Introduction: Alaska had the highest work-related fatality rate of any state during 1980-1989. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health established the Alaska Field Station (AFS) to address this problem. Methods: AFS established surveillance systems to provide scientific assessments of occupational hazards. Interventions were developed in collaboration with partners and evaluated. Results: During 2000-2009, Alaska experienced a 42.5% decline in work-related fatalities over the previous decade of 1990-1999. In 2009, the workplace fatality rate for Alaska was 5.6/100,000 workers. Commercial pilot deaths were reduced by 50% and Bering Sea crab fishing death rates were reduced by 60%. Building on this success, AFS established national programs to improve safety in the commercial fishing and oil and gas extraction industries. Impact on Industry: A focused, epidemiological approach to reducing fatalities in high-risk occupations is effective. Ongoing commitment to this type of approach will assist in continued success in Alaska and elsewhere. (C) 2013 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Renewable energy production may offer advantages to human health by way of less pollution and fewer climate-change associated ill-health effects. Limited data suggests that renewable energy will also offer benefits to workers in the form of reduced occupational injury, illness and deaths. However, studies of worker safety and health in the industry are limited. The Mountain and Plains Education and Research Center (MAP ERC) Energy Summit held in April 2011 explored issues concerning worker health and safety in the renewable energy industry. The limited information on hazards of working in the renewable energy industry emphasizes the need for further research. Two basic approaches to guiding both prevention and future research should include: (1) applying lessons learned from other fields of occupational safety and health, particularly the extractive energy industry; and (2) utilizing knowledge of occupational hazards of specific materials and processes used in the renewable energy industry.

BACKGROUND During the 1990s, Alaskan pilots had one of the most hazardous occupations in the US. In 2000, a multifaceted public health initiative was launched, focusing on Alaskan air taxi/commuter (AT) operations, including risk factor identification, improved weather information, and the formation of an industry-led safety organization. METHODS Effectiveness was assessed by comparing rates of crashes using Poisson regression, comparing trends in annual numbers of crashes, and assessing changes in the number and type of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) events. RESULTS The greatest improvements were seen in Alaska fatal AT crashes with a 57% decrease in rates between time periods. While the number of AT crashes in the rest of the US steadily declined during 1990-2009, Alaska only showed significant declines after 2000. CFIT crashes declined but remained more deadly than other crashes. CONCLUSIONS This coordinated effort was successful in reducing crashes in the Alaskan AT industry.

Abstract Introduction The U.S. oil and gas extraction industry has an elevated occupational fatality rate when compared to other industries, and this rate is correlated to the level of activity in the industry. This paper presents an analysis of worker fatalities in the U.S. oil and gas extraction industry for the years 2003-2008 and suggests strategies to prevent fatalities among the groups of workers most at risk of being killed on the job. Description of Processes Fatality rates were calculated by year, company type, and company size. The frequency of fatal events onshore and offshore, by occupation, age group and contributing factors are also reported. Results There were 648 fatalities in the oil and gas extraction industry during 2003-2008; the majority (91%) occurred to onshore workers. Transportation-related events were the leading cause of death for all workers. Drilling contractors and companies that employed fewer than 20 workers had the highest fatality rates. Conclusions This study found that the fatality rate in the oil and gas extraction industry remained elevated through 2008. Many of the fatalities were associated with three risk factors: seat belt non-use, workers being employed by small companies, and workers having been employed less than one year by their current company. Concentrating attention on these three risk factors could significantly decrease the number and rate of occupational fatalities in the oil and gas extraction industry. The recommendations made in this paper can be implemented by companies at low or no cost and can be incorporated into existing safety and health policies and procedures.

Tractor overturns are the leading cause of work-related death in an industry with the highest occupational fatality rate. Rollover protective structures (ROPS) and seatbelts are 99% effective in reducing the risk of an overturn fatality. However, kits are not available for 20% of tractors currently lacking ROPS. For these tractor owners, two potential solutions have been discussed: (1) technology for reinforcing tractor axles to accommodate ROPS and (2) a pre-ROPS tractor removal program. The purpose of this study was to conduct preliminary research to assess the feasibility of a tractor trade-in program. Focus groups were conducted with pre-ROPS tractor owners and tractor dealers. The data were analyzed using a concept development analytical approach and results were reviewed in an industry stakeholder's workgroup session. Data from the research indicates that tractor owners and dealers would need persuasive financial incentives to participate in a trade-in program. The workgroup session also indicated that it would be difficult to fund or support a large-scale initiative, and the economics of removing a large group of older tractors from the marketplace may exacerbate financial roadblocks. However, the data from this study could be used to pilot test a small-scale, focused, tractor buy-back program.

