Workplace Safety
Study finds brominated flame retardants in firefighter turnout gear, including newer PFAS-free models
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A U.S. study has found brominated flame retardants in firefighter turnout gear, including in newer models marketed as PFAS-free. Published on December 16 in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the research reports that some of these flame retardants appear at higher extractable levels than PFAS in certain gear layers, raising fresh questions about potential health risks to firefighters.
Workers at U.S. material recovery facilities (MRFs) encountered heightened dangers in recent years, with nine fatalities in 2023 and rising fire incidents linked to lithium-ion batteries. The fatality rate for refuse and recycling collectors increased over 80% that year, ranking the job fourth most dangerous in the country. Proper household recycling practices can help mitigate these hazards.
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State-owned mining company LKAB failed to report serious workplace incidents to the Swedish Work Environment Authority, according to an investigation by Arbetet newspaper. The company now admits the error and is in contact with the authority. Employees report life-threatening near-death experiences in the mines.
A veteran Tesla mechanic is suing the company after a humanoid robot knocked him unconscious during a maintenance shift. The incident involved the 'Optimus' robot pinning Peter Hinterdobler to the ground with significant force. He alleges negligence in the robot's operation and maintenance.