Synergist - June/July 2011

Technical Safety Officer Director Pocatello, Idaho

Department: Office of Research Posting Number: 2011130 Primary Purpose: To have primary responsibility for ISU radiation safety, chemical hygiene, hazardous waste and infectious waste programs. To serve as ISU Radiation Safety Officer, as required by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Responsibilities - Oversight of ISU radiation safety program via service as ISU Radiation Safety Officer.

- Training and supervision of Technical Safety Office personnel. - Oversight of ISU hazardous/infectious waste operations. - Development and oversight of ISU chemical hygiene program. Minimum Qualifications: M.S. in Health Physics or related area; 5 years of professional experience in Health Physics and Industrial Hygiene. Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in Health Physics or related area; Certified Health Physicist (CHP); Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH); Certified Safety Professional (CSP). Salary/Pay Information: Commensurate with qualifications and experience; competitive benefits package. Term of Employment: 12-month/Full-time Special Instructions to Applicants: Please submit a cover letter, current resume, and names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin upon receipt; search will continue until position is filled. Application Process: For full consideration, please apply through the Idaho State University Human Resources website ( www.isujobs.net).

ISU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We have an institution-wide commitment to inclusion and diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Veterans' preference.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Circle Fax-back Card No. 18

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OSHA Reopens Record on Proposed MSD Column

OSHA announced May 16 that it will reopen the public record on a proposed rule to revise the Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements regulations so that stakeholders can comment on issues raised during the small business teleconferences that OSHA and the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy co-sponsored in April. During the teleconferences, small business representatives shared their thoughts on how the recordkeeping of work-related musculoskeletal disorders would be impacted by the proposed rule.

OSHA proposed to modify the Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements rule in January 2010. The proposed rule would not change the current recordkeeping requirements regarding when and under what circumstances employers are compelled to record workplace injuries and illnesses; however,

State Report

Washington Law Adopts NIOSH Recommendations for
Handling Hazardous Drugs

In July 2010, a joint investigation by the Seattle Times and Investigate West, an independent news organization, brought attention to the occupational risks of handling chemotherapy drugs. In a series of articles, reporter Carol Smith profiled health care workers who had developed cancer as a result of these occupational exposures. The series prompted the introduction of Washington state legislation, which became S.B. 5594.

The legislation was passed by Washington State’s House of Representatives and Senate. Last month, Governor Chris Gre-goire (D) signed S.B. 5594, which requires the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to issue standards for health care workers who handle hazardous drugs. The legislation now requires that the state agency develop rules to protect health care workers exposed to chemotherapeutic and other drugs on the NIOSH list of hazardous drugs available from www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-167/. Washington is believed to be the first state to adopt health and safety legislation based on NIOSH recommendations.

In April, OSHA, NIOSH, and the Joint Commission, a not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations in the U.S., distributed a letter to hospitals and health care employers regarding the exposure risks of powerful drugs used for medicinal treatment and therapy. The letter encourages the implementation of safe drug handling policies in the health care industry. Additionally, the letter references the NIOSH list of hazardous drugs and offers resources for employers and employees. To read the letter, visit www.osha.gov/ ooc/drug-letter.pdf.