BACKGROUND Congress has exempted farms with fewer than 11 employees from enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Three states (California, Oregon, and Washington) do not observe the exemption. METHODS We compared rates of fatal occupational injury in agriculture, by year, in 1993-2007, in California, Oregon, and Washington (aggregated), and the remaining states (as two aggregated groups): those with, and those without, state-designed occupational safety and health programs. RESULTS Fatality rates were approximately 1.6 to 3 times as high in both groups of states observing the small farm exemption as in the group of three states not observing it. Comparisons excluding the agriculture industry showed weaker differences. CONCLUSIONS The three states' opting out of the small farm exemption may have had substantial direct effects. They may also reflect and/or encourage a generally more effective approach to occupational health and safety. Although alternative explanations must be considered, the stakes are high in terms of injury and loss of life; further investigation seems urgently indicated.

Abstract Introduction The oil and gas extraction industry employs 400,000 workers. During 2003-2007, the fatality rate among oil and gas extraction workers was nearly eight times that for all U.S. workers (30.0 vs. 4.0 per 100,000 workers). Occupational fatality rates among these workers are high, and vary with the level of drilling activity. In addition, injury risk may be associated with other factors, such as company type and size. The purpose of this study was to characterize the differences in risk of fatal injury according to company type and size during 2003–2007. Methods Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries were utilized for this study. Company size was defined as small (fewer than 20 workers); medium (20–99 workers), and large (100 or more). For company type, companies were characterized as operators, drilling contractors and service companies. Relative risks were calculated to compare occupational fatality rates among different groups of companies. Results Workers employed by small companies were three and five times as likely to suffer a fatal injury compared with workers from medium and large companies, respectively. There were also substantial differences between company types, independent of company size. Workers employed by drilling contractors were most at risk of fatal injury. The fatality rate in drilling companies was three times that for operators, and 1.5 times the rate among service companies. The size effect held true within each company type; the company type effect held true among small companies. Conclusions The workers at highest risk were those employed by small companies, particularly small drilling contractors. These findings may help safety professionals develop workplace solutions and conduct outreach and training for the industry's most at-risk workers.

OBJECTIVE Provide an overview and examples of some of the remote sensing technologies presently or potentially available, which could be used to address environmental health problems in the Arctic. STUDY DESIGN The vulnerability of Arctic populations to health impacts from environmental, weather, and climate-related factors underscores the need for increased applications of technologies such as remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and global positioning systems (GPS) for empowering local health officials and decision-makers to better predict environment-related health problems, decrease vulnerabilities, take preventative measures, and improve community response actions as well as increase community health literacy. METHODS/RESULTS These increased capabilities for monitoring, risk mapping, information sharing, communications, and surveillance of environmental parameters are powerful tools for addressing such environmentally-related health problems as thermal stress; extreme weather; contaminant transport and deposition into oceans, atmosphere, and ice; air and water quality; built environment impacts; ultraviolet radiation (UV); and infectious and vector-borne diseases. For example, systems are now in place, which can observe ocean parameters, providing information on algal blooms, pollutants and pathogens as well as storm assessments and sea level rise. CONCLUSION Space-based systems in place can contribute valuable information through monitoring the processes of long-range transport of pollutants to the Arctic, where accumulation in animals and plants can occur. It is well-known that biomagnification up the food chain and ultimate consumption as traditional foods by indigenous peoples have resulted in some of the highest exposures in the world to certain contaminants.

AbstractThe shortage of qualified rig workers, and the desire of workers to earn high wages, is pushing drilling companies to increase the number of overtime hours. The trend in this growing industry of increased demand with limited numbers of workers is likely to continue. Unfortunately, another trend in this industry is an increasing number of work-related fatalities – with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting 98 fatalities in the oil and gas extraction industry in 2005. Historically, increases in the number of fatalities has followed the number of actively drilling rigs, even more so than the number of current employees. Working typical 12-hour shifts for 7 to 14 days in a row can lead to fatigue, resulting in mistakes in judgment and handling of equipment. Mistakes on a drill rig can be costly, both financially and in worker injuries. Fatigue is not unique to the drilling industry, and lessons learned from other areas can help identify and alleviate some of the potential hazards. Companies can schedule shifts and breaks to minimize fatigue, put in place policies and practices for identifying and managing fatigued employees, and help employees learn how to plan their off-time to minimize work-time tiredness. A summary of findings from research and practices in the oil and gas drilling industry as well as other industries will be presented with practical recommendations for safety management. The conclusions in this presentation have not been formally disseminated by CDC/NIOSH and should not be construed to represent any agency determination or policy.

