SHARP Focus Newsletter - Fall 2023

Introducing WERC

SHARP is pleased to announce the establishment of the new Work Equity Research Center (WERC) 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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Post-Covid Conditions

Some workers exposed to COVID-19 on the job go on to develop post-COVID conditions (?long COVID?). New SHARP research 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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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 aimed at addressing underlying hazards and providing information for prevention. A new technical report outlines the program, and two new SHARP Stats summarize data about amputation rates and sources.

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Toxic Inhalation Exposure

Occupational exposure to airborne toxins can lead to serious adverse health effects. SHARP?s Toxic Inhalation Surveillance 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 and ammonia.

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

?? A technical report detailing occupational toxic inhalation of carbon monoxide among Washington workers.