Welcome to OEHN’s new Occupational Health Update email.  At OEHN we are interested in providing valuable Occupational Health news to keep you up to date and enhance your knowledge. To this end, OEHN’s staff will research and provide current Occupational Health news worthy information. We will also employ other members of the OEHN leadership team to provide monthly updates on Occupational Health topics. Look for OEHN’s Occupational Health Update in your email each month. We hope you enjoy and please let us know if there are any topics that you would like us to focus on.

Salmonella Serotype Typhimurium Outbreak in Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter-Containing Products

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of human infections due to Salmonella serotype Typhimurium.

Preliminary analysis of the first national case-control study conducted by CDC and public health officials in multiple states on January 3 and 4, 2009, comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons indicates that peanut butter is a likely source of the bacteria causing the infections.

To date, 15 clusters of infections in five states have been reported in schools and other institutions, such as long-term care facilities and hospitals. Among 14 clusters for which we have detailed information, King Nut is the only brand of peanut butter used in those facilities.

• Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them.  These products include Austin and Keebler brand peanut butter crackers and King Nut brand peanut butter produced since July 1, 2008. (FDA's web site has recalled lot numbers).

• Use FDA’s online database to check if foods you’re concerned about are on the recall list.

•  Call the consumer hotline phone number that may be on any product packaging you have to get information directly from the product manufacturer.

• Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care providers.
  Find out more.

Keeping Health Care Workers Healthy During the Flu Season

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) is urging health care workers and their employers to follow three basic steps this flu season to help prevent influenza infections in the health care workforce. Flu shots for employees tops the list, followed by adherence to well-proven infection control practices when interacting with patients and the use of educational programs.  Find out more.

Job Loss - Important Information Workers Need to Know to Protect Their Health Coverage and Retirement Benefit

When facing job loss or a reduction in hours, workers need to know their options ahead of time to prevent loss of health coverage.  There may be several options available to individuals who are losing their health coverage when they lose their jobs:

• Special Enrollment in Another Group Plan.

• COBRA Continuation Coverage.

• Health Coverage Through a Government Program.

• Private, Individual Health Insurance.

• Retirement Benefits.

When considering health coverage options, individuals should examine the scope of the coverage (including benefit coverage and limitations, visit limits, and dollar limits), premiums, cost sharing (including co-payments and deductibles), and waiting periods. Find out more. 

OSHA Best Practices for Hospital Based First Receivers Involving the Release of Hazardous Substances

Healthcare workers risk occupational exposures to chemical, biological, or radiological materials when a hospital receives contaminated patients, particularly during mass casualty incidents. These hospital employees, who may be termed first receivers, work at a site remote from the location where the hazardous substance release occurred. This means that their exposures are limited to the substances transported to the hospital on victims' skin, hair, clothing, or personal effects (Horton et al., 2003). The location and limited source of contaminant distinguishes first receivers from other first responders (e.g., firefighters, law enforcement, and ambulance service personnel), who typically respond to the incident site (i.e., the Release Zone).  Find out more.

Occupational & Environmental Health Network (OEHN) 
5 Mount Royal Avenue  Marlborough, MA  01752
508 251 7260

www.oehn.net

 
copyright (C) 2009 *OEHN* All rights reserved.