Monthly Archives: November 2009

2009 H1N1 Flu: Situation Update

November 25, 2009 By in CDC, H1N1, LinkedIn, News Tags: ,

Each week CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators in a report called FluView.* During the week of November 8-14, 2009, influenza activity decreased across all key indicators, but overall remained very high for this time of year. Below is a summary of the most recent key indicators:

  • Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) nationally decreased again this week over last week. This is the third consecutive week of national decreases in ILI after four consecutive weeks of sharp increases. (All regions showed declines in ILI.) While ILI declined overall nationally, visits to doctors for influenza-like illness remain high.
  • Influenza hospitalization rates are beginning to decline but remain higher than expected for this time of year. Hospitalization rates continue to be highest in younger populations with the highest hospitalization rate reported in children 0-4 years old.
  • The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Report decreased slightly but is still higher than what is expected for this time of year and has remained elevated for seven weeks now. In addition, 21 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported this week: 15 of these deaths were associated with laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1; 6 were influenza A viruses, but were not subtyped. Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 171 laboratory-confirmed pediatric 2009 H1N1 deaths, one influenza B death, and another 28 pediatric deaths that were laboratory confirmed as influenza, but the flu virus subtype was not determined. (Laboratory-confirmed deaths are thought to represent an undercount of the actual number. CDC has provided estimates about the number of 2009 H1N1 cases and related hospitalizations and deaths.
  • Forty-three states are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time; a decline of three states from last week. They are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
  • Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception.

*All data are preliminary and may change as more reports are received.

More on the Situation

Background

Illinois Parents Beware – Many Toys Still Toxic

November 25, 2009 By in Child Safety, Consumer Alert, Home Safety, LinkedIn, News Tags: , , 2 Comments

CHICAGO, Nov. 24 –Dangerous or toxic toys can still be found on America’s store shelves, Illinois PIRG (Illinois Public Interest Research Group) announced on Tuesday in its 24th annual Trouble in Toyland report.

The latest Trouble in Toyland report, along with a new interactive tool accessible via smart phone or computer – http://toysafety.mobi or www.toysafety.net – will help parents and other toy-buyers avoid some common hazards.

And if toy buyers discover they have bought a dangerous toy, they can report it to Illinois PIRG using the new interactive app and website. Consumers should also report dangerous products to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

“Now parents can shop safely and avoid purchasing potentially dangerous toys for their kids,” said Illinois PIRG’s Brian Imus. “And with our new, interactive tool, parents and other consumers can report toys they think are hazardous so we can investigate them and report them to the federal government.”

“This guide is an invaluable resource for identifying dangerous, non-recalled toys currently on store shelves,” said Attorney General Lisa Madigan.  “Like other Illinois parents, I refer to this guide to make sure that I am choosing safe holiday gifts.”

The 2009 Trouble in Toyland report – and the mobile app and website – focus on three categories of toy hazards: toys that may pose choking hazards, toys that are excessively loud, and toys that contain the toxic chemicals lead and phthalates.

Illinois PIRG noted that some progress has been made on toy safety in the past year, thanks to a new law overhauling the CPSC.

“But there’s no magic wand to fix the CPSC, and making products safer won’t happen overnight, “said Brian Imus. “Restoring consumer confidence in the products we buy will take continued hard work on the part of the CPSC and responsible retailers and manufacturers.”

The findings in this year’s Trouble in Toyland highlight the need for continued improvement in order to protect American’s children:

  • • Despite a ban on small parts in toys for children under three, there are still toys available that pose serious choking hazards. Between 1990 and 2008, at least 196 children died after choking or asphyxiating on a toy or toy part; three died in 2008 alone.
  • • Many toys tested exceed 85 decibels sound level, which is higher than the highest volume level recommended by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Almost 15 percent of children aged 6 to 17 show signs of hearing loss.
  • • Earlier this year, toys and other children’s products containing more than 0.1% of phthalates were banned. Still, Illinois PIRG found children’s products that contained concentrations of phthalates up to 7.2%.
  • • Lead was severely restricted in toys earlier this year, but Illinois PIRG researchers found lead-laced toys on store shelves. Lead has negative health effects on almost every organ and system in the human body. One preschool book contained lead paint far above the new limits and Illinois PIRG notified the CPSC.