Engineering is the application of scientific and technical knowledge to solve human problems. Using imagination, judgment, and reasoning to apply science, technology, mathematics, and practical experience, engineers develop the design, production, and operation of useful objects or processes. During the 1940s, engineers dominated the ranks of CDC scientists. In fact, the first CDC director, Assistant Surgeon General Mark Hollis, was an engineer. CDC engineers were involved in malaria control through the elimination of standing water. Eventually the CDC mission expanded to include prevention and control of dengue, typhus, and other communicable diseases. The development of chlorination, water filtration, and sewage treatment were crucial to preventing waterborne illness. Beginning in the 1950s, CDC engineers began their work to improve public health while developing the fields of environmental health, industrial hygiene, and control of air pollution. Engineering disciplines represented at CDC today include biomedical, civil, chemical, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mining, and safety engineering. Most CDC engineers are located in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Engineering research at CDC has a broad stakeholder base. With the cooperation of industry, labor, trade associations, and other stakeholders and partners, current work includes studies of air contaminants, mining, safety, physical agents, ergonomics, and environmental hazards. Engineering solutions remain a cornerstone of the traditional "hierarchy of controls" approach to reducing public health hazards.

Objectives. Between 1990–2002, 797 Alaskans died while working. After a scientific survey team member drowned, we examined the hazards of traumatic death to scientific and professional workers in Alaska. Study design. Surveillance and analysis methods for acute traumatic occupational injuries: The Alaska Occupational Injury Surveillance System (AOISS) uses direct investigation, jurisdictional agency reports, and death certificates to gather data for active surveillance on occupational injury deaths in Alaska. We searched AOISS for deaths which occurred while engaged in scientific or professional work. Commercial pilots, fishermen, loggers, taxi drivers and miners were excluded, as these have been previously studied. Results. During 1990-2002, 85 scientific/professional worker deaths (including 2 suicides) occurred. Fish, game, and mountaineering guides accounted for 28 (33%) of the worker deaths, followed by biologists, who accounted for 11 (13%). Aircraft crashes accounted for 42 (49%) of all these deaths, followed by drownings, 12 (14%), and falls, 9 (11%). A seismologist was fatally mauled by a bear. Of the 14 hunting guide fatalities, 11 were the result of aircraft crashes, one was a suicide, one was a drowning, and one resulted from a motor vehicle crash. Of the 11 hunting guide fatalities, eight died in aircraft crashes, one drowned, one walked into an aircraft prop, and one sustained a fatal head injury in a fall. Conclusions. Scientific and professional workers in Alaska experienced a substantial number of fatalities from traumatic injury. Nearly half of these deaths occurred in aircraft crashes.

As described in Stephen Roberts' and colleagues Research letter in today's Lancet, commercial fishermen work in the most hazardous occupation in the UK, followed closely by other mariners. This result is similar to the findings of Rafnsson and Gunnarsdottir's landmark 1994 study of Icelandic fishermen and mariners. 1 Rafnsson V Gunnarsdottir H Mortality among Icelandic seamen. Int J Epidemiol. 1994; 23: 730-736 Crossref PubMed Scopus (15) Google Scholar The hazard is probably similar worldwide. 2 International Labor OrganizationReport on the safety and health in the fishing industry. ILO, Geneva1999http://www.ilo.org/public/english/dialogue/sector/techmeet/tmfi99/tmfir.htm Google Scholar , 3 Turner J, Petursdottir G. Safety at sea for fishermen and the role of FAO. In: Lincoln JM, Hudson DS, Conway GA, eds. Proceedings of the international fishing industry safety and health conference. Woods Hole, MA, 2000. Anchorage: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (in press). Google Scholar Although many of the hazards inherent to fishing (weather, waves, risk of capsising and drowning) were known and described in classic texts (eg, the Bible, Moby Dick), these hazards have been greatly complicated during the past century, as fishing decks have become increasingly complex industrial environments. The deck of a modern fishing vessel is a pitching slippery surface with many winches, lines, booms, and pulleys, all with their hazards of injury. 4 Thomas TK Lincoln JM Husberg BJ Conway GA Is it safe on deck? Fatal and non-fatal workplace injuries among Alaskan commercial fishermen. Am J Ind Med. 2001; 40: 693-702 Crossref PubMed Scopus (57) Google Scholar The worldwide realisation that something could be done to mitigate these hazards has only gained momentum during the past few decades. There have recently been productive scientific, technological, social, and regulatory approaches to the many hazards of work on the seas. Hazardous occupations in Great BritainThe aim of this study was to investigate the most hazardous of all occupations in Great Britain. The causes of all deaths in British merchant seafaring and trawler fishing, traditionally the two most dangerous occupations, were established for the period between 1976 and 1995 and compared with official mortality statistics for other occupations. Fishermen were 52·4 times more likely to have a fatal accident at work (95% CI 42·9–63·8), and seafarers were 26·2 times more likely (19·8–34·7), compared with other British workers. Full-Text PDF

The working deck of a fishing boat can be an especially hazardous occupational environment. Not only are workers exposed to the elements, but the deck can be a very unstable work platform as it is constantly moving, and it is often also congested with machinery and fishing equipment. Surveillance for work-related injuries has identified the commercial fishing industry as contributing high numbers of fatal and severe non-fatal injuries in Alaska. The aim of this paper is to evaluate non-fatal injuries on board fishing boats through analysis of data from the Alaska Trauma Registry, a population-based trauma database.