Latest news with #workerSafety
Associated Press
an hour ago
- General
- Associated Press
Avian Influenza and Worker Safety: Understanding and Managing the H5N1 Risk
Insights informed by the IBEC webinar ' Avian Influenza and Worker Safety: Navigating the H5N1 Challenge ' held on March 27, 2025. The rise of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), particularly the H5N1 strain, presents serious challenges to worker safety across several industries. From poultry farms and veterinary clinics to laboratories and wildlife agencies, anyone working in close contact with birds—or even pets that come into contact with infected animals—may be at risk of exposure. The Integrated Bioscience and Built Environment Consortium ( IBEC ) brought together experts to examine the occupational health risks associated with H5N1 and to discuss strategies for protecting frontline workers. Speakers highlighted critical risk pathways, personal protective measures, mental health considerations, and lessons learned from recent research and outbreaks. Who's Most at Risk? Several job sectors are particularly vulnerable to H5N1 exposure, including: Emerging evidence shows that avian influenza can affect domestic and wild cats—sometimes fatally. Dr. Kristen Coleman of the University of Maryland School of Public Health shared research showing that 607 feline deaths linked to AIV have been recorded globally over the past decade across 18 countries and 12 species of felines. Transmission often occurs when cats consume infected birds or raw poultry products. Contaminated raw chicken feed and dairy milk have been implicated in both domestic and captive animals, including tigers. Additionally, Dr. Maggie Baldwin from the Colorado Department of Agriculture cited two recent cases in indoor-only domestic cats in Colorado, with no known exposure to infected animals. These incidents suggest new and less-understood transmission routes and reinforce the importance of vigilance even in seemingly low-risk scenarios. How to Reduce Risk: Key Strategies Protecting workers from H5N1 requires a layered, proactive approach: 1. Training and Awareness Educating employees about transmission pathways, symptoms, and protective measures is essential. This includes pet safety, as infected cats may serve as early indicators of outbreaks in the area. Basic pet-related guidance includes: If a pet tests positive, it may indicate local viral circulation. 2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) High-risk workers should be equipped with: Proper training and compliance monitoring are just as important as PPE availability. 3. Strong Biosecurity and Hygiene Protocols 4. Surveillance and Monitoring Active surveillance in bird populations—both domestic and wild—is key to early detection and response. Public-private collaboration is vital for timely data sharing and coordinated action. 5. Vaccination and Medical Monitoring Although no commercial H5N1 vaccine for humans currently exists, seasonal flu vaccination can help reduce co-infection risks. For high-risk roles, employers should consider regular health surveillance and exposure testing. 6. Designated Outbreak Coordinators For organizations in high-risk sectors, appointing an H5N1 case manager to oversee protocols and incident response can improve outbreak management and reduce confusion. Enhancing Protection Through Workplace Controls Employers should implement foundational occupational health strategies: What to Do During an Outbreak If an H5N1 outbreak occurs, rapid action is crucial: Final Thoughts Avian influenza is more than a veterinary or agricultural issue, it's a growing occupational health concern that requires a multi-sector response. Key actions include prioritizing worker training and protection, maintaining robust biosecurity, and responding swiftly and transparently during outbreaks. The threat of H5N1 will continue to evolve. Ongoing research, like that of Dr. Coleman and Dr. Baldwin, surveillance programs, and interagency collaboration will be essential to minimizing harm and safeguarding both public and occupational health. Questions? Reach out to our Health & Safety team today! Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Antea Group
Gulf Business
4 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Midday Break in UAE: Here's what companies need to know
Image credit: WAM/ Website The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the implementation of the Midday Break, which prohibits work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12:30pm and 3:00pm, from June 15 to September 15, 2025. Read- Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Midday Break reflects the UAE's sustainability-driven approach and commitment to providing a safe working environment. It aligns with international best practices and occupational health and safety standards, protecting workers from injuries and illnesses caused by high summer temperatures, 'The Midday Break has achieved a record compliance rate of over 99 per cent for several years in a row, clearly reflecting the deeply rooted social and humanitarian values within the UAE's business community. It also demonstrates high awareness of the importance of protecting human capital—the most valuable resource in any company—and underscores the people-centred labour practices embraced in the UAE,' Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection & Compliance at MoHRE said. Al Nassi emphasised the ministry's commitment to raising awareness among employers and workers through field visits to worksites and labour accommodations. These efforts help promote occupational health and safety and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. 'The Midday Break has become a leading example of successful partnerships between MoHRE, the private sector, and the wider community. Many partners have launched their own initiatives to support workers during the Midday Break,' Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at MoHRE, added. She continued, 'This initiative reinforces social responsibility and supports the success of our awareness strategies, further embedding humanitarian values into the UAE's work culture, which welcomes over 200 nationalities to live, work, and invest in line with the goals of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' Rest areas Alshehhi praised private sector companies that have proactively established fully equipped rest areas to ensure workers' comfort during the Midday Break. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to workers' wellbeing and help boost productivity. She encouraged all private sector entities to implement similar measures, citing their positive impact on both health and efficiency. Under the Midday Break rules, companies must provide essential supplies and arrangements, including shaded areas, cooling equipment such as fans, sufficient drinking water, hydration supplements approved by local authorities, and necessary first-aid supplies at worksites. Exemptions The regulations allow for exemptions where continuous work is required for public interest or technical reasons. These include activities like asphalt laying or concrete pouring that cannot be delayed, as well as urgent repair work affecting public utilities, traffic, or essential services. Work requiring permits from government authorities, due to its impact on public life and mobility, is also exempt. MoHRE monitors company compliance with the Midday Break via its inspection systems throughout the summer period. The ministry also encourages the public to report violations through its call centre (600590000), website, or smart app. Violating companies will be fined Dhs5,000 per worker per breach, with a cap of Dhs50,000 if multiple violations are recorded. MoHRE will intensify awareness campaigns and field inspections—coordinating with both public and private sector partners—to ensure compliance with the Midday Break regulations.
