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SHARP Focus Newsletter - Fall 2023

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WERC logo
Introducing WERC

SHARP is pleased to announce the establishment of the new Work Equity Research Center (WERC) [ [link removed] ] at the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. WERC's purpose is to build collaborative research partnerships to improve outcomes for marginalized workers. SHARP senior researcher Dr. Caroline Smith will be the center's inaugural director.

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COVID-19 virus illustration
Post-Covid Conditions

Some workers exposed to COVID-19 on the job [ [link removed] ] go on to develop post-COVID conditions (?long COVID?). New SHARP research [ [link removed] ] estimates that 6% to 9% of Washington workers who file claims for job-related acute COVID-19 go on to develop post-COVID conditions. The study also examined the impact of post-COVID conditions on return to work.

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circular saw cutting block of wood
Work-Related Amputations

Work-related amputations are severe, disfiguring injuries that can lead to lifelong impairment. SHARP has developed a system for identifying and tracking workplace amputations [ [link removed] ] aimed at addressing underlying hazards and providing information for prevention. A new technical report [ [link removed] ] outlines the program, and two new SHARP Stats summarize data about amputation rates [ [link removed] ] and sources [ [link removed] ].

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toxic fumes danger sign on wall
Toxic Inhalation Exposure

Occupational exposure to airborne toxins can lead to serious adverse health effects. SHARP?s Toxic Inhalation Surveillance [ [link removed] ] system uses workers? compensation data to track worker exposures to known toxic compounds and identify emerging hazards. Recent findings are available in several new publications, including:

?? SHARP Stats with summaries of data about workplace exposure to illicit drugs [ [link removed] ] and ammonia [ [link removed] ].

?? Research Findings [ [link removed] ] from a case study of toxic inhalation of sodium metabisulphite by-products from a shipping container.

?? A technical report [ [link removed] ] detailing occupational toxic inhalation of carbon monoxide among Washington workers.



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SHARP Fast Facts

"*COVID-19:*"

Workers? Compensation Claims for Exposure and Disease from COVID-19 (Quarter 1, 2023 report) [ [link removed] ]

"*Research Findings:*"?

Racial Disparities in Claim Rates [ [link removed] ]

Toxic Inhalation Injury [ [link removed] ]

Heat-Related Illness and Ambient Temperature Trends [ [link removed] ]



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"*SHARP Stats:*"

Construction Worker Deaths [ [link removed] ]

Work-Related Amputation Sources [ [link removed] ]

Work-Related Amputation Rates [ [link removed] ]

Toxic Inhalation: Illicit Drug Exposure [ [link removed] ]

Toxic Inhalation of Ammonia [ [link removed] ]

Wood Products Manufacturing Hospitalizations [ [link removed] ]



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SHARP Program Site [ [link removed] ]

*1-888-66-SHARP (toll-free)*
360-902-5667
Fax: 360-902-5672
[email protected]



SHARP Program
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
P.O. Box 44330
Olympia, WA 98504-4330

? Washington State Department of Labor & Industries



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Washington State Department of Labor & Industries ??7273 Linderson Way SW???Tumwater WA 98501