“We’re encouraged that Toys R Us stopped the sale of this particular book once we notified the CPSC of the lead paint violation,” Imus noted. “We hope we can continue to see this kind of progress in protecting kids from all toy hazards.”
But one store chain removing one book from its shelves is not enough to keep the country’s children from harm.

In fact, according to the most recent data from the CPSC, toy-related injuries sent more than 82,000 children under the age of five to emergency rooms in 2008. Nineteen children died from toy-related injuries that year.

That’s why the PIRG federation developed the interactive tool – http://toysafety.mobi or www.toysafety.net – that allows shoppers to check on possible hazards, as well as report hazards they find.

For 24 years, the Illinois PIRG Trouble in Toyland report has offered safety guidelines for purchasing toys for small children and provides examples of toys currently on store shelves that pose potential safety hazards.

To download a pdf version of Trouble in Toyland, Click Here.

Smoking may void Applecare warranty due to “health hazard”

November 23, 2009 By in Consumer Alert, LinkedIn, News Tags: ,

Apple owners claim that their Applecare warranties have been refused due to “health risks of second hand smoke.”

The Consumerist has reported that two separate readers have sent in accounts of being refused computer repair service due to the presence of damage related to smoking. The readers were reportedly told that computers with evidence of smoke damage could not be worked on because Apple considers them to be health hazards, and to have workers repair the computer would be an OSHA violation.

Employees at one Apple store reportedly told a customer that her computer was “beyond economical repair due to tar from cigarette smoke.”

Both customers sent letters directly to Steve Jobs’ office and both were declined service even though they had active Applecare warranties. One reader received a response advising that “nicotine is on OSHA’s list of hazardous substances and Apple would not require an employee to repair anything deemed hazardous to their health.”

Apple has not officially responded to any inquiries about this policy and it is unclear if it is a blanket policy or if there is a workable threshold for the amount of smoke damage present.

OSHA Quick Takes – November 2009

November 23, 2009 By in LinkedIn, OSHA News, OSHA Quick Takes Tags: , ,

OSHA issues crowd control guidelines for protecting workers during retail sales events

OSHA has published a fact sheet providing crowd control guidelines for retailers to protect workers during major sales events. Last year, a worker was trampled to death while a mob of shoppers rushed through the doors of a large store to take advantage of an after Thanksgiving Day “Black Friday” sales event. The store was not using the kind of crowd control measures recommended in the fact sheet. Following the recommendations will help avoid worker injuries during the holiday shopping season.

OSHA issues compliance directive to address flu prevention for health care workers

OSHA issued a compliance directive Nov. 20 to ensure uniform procedures when conducting inspections to identify and minimize or eliminate high to very high risk occupational exposures to the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus. The directive closely follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare Settings, Including Protection of Healthcare Personnel.” To learn more, read news release and directive.

OSHA welcomes GAO report on under-reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses

A new Government Accountability Office report released Nov. 16 on injury and illness recordkeeping found evidence that OSHA’s current audit process needs improvement and certain incentive and discipline programs can discourage workers from reporting injuries and illnesses. The report also notes widespread reports from occupational health practitioners who were pressured not to record an injury or illness. In response to studies of under-reporting and congressional interest, OSHA recently announced a major Recordkeeping National Emphasis Program to ensure that injuries and illnesses are accurately reported. Because accurate data is needed to enable OSHA to better target its resources and determine the effectiveness of its efforts, Secretary Solis welcomed the fin dings and assured the GAO that we will comply with the report’s recommendations.

