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Over half of workers exposed to occupational noise do not wear protection

According to a recent National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study nearly half of workers exposed to hazardous occupational noise do not use hearing protection. Hearing protection device (HPD) nonuse is a particular problem in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (74%) and construction (52%). Researchers also found a link between current smokers and hearing protection nonuse. There was also significantly higher nonuse among female workers and younger (ages 18 -25) workers.



A.M. Best & Co. revises comp outlook to stable

Citing an unexpected "muting" effect the pandemic has had on insurers' balance sheet and operating performance, A.M. Best revised its outlook for the workers' comp segment from negative to stable. Premium levels are returning to pre-pandemic levels, loss ratios are consistent, there is a solid level of risk-adjusted capitalization, lesser fraud, and fewer workplace accidents. However, the possibility of claims latency and the potential long-term health effects of the virus remain concerns, along with regulatory and legislative actions that could affect the ultimate cost of certain claims.



2020 BLS data show drop in injury and illness in private sector, but significant rise in DAFW and respiratory cases

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers in private industry experienced an estimated 2.7 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2020, down from 2.8 million the previous year. However, estimated injuries and illnesses that resulted in at least one day of lost work soared by nearly a third amid the COVID-19 pandemic, rising to 1,176,340. There also was a surge in reported illness cases, which more than quadrupled to 544,600 in 2020, and a notable jump in employer-reported respiratory illness cases, which climbed to 428,700 in 2020 from 10,800 the previous year.

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NIOSH studies unintentional exposure to opioids among first responders in an Ohio city

NIOSH released two Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) reports on opioid exposures among first responders. One report addressed the health effects from the occupational exposure and the other report addressed the impact on the mental health when responding to the opioid epidemic.

NIOSH investigators concluded officers did not have or use PPE appropriate for handling unknown powders in an uncontrolled setting and were insufficiently trained on using PPE. While half of the officers involved wore nitrile gloves, none reported wearing respiratory protection, such as an N95 filtering facepiece respirator. Investigators also found some city firefighters reported symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and generalized anxiety.



Return to work toolkit for employers

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has produced a Return to Work Toolkit , which is a collection of resources, forms, and best practices to help injured employees return to work as soon as medically possible. The toolkit features tips on what to do before and after an injury, addresses job modifications and pre-job accommodations, and provides examples of 11 different forms. The toolkit also includes a list of employee and owner/manager/supervisor responsibilities during the process and provides templates and samples.



Opioid-related overdose and death epidemic worsens

The American Medical Association updated its issue brief highlighting media and other reports showing increases in drug overdose mortality and other concerns relating to access to evidence-based care for substance use disorders, patients with pain as well as harm reduction service. Every state has reported a spike or increase in overdose deaths or other problems during the COVID pandemic. One prevailing theme is the fact that the epidemic now is driven by illicit fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, methamphetamine, and cocaine, often in combination or in adulterated form.



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