This paper provided a brief summary of the current strategic goals, activities, and impacts of the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) occupational injury research program. Three primary drivers (injury database, stakeholder input, and staff capacity) were used to define NIOSH research focuses to maximize relevance and impact of the NIOSH injury-prevention-research pro...

field study was conducted to evaluate seat designs on shuttle cars. Eight operators R A participated in evaluating seat designs on the basis of perceived levels of vehicle jarring/jolting and discomfort. Researchers also measured the levels of vehicle jarring/jolting. Four basic seat designs were compared on low and mid-coal seam shuttle cars during production operations at two underground coal...

background: manual handling, lifting, or carrying of material is responsible for non-fatal injuries among employees in industries. it is the second most prevalent reported risk factor in workplaces that can lead to potential manual handling accidents and longer-term musculoskeletal disorders (msds). the aim of this study was the evaluation of manual material handling using the american national...

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created the NIOSH Science Blog to provide a new way to further the Institute’s long-standing commitment to optimizing two-way communication with partners, stakeholders, and the public. The blog provides an opportunity for NIOSH scientists and stakeholders to present ideas to each other while engaging in robust scientific discussi...

Musculoskeletal models may enhance our understanding of the dynamic loading joints during manual material handling. This study used state-of-the-art musculoskeletal to determine effects load mass, asymmetry angle, horizontal location and deposit height on knees, shoulders lumbar spine lifting. Recommended weight limits lifting indices were also calculated using NIOSH equation. Based 1832 lifts ...

Muscle pain is often experienced by workers who have to move repeatedly and/or forcibly. The cumulative trauma disorder that results from repetitive movements is difficult to anticipate and prevent. The present study uses a rodent model to: (1) determine the factors which produce dysfunctional muscles, (2) document changes in the matrix and myofibers which lead to pathologic muscles, and (3) st...

controlling exposures of workers to nitrous oxide (N2O) during the administration of anesthetic gas in medical, dental, and veterinary operatories. NIOSH concluded in 1977 that exposure to N2O causes decreases in mental performance, audiovisual ability, and manual dexterity [NIOSH 1977b]. A recent study of workers [Rowland et al. 1992] and several experimental animal studies [Corbett et al. 197...

Silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO2), is a group IV metal oxide, which naturally occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms (i.e. polymorphic; NTP, 2005). The various forms of crystalline silica are: α-quartz, β-quartz, α-tridymite, β-tridymite, α-cristobalite, β-cristobalite, keatite, coesite, stishovite, and moganite (NIOSH, 2002). The most abundant form of silica is α-quartz, and the term q...