Agency promotes H1N1 worker precaution and protection

OSHA issued fact sheets about H1N1 that employers and workers can use to promote safety during the current H1N1 flu outbreak. The fact sheets offer ways to minimize work-related risks of exposure to the H1N1 virus. Visit the “Workplace Safety and H1N1” Web page for more details.

Agency issues final rule revising its acetylene standard

The final rule revising OSHA’s Acetylene Standard became effective Nov. 9. The rule replaces references to outdated industry standards with updated references reflecting current industry practices. Read the Nov. 10 Federal Register for more information.

Stakeholder meetings addressing combustible dust hazards are scheduled

The proposed rule to address combustible dust hazards will be discussed during informal meetings between OSHA and interested stakeholders Dec. 14, 2009, in Washington, D.C. The meetings begin at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel at Metro Center. View the Nov. 10 Federal Register for guidance on how to participate.

OSHA Training Institute Education Centers Program helps promote safer and more healthful workplaces

Workplaces continue to grow safer and more healthful everyday because of the OTI Education Centers Program. During fiscal 2009, nearly 31,000 students were trained and more than 2,000 classes were offered by 25 centers. The OTI Education Centers are a national network of nonprofit organizations authorized by OSHA to provide occupational safety and health training on behalf of OTI. To learn more, visit the Directorate of Training and Education’s Web page.

OSHA employee authors article promoting firefighter safety

Increasing the safety of firefighters is the focus of an article authored by OSHA’s Mat Chibbaro, P.E., in a recent edition of “Sprinkler Age” magazine. Chibbaro outlines ways that designers and installers can integrate features into sprinkler and standpipe systems that will help to keep these firefighters safe during emergency operations. Read the article for details. This was a cooperative effort under OSHA’s alliance with the American Fire Sprinkler Association.

OSHA area office to enhance worker safety and health at upcoming “Safety Fests”

OSHA’s Boise, Idaho, Area Office has joined with several Idaho corporations and state and federal government agencies to present “Safety Fests of the Great Northwest,” safety and health training conferences and exhibitions, in Boise, Jan. 26-29, 2010, and Post Falls, Idaho, Feb. 23-26. Numerous course offerings are available on topics such as combustible dust, fall protection, lockout/tagout and recordkeeping. All sessions are free. To register, visit the Safety Fest of the Great Northwest Web site.

Calumet City, Ill., Area Office completes Voluntary Protection Programs on-site evaluation

The Calumet City, Ill., Area Office is the latest office in OSHA’s Region V to complete its on-site evaluation as part of the VPP application process. The on-site evaluation was conducted by a team of Special Government Employees. Currently, more than half of the region’s area offices have attained VPP recognition.

OSHA reminds VPP participants about process safety management questionnaire

Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) participants whose worksites fall under federal jurisdiction and whose operations are covered by OSHA’s process safety management standard will receive a questionnaire that must be completed and included with annual self-evaluations. Evaluations are due Feb. 15, 2010. For more information, contact your OSHA Regional VPP Manager.

‘QuickTips’ on preventing cold-related injuries and illnesses

The calendar says it is almost winter, so OSHA is reminding employers and workers, whose work is concentrated outside, to take the necessary precautions to prevent cold-related injuries and illnesses. OSHA’s “Cold Stress Pocket Card” (English/Spanish) provides recommendations on protecting workers in cold environments. Electronic copies can be downloaded from the agency’s publications page, or printed copies can be ordered online or by calling 202-693-1888.

Department of Labor news and job openings

For more Department of Labor news, see DOL’s electronic newsletter. Are you interested in a career with DOL? The department has job opportunities throughout the country such as an opening in OSHA for a health scientist.

Editor: Elaine Fraser, OSHA Office of Communications, 202-693-1999
For more information on occupational safety and health, visit OSHA’s Web site.
Visit OSHA’s “QuickTakes” page to view previous issues.



