Things you should know

Free online job description resource
O*Net online is a free, excellent resource for job descriptions, salary ranges and occupational outlook.

New guidelines for pregnant women and lead exposure
The CDC has released a document Guidelines for the Identification and Management of Lead Exposure in Pregnant and Lactating Women.

NIOSH
New web page on tobacco smoke in workplace
NIOSH has a new workplace safety and health page that provides employers and workers helpful resources to prevent workplace exposure and encourage cessation programs. It features the December 2010 report of the Surgeon General and includes an easy to read consumer booklet summarizing the report.

Publication on preventing falls in hospitals
The hospital incidence rate for slips, falls and trips was 38.2 per 10,000 employees – 90% higher than the average rate for all other private industries combined in 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The new NIOSH publication outlines major fall hazards for the workers, including contaminants on the floor, poor drainage, surface irregularities, inadequate lighting and clutter. It also provides recommendations for training and preventive actions.

Skid-steer loader hazards alert
A new NIOSH alert is aimed at workers who operate, service or work near skid-steer loaders, which are commonly used in agriculture and construction for materials handling and excavation. The alert describes six deaths involving skid-steer loaders and offers safety recommendations.

Work stress puts women at risk for heart disease: study
Research presented at the AHA Scientific Sessions 2010 from Women with Harvard Medical School in Boston concluded that women with demanding jobs but little control over their daily work have an 88% higher risk of heart attack than women with low job strain.

In addition, fear of losing one's job was associated with increased blood pressure, cholesterol and body weight – risk factors for heart disease.