CBC
4 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Company that employed apprentice plumber killed in Calgary trench collapse charged with 11 safety offences
Social Sharing The Calgary company that employed a 27-year-old apprentice plumber who died after he was buried in a collapsed trench at a work site two years ago faces 11 charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Liam Johnston was killed in June 2023 while doing sewer repairs in the northwest community of Charleswood. Johnston worked for Mr. Mike's Plumbing at the time. The charges against the company include failing to ensure worker safety, failing to stabilize an excavation site by shoring and failing to ensure a worker is protected from cave-ins at an excavation site. "Finally something is happening," said Johnston's mother Kim Ivison. Hazard identified day before incident, charge alleges Another of the charges alleges Mr. Mike's identified a hazard the day before the fatal incident yet failed to take measures to eliminate the safety concern. Johnston's parents say that charge, in particular, makes them feel "angry and sick." "It shouldn't have happened," said stepdad Adam Groves. The company is due in court to face the charges on July 22. The Calgary Police Service conducted its own investigation. A spokesperson for CPS said this week that the file is currently with the Alberta Crown Prosecutions Service for review. Both of Johnston's parents say they're angry and frustrated with the system; it's been nearly two years since Johnston was killed. "It's very slow and it's very non-transparent," says Ivison. In an interview with CBC News in June 2023, Johnston's girlfriend Emily Gofton said he had texted her regarding his concerns about job site safety the day before he was killed. According to information posted to a website set up by Johnston's loved ones, the family alleges there were no engineers on site and no trench box set up on site. Company said it had 'shoring on site' In a statement issued days after Johnston's death, Mr. Mike's Plumbing Ltd. said it was "deeply saddened" at its employee's death. The company said it had "shoring on site and everything available to be able to install the shoring from above without jeopardizing anyone's safety. At some point while installing, this tragedy occurred." The statement went on to say it was working closely with authorities and would ensure "appropriate measures" were taken to prevent similar accidents in the future. CBC News has reached out to Mr. Mike's Plumbing for comment on the charges. On the day of the incident, the Calgary Fire Department said in a media release that the victim was working on a ladder in the three- to six-metre deep trench when a large amount of earth collapsed on top of him from the steep slope above. Fire department crews spent hours digging to get to Johnston. He was found dead by the time they got to him. A fire department battalion chief said the recovery involved "extensive safety precautions" because the trench was "unsafe." Firefighters used tools to remove the sandy soil and parts of the cinder block retaining wall, but heavy equipment was needed to remove the surrounding dirt to get to the man.
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Worker found dead on South Australian BHP mine site, death not considered work related
A BHP worker has died after being found unresponsive at the Olympic Dam copper-gold mine on Friday morning. Operations were halted through the day as police responded to reports that a person had been found unresponsive on site. A spokesperson for BHP told the Adelaide Advertiser that the worker's death was not considered work related, with the company sharing its sympathies to family and friends. 'This morning at Olympic Dam a team member was found unresponsive at a surface location,' they said. 'Site emergency services and SA Ambulance attended the scene but sadly they could not be revived. 'Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.' SafeWork SA told the masthead it was 'aware of an incident' and would be making inquiries.
CBC
21-05-2025
- CBC
OHS charges laid after worker seriously injured during Valley Line West LRT construction
The company constructing Edmonton's Valley Line West LRT line is facing more than a dozen charges for violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and OHS Code, after a worker was seriously injured on the job in June 2023. Marigold Infrastructure Partners is facing 14 counts related to a June 23, 2023, incident. According to the charges, workers were completing temporary post-tensioning of a segment of the Valley Line West project. When one of the jacks pressured up, concrete crumbled and a tensioning bar and jack hit the worker, causing serious injury. The charges include failure to ensure workers were adequately trained in all matters necessary to perform their work in a healthy and safe manner, failure to ensure the health and safety of a worker and failure to ensure a hazard assessment was repeated when a new work process was introduced. Marigold Infrastructure Partners was selected to construct the Valley Line West LRT in 2020.