Infant Entrapment and Suffocation Prompts Stork Craft to Recall More Than 2.1 Million Drop-Side Cribs

November 23, 2009 By in Child Safety, Consumer Alert, CPSC Recalls Tags: , , 2 Comments

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc., of British Columbia, Canada, today announced the voluntary recall of more than 2.1 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs, including about 147,000 Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. The recall involves approximately 1,213,000 units distributed in the United States and 968,000 units distributed in Canada.

CPSC urges parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the recalled cribs, wait for the free repair kit, and do not attempt to fix the cribs without the kit. They should find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side.

The cribs’ drop-side plastic hardware can break, deform, or parts can become missing. In addition, the drop-side can be installed upside-down, which can result in broken or disengaged plastic parts. All of these problems can cause the drop-side to detach in one or more corners. When the drop-side detaches, it creates space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. The bodies of infants and toddlers can become entrapped in the space which can lead to suffocation. Complete detachment of drop-sides can lead to falls from the crib.

CPSC, Health Canada, and Stork Craft are aware of 110 incidents of drop-side detachment; 67 incidents occurred in the United States and 43 in Canada. The incidents include 15 entrapments; 12 in the U.S. and three in Canada. Four of the entrapments resulted in suffocation: a 7-month-old in Gouverneur, N.Y.; a 7-month-old in New Iberia, La.; a 6-month-old in Summersville, W.Va.; and a 9-month-old in Bronx, N.Y. Included in these incidents are 20 falls from cribs; 12 in the U.S. and eight in Canada. Fall injuries ranged from concussion to bumps and bruises. The cribs involved in these incidents had plastic drop-side hardware that had broken, missing, or deformed claws, connectors, tracks, or flexible tab stops; loose or missing metal spring clips; stripped screws; and/or drop-sides installed upside-down.

This recall involves Stork Craft drop-side cribs and Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. This recall does not involve any cribs that do not have a drop-side. This recall does not involve any cribs with metal rod drop-side hardware. It involves only those cribs with plastic trigger and one-hand-system drop-side hardware.

This recall includes Stork Craft cribs with manufacturing and distribution dates between January 1993 and October 2009. This recall also includes Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo that have manufacturing dates between October 1997 and December 2004. The Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo were first sold in the U.S. in July 1998 and in Canada in September 1998. The cribs were sold in various styles and finishes. The manufacture date, model number, crib name, country of origin, and the firm’s name, address, and contact information are located on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board. The firm’s insignia “storkcraft baby” or “storkling” is inscribed on the drop-side teething rail of some cribs. In Stork Craft cribs that contain the “Fisher-Price” logo, this logo can be found on the crib’s teething rail, in the manufacturer’s instructions, on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board, and on the end panels of the Twinkle-Twinkle and Crystal crib models.

Major retailers in the United States and Canada sold the recalled cribs including BJ’s Wholesale Club, J.C. Penney, Kmart, Meijer, Sears, USA Baby, and Wal-Mart stores and online at Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com, Costco.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com from January 1993 through October 2009 for between $100 and $400.

The cribs were manufactured in Canada, China and Indonesia.

For additional information, contact Stork Craft toll-free at (877) 274-0277 anytime to order the free repair kit, or log on to www.storkcraft.com

Picture of Recalled crib showing entrapment hazard with upside down drop side and broken claw
Picture of Recalled one-hand system Crib with indication of Fisher Price label on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board
Picture of Recalled trigger system Crib with indication of Stork Craft label is on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board

Important Message from CPSC:

CPSC would like to remind parents not to use any crib with missing, broken, or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop-side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for disengagement. Any disengagement can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib, especially with tape, wire or rope.

Note: Health Canada’s press release can be seen at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=888

Satellite Coordinates (C-Band) All Times Eastern

Video feed with b-roll of Stork Craft drop side cribs, a detached drop side and the free repair kit being installed.

Date: Tuesday, November 24
Time: 10:30am – 11:00 am
Satellite: AMC 3C Transponder 22
Freq: DL 4140V

Date: Tuesday, November 24
Time: 2:30 pm – 3:00 p.m. ET
Satellite: AMC 3C Transponder 22
Freq: DL 4140V

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CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.