Posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and alcohol and tobacco use in public health workers after the 2004 Florida hurricanes.

Objective: We examined the relationship of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), probable depression, and increased alcohol and/or tobacco use to disaster exposure and work demand in Florida Department of Health workers after the 2004 hurricanes.

Methods: Participants (N = 2249) completed electronic questionnaires assessing PTSD, depression, alcohol and tobacco use, hurricane exposure, and work demand.

Results: Total mental and behavioral health burden (probable PTSD, probable depression, increased alcohol and/or tobacco use) was 11%.

Expectations training for miners using self-contained self-rescuers in escapes from underground coal mines.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health researchers conducted a study to investigate the human response issues related to wearing a self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR). The goal was to develop training to educate miners on what they could expect from their units during an escape. Subjects included miners who had experience wearing SCSRs, manufacturers, and researchers.

The concept of degraded images applied to hazard recognition training in mining for reduction of lost-time injuries.

Introduction: This paper discusses the application of a training intervention that uses degraded images for improving the hazard recognition skills of miners.

Method: NIOSH researchers, in an extensive literature review, identified fundamental psychological principles on perception that may be employed to enhance the ability of miners to recognize and respond to hazards in their dangerous work environment. Three studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the degraded image training intervention.