What's New from the Occupational Health Branch
Preventing worker deaths from methylene chloride
Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) is a widely used solvent that can cause serious illness or death when used in enclosed spaces. It is a cancer-causing chemical used in paint strippers, in the production of polymer foams and as a degreaser. OHB investigated the deaths of two California workers due to methylene chloride overexposure. Now OHB is launching a web page on preventing worker deaths from paint strippers containing methylene chloride.
Preventing worker deaths from paint strippers containing methylene chloride – Safer alternatives web page
Electronic Waste Recycling: Working Safely – New factsheet
Our society’s increasing appetite for the latest electronic equipment is fueling a growing electronic waste (e-waste) recycling industry. In e-waste recycling, workers may encounter unanticipated hazards that can result in injury, hearing loss, and/or exposure to toxic dusts and other chemicals. These hazards can cause serious and sometimes permanent health problems. This fact sheet describes the hazards that may occur in e-waste recycling and highlights actions companies can take to control these hazards, as well as things workers can do to protect themselves.
Electronic Waste Recycling: Working Safely (PDF)
– factsheet
For more information on our work in this area, see Early Warning about Workplace Hazards
California Occupational Health Indicators – Annually updated data
Occupational health indicators are a set of statistics that help explain the current state of worker health. OHB tracks California employment demographics and 20 health indicators to understand and share trends related to worker injuries, illnesses, exposure and other factors that influence occupational health. The data are presented annually starting with the year 2000. Work-related injuries and illnesses can be prevented. Having the data necessary to understand the problem is the first step.
California Occupational Health Indicators | Data Tables for California Occupational Health Indicators
California Worker Health and Safety at a Glance (PDF)