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Things you should know


EEOC issues guidance on mental health discrimination and reasonable accommodations

A resource document titled "Depression, PTSD, & Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights," is now available from the EEOC, reminding employers of workplace rights for employees and applicants with mental health conditions and clarifying the protections afforded by the ADA.



Sound level meter mobile app from NIOSH

NIOSH has developed a sound level meter mobile app designed to measure noise exposure in the workplace. The app, available for Apple devices, provides noise exposure metrics, including instantaneous sound levels in A-weighted, C-weighted or Z-weighted decibels, as well as parameters intended to aid with lowering occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Users can save and share measurement data and receive general information about noise and hearing loss prevention.

NIOSH recommends using the app with an external microphone and acoustical calibrator for better accuracy. The app is not intended for compliance or as a substitute for a professional sound level meter or a noise dosimeter, the agency cautions.



Mine safety inspection rule delayed

The Mine Safety & Health Administration's newly issued workplace examination rule, is another one of the rules delayed 60 days by the Trump administration's Jan. 20 regulatory freeze and review instructions. The rule, which was to go in effect May 23, is intended to improve miner safety and health by requiring examinations take place before miners are exposed to adverse conditions and notifying miners when a hazardous condition is found.



Five warning signs of employee fatigue

  1. Unusual emotion: employees acting out of character, such as showing emotional distress, moodiness, or having a bad attitude in the workplace.
  2. Consistent lateness: if a normally punctual employee arrives late to work every morning, it can indicate poor work-life balance.
  3. A cluttered workspace: Pay attention to employees' desk and workstations. While some people prefer a more chaotic environment, a messy workspace can be a symptom of overwork.
  4. Forgetfulness and disregard for the team at large: It can also be a sign that the employee in question has too many things to think about and isn't on top of their workload.
  5. Productivity dips despite longer hours: Productivity often decreases the longer employees spend at work.

Source: WorkForce Software (WFS Australia)



FDA approves long-acting opioid painkiller, Arymo ER.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Egalet Corp.'s long-acting opioid painkiller, Arymo ER. An independent panel recommended the drug be labeled as an abuse-deterrent product. Arymo ER is a long-acting variation of morphine that is intended to treat pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment. It comes in the form of a very hard pill that is difficult to crush and otherwise manipulate by people looking to abuse the product.



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