person’s chance of developing heart disease, insomnia, digestive problems and headaches. In addition to low employee morale and productivity loss, incivility is an underlying cause of formal complaints about hostile work environments, harassment and discrimination.

    What About Free Speech?

    The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals’ rights to free speech without government interference. States also have provisions in their constitutions that protect these rights. However, the extent of employees’ free speech rights depend on whether they work for a public or private entity, the state in which they work, applicable federal and state statutes and whether they are protected by a union.

    Private employers can regulate forms of employee speech as long their policies do not violate Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act, state or local law, attorneys say. (Section 7 gives employees the right to self-organize, join or assist labor organizations, participate in collective bargaining or decline to participate in such activities). For example, private employers can hold employees accountable for inappropriate speech or behaviors that violate codes of conduct, social media use policies, equal employment opportunity rules and guidelines, and other boundaries relative to the work setting.

    Kay Gillespie, WorkCare’s chief human resources officer, recommends the adoption of a comprehensive policy statement that outlines acceptable behaviors (e.g., courtesy, politeness, mutual respect) whether an encounter occurs in person or via digital channels. Such policies include potential disciplinary actions for violations. Training to help employees fulfill workplace civility expectations is advised. Given that a growing number of states are adopting private employee speech protection statutes that specifically relate to political beliefs and activities, she also advises private employers to familiarize themselves with applicable laws in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

    Diffusing Tensions

    Incivility in the workplace is more likely to occur in situations involving personal conflicts or when tensions are high due to social influences. Here are some tips to help diffuse fear, anger and confusion before it escalates in the workplace:

    1. Allow employees to express their feelings in a safe, private place without interrupting them. Paraphrase what you heard and ask for confirmation. When a person feels heard, they tend to calm down.
    2. Show empathy, for example, by saying something like “I can imagine how frustrating this must be for you.” You don’t have to agree with what the person is saying.
    3. Thank employees for bringing complaints to your attention. Take time to hear all sides of an issue before taking any employment action.

    If an employee’s behavior is disruptive or threatening, request support from the human resources department before attempting to have a conversation about observed behaviors. Referral to an employee assistance program, substance abuse or other mental health professional may be appropriate. In some cases, referral to an anger management course may be recommended. Support should also be offered to employees who experience incivility in the workplace in encounters with co-workers, customers or randomly when on duty out in the field.

    WorkCare provides resources for employers to protect and promote total employee health and support sound human resources practices. Contact us to learn more.

  • OSHA’s Proposed Heat Standard Headed for Public Scrutiny

    OSHA’s Proposed Heat Standard Headed for Public Scrutiny

    As anticipated, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released its proposed workplace heat standard on July 2, 2024. The public comment period is currently open and you may submit comments and attachments electronically at www.regulations.gov, Docket No. OSHA-2021-0009 by January 14, 2025.

    If enacted, the standard is expected to substantially decrease the risk of heat-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities for about 36 million U.S. employees. Exposure to heat and humidity can cause symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening. (Refer to our latest fact sheet on Heat Intolerance and Other Medication Side Effects for recommended preventive measures.)

    Record-breaking temperatures occurring across the nation have increased outdoor exposure risk. The standard would also apply to certain indoor environments.

    “Workers all over the country are passing out, suffering heat stroke and dying from heat exposure from just doing their jobs, and something must be done to protect them,” Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker said when announcing the proposed rulemaking. “This proposal is an important next step in the process to receive public input to craft a ‘win-win’ final rule that protects workers while being practical and workable for employers.”

    The proposed rule would require employers to develop a comprehensive heat-related injury and illness prevention plan that includes:

    • Methods for heat exposure risk assessments
    • Policies for adequate hydration and rest breaks
    • Measures to control indoor heat
    • Acclimatization periods for new/returning employees
    • Training on heat illness prevention, signs and symptoms
    • Procedures for emergency and first-aid response

    Related Actions

    While the proposed rule undergoes public scrutiny, OSHA said it will continue to hold businesses accountable for heat-related violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s general duty clause, 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1) and other applicable regulations. The agency also conducts heat-related inspections under its National Emphasis Program – Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards, which targets workplaces with high heat exposure risks. In addition, the agency is prioritizing programmed inspections in agricultural industries that employ temporary, nonimmigrant H-2A workers for seasonal labor.

    California, Colorado Minnesota, Oregon and Washington have adopted their own workplace standards to help prevent heat illness. In Florida and Texas, local governments are not required to provide heat-related protections for outdoor workers.

    In conjunction with the release of the proposed OSHA standard, the Biden Administration announced actions being taken to help protect workers and communities from extreme weather threats. For example:

    • The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency will award nearly $1 billion dollars for 656 projects to help American communities protect against disasters and natural hazards, including extreme heat, storms and flooding.
    • State, local, tribal and territorial leaders will be convened for a White House Summit on extreme heat. U.S. representatives will also meet with global stakeholders to advance heat-related resilience efforts for U.S. workers abroad.
    • A wildfire crisis response plan that involves a $7 billion investment is being used to expand the wildland firefighter workforce, deploy advanced technology to better respond to fires and complete 6.85 million acres of hazardous fuels treatments.

    WorkCare’s occupational health clinicians and subject matter experts are available to consult on workplace heat hazard reduction strategies. Our clients include industries with extreme heat and overexertion exposure risks, including construction, utilities, oil and gas production, heavy manufacturing and mining. Contact us to learn more.

