The Center for Public Integrity investigates occupational illness and the workers’ compensation system; federal officials accuse coal mining operator of worker retaliation; OSHA penalties finally rise to meet inflation; and low-wage workers go on strike across the nation for better wages.
The criminal trial of former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship went into its fifth week. Jurors heard from a veteran federal mine safety inspector, and a former MSHA ventilation expert who was hired by Massey to address safety problems.
Affordable Care Act
Adult Vaccine Access Coalition launches to rally efforts to increase adult immunization rates
When it comes to immunization rates in the United States, the story is a mixed one. Among children, we’ve absolutely excelled. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the nation’s childhood vaccination rate as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. But when it comes to American adults — 50,000 of whom die every year from vaccine-preventable diseases — it’s a very different story.
The criminal trial of former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship went into its fourth week. Jurors heard from Chris Blanchard, the former president of Massey Energy’s Performance Coal Company about his and Blankenship’s oversight of the Upper Big Branch mine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released the first nationally representative estimates of electronic cigarette use among U.S. adults, finding that more than 12 percent had ever tried the aerosol nicotine products in 2014. So, as is the unfortunate case with many emerging and potential public health threats, it seems like e-cigarette use is outpacing the ability of regulatory bodies to protect the public’s health and educate consumers about possible risks.
Environmental Health
Worker center success: Houston workers organize for safer conditions at insulation plant
When Mirella Nava began her new job at Rock Wool Manufacturing Company in Houston, Texas, she had no intentions of becoming an advocate for worker safety. But when she witnessed how fellow workers were being treated and the dangerous work conditions they faced on a daily basis, she felt compelled to speak up.
The criminal trial of former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship went into its third week. Jurors heard from a company president who was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony against Blankenship, as well as conflicting information about whether Blankenship was ever inside the Upper Big Branch mine.
Affordable Care Act
Study: Affordable Care Act driving reductions in racial, ethnic insurance disparities
More good news from the Affordable Care Act: Since it became the law of the land, uninsurance disparities between white, black and Hispanic residents have narrowed significantly.
The criminal trial of former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship went into its second week. Jurors heard from former employees of the Upper Big Branch mine, the scene in 2010 of the worst coal mine disaster in 40 years.
Investigative series explores worker health and safety on the farm; California enacts toughest pay equity law in the country; OSHA proposes biggest fine in Nebraska’s history; and Labor Secretary Tom Perez stops by Gawker.