As the Republicans push forward their abysmal Affordable Care Act replacement, much of the talk surrounding its impact focuses on insurance numbers and premium hikes. Those things are certainly important. But this is more important: The Republican plan will cause unnecessary suffering and preventable death.
Government
Exaggerating the cost of workplace safety penalties, instead of limbs, lungs, lives saved
