Included in every issue of The Synergist is the NewsWatch section, which includes short articles and updates from NIOSH, the CDC, EPA, OSHA, and other government agencies. NewsWatch focuses on news, new research and findings, and best practices. Hot-button topics like silica and GHS labeling have appeared here throughout the past year.
NOVEMBER 2021
Mailed with AIHA Vendor Directory
Leading health metrics. Many organizations have tried to identify metrics that allow organizations to identify health and safety problems before they lead to serious incidents. This article examines AIHA's recent contribution to the search for leading health metrics.
Advances in elastomeric respirators. PPE shortages at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic brought renewed attention to the elastomeric half-mask respirator (EHMR), which could help meet demand but whose exhalation valves raised concerns about source control. Authors from NIOSH describe recent advancements in EHMR technology.
Protective clothing for chemical mixtures. Mixtures provide an interesting challenge when it comes to selecting appropriate protective clothing. This article will summarize current understanding in this area.
DECEMBER 2021
The problem of worker fatigue. Approximately 15 million Americans work full time on the evening shift, night shift, rotating shifts, or other irregular schedules, almost 19 percent of working adults work 48 hours or more per week, and more than 7 percent work 60 hours or more. This article discusses the health and safety risks of a fatigued workforce and offers potential solutions.
Disinfecting protective clothing for SARS-CoV-2. A discussion of the effects of disinfection on protective clothing and respirators.
A case study in COVID-19 vaccination requirements. How an outdoor Shakespeare festival in Idaho worked with a union to implement a vaccination policy for workers and attendees.
JANUARY 2022
Insert: AIHA's New Strategic Plan
Hazards associated with renewable energy and lithium ion batteries. With the accelerating transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles, OEHS professionals will need to learn more about the hazards of producing, charging, and disposing of batteries, among other new hazards.
Safety in construction. An examination of two common rescue situations in construction: a trench collapse, and a worker falling and being suspended from a harness.
FEBRUARY 2022
Hacking and OEHS. What OEHS professionals need to know about the potential effects of hackers on workplace health and safety.
How to read and understand epidemiology studies. Tips for OEHS professionals on how to critically appraise studies and make informed decisions.
Sustainable laboratories. How OEHS professionals can contribute to sustainability initiatives at labs. Initiatives such as changes to ventilation practices that can result in energy and cost savings without compromising worker health will be discussed.
MARCH 2022
Insert: AIHA's Annual Report
Industrial hygiene 4.0. The role of sensors in the occupational environment.
Introduction to PFAS. Authors from NIOSH explain their work on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Respiratory protection training for non-experts. Surveys suggest that small businesses generally lack the resources and understanding required to implement successful respiratory protection programs. This article will suggest possible solutions.
APRIL 2022
Decentralized management and OEHS. How do new modes of organizational governance such as holacracy affect workers' well-being? What practical matters do OEHS professionals need to consider when advising such an organization?
Health and safety at unusual venues. From one of the authors of the article "Mortal Exposures," which explored how to protect workers in America's death care industry, comes a new article focused on workers' concerns about bloodborne pathogens and workplace violence at strip clubs.
Silica controls. A review of engineering and administrative controls for crystalline silica.
MAY 2022
Bonus circulation: AIHce EXP 2022
Benchmarking for EHS resources. Practical tips on how to leverage the resources and talent OEHS professionals have at their disposal.
Empathy for industrial hygienists. Some IHs are more comfortable with the technical aspects of their jobs. This article will present practical tips for excelling at interacting with workers.
Update on occupational exposure banding. The latest on OEBs from NIOSH.
JUNE/JULY 2022
Protective clothing and heat stress. Best practices in identifying and preventing heat-related illnesses when using personal protective clothing, including background on the applicable regulations, exposure sampling, and mitigation techniques.
Preparing for the next pandemic. What have we learned from COVID-19 that will prepare us for future infectious diseases?
AI in the workplace. Robots, scanners, sensors, cameras--AI is everywhere these days. How can OEHS professionals use these technologies to their advantage without violating workers' privacy?
AUGUST 2022
Special issue on labs
Topics TBD.
SEPTEMBER 2022
Bonus circulation: Product Stewardship Society
Special section on product stewardship.
Millennials as OEHS leaders. How the younger generation of OEHS professionals can get the most out of their careers.
OCTOBER 2022
Protecting workers with multiple jobs. Inadequate knowledge about the interactions between hazards presents challenges for risk management.
Fatigue management systems. How technology is helping OEHS professionals manage the hazards of fatigue.
NOVEMBER 2022
Mailed with the AIHA Vendor Directory
Topics TBD
DECEMBER 2022
Topics TBD