  • Hidden Challenge of Drug Test Cheating in the Workplace

    Hidden Challenge of Drug Test Cheating in the Workplace

    Many companies rely on drug testing to help maintain safe workplaces and protect employees from accidents and injuries associated with substance-related impairments. Now, with advanced technology and access to online instructions on ways to circumvent tests, it’s getting harder to prevent drug test cheating.

    In an analysis of nearly 9.8 million workforce drug tests, Quest Diagnostics found the percentage of employees in the general U.S. workforce whose drug test showed signs of tampering increased by more than six-fold in 2023 compared to 2022, the highest rate in more than 30 years of reporting. Meanwhile, the use of substituted urine specimens in the general U.S. workforce increased by 633 percent and invalid urine specimens increased by 45.2 percent. (A result of substituted or invalid suggests a urine specimen has been tampered with in an attempt to conceal drug use.)

    Not surprisingly, Quest found that increasing rates of substituted or invalid specimens coincide with historically high rates of both general U.S. workforce drug positivity and post-accident marijuana positivity. Suhash Harwani, Ph.D., senior director of science for Workforce Health Solutions at Quest Diagnostics, offers this explanation:

    “The increased rate of both substituted and invalid specimens indicates that some American workers are going to great lengths to attempt to subvert the drug testing process. Given the growing acceptance and use of some drugs, particularly marijuana, it may be unsurprising that some people feel it necessary to try and cheat a drug test. It is possible that our society’s normalization of drug use is fostering environments in which some employees feel it is acceptable to use such drugs without truly understanding the impact they have on workplace safety.”

    Common Drug Test Cheating Methods

    1. Synthetic urine: One of the most common cheating methods involves the use of synthetic urine. Sold online, this product mimics real urine and can often bypass standard drug testing protocols if not carefully monitored.
    2. Detox drinks and pills: These products claim to cleanse the system of drugs temporarily. While their effectiveness varies, they are popular among employees attempting to pass drug tests on short notice.
    3. Adulterants: Some employees add substances to their urine samples to mask the presence of drugs. Common adulterants include bleach, vinegar or commercial products designed specifically for this purpose.
    4. Substitution: Employees may substitute their urine with that of a drug-free individual. This method requires advance planning, but it is challenging to detect without stringent observation protocols.

    Implications for Employers

    The potential consequences of employee cheating on drug tests are significant. Here are some critical implications:

    • Increased accident risk: Employees under the influence of drugs are more likely to be involved in workplace accidents that can cause injuries and fatalities.
    • Productivity loss: Drug use can impair cognitive functions and physical capabilities, creating hazardous conditions and reducing overall productivity.
    • Legal and financial repercussions: Employers may have legal liability in cases involving an employee who was under the influence while working. Related lawsuits can be costly and damage a company’s reputation.

    How WorkCare Helps Mitigates Drug Test Cheating

    WorkCare offers a full range of drug and alcohol testing services and support for drug-free workplace programs. This includes substance testing-related consultations, access to medical review officers (MROs), guidance on written policies and prevention programs, training on ways to help prevent drug test cheating, and referrals to qualified collection sites and labs.

    Contact us today for more information on how to refine your company’s drug and alcohol testing protocols.

  • Reflections on a Holistic Approach to Occupational Health and Safety

    Reflections on a Holistic Approach to Occupational Health and Safety

    I recently spoke at the American Industrial Hygiene Associations’ Connect 2024 Conference and had the opportunity to meet many members of the environment, health, and safety (EH&S) community. My chief takeaway is that the conference serves as a beacon for those who are passionate about workplace health and safety protections.

    As the world of work continues to evolve, the importance of a holistic approach to occupational health and safety has never been more apparent. The conference, held May 20-22 in Columbus, Ohio, featured advocacy on behalf of Total Worker Health®, a phrase trademarked by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that is widely used in business and industry.

    Innovation and Education

    The conference is a hub of innovation and education where professionals can attend classes, visit exhibits, network and learn from each other. In addition to the core curriculum for industrial hygienists and allied professionals, this year’s conference offered a diverse range of educational sessions on EH&S topics including climate change exposure risk, laboratory safety, human resources management, and my own presentation, Prevention Saves Lives, Time and Money.

    Employee health and safety protections are more than regulatory requirements. They are foundational pillars for the well-being of employees and the success of businesses. A holistic approach involves proper implementation of health and safety protocols and prevention measures. Experience shows that such measures can markedly decrease work-related injuries and illnesses, ensure compliance with applicable laws and industry standards, and lower workers’ compensation costs.

    In addition, this approach:

    • Encourages employee engagement in workplace health and safety, one of the themes for National Safety Month.
    • Supports objectives of corporate social responsibility.
    • Produces operational efficiencies and workforce productivity.
    • Facilitates strategic efforts to attract and retain talent, increase job satisfaction and cultivate a welcoming organizational culture.

    The holistic perspective also covers health issues that might not directly stem from occupational activities but are nonetheless influenced by them, including conditions such obesity, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular disease and certain mental health conditions.

    Looking Forward

    This year’s conference successfully helped attendees view industrial health and safety through the lens of diverse professions and served as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share to foster safer, healthier workplaces. The conference’s focus on Total Worker Health® was a call to action for all stakeholders to embrace a comprehensive view of worker health, safety and well-being, one that transcends traditional boundaries and paves the way for a more resilient and thriving workforce.

    Together, we can shape a future where workplace safety and worker well-being are not just aspirations but realities. Let’s connect, learn, and help lead the way in occupational and industrial health and safety.

    Kála Earley, MBA/MHA, LAT, ATC, CEAS, is the implementation and training manager for WorkCare’s Industrial Athlete Program. Please use this link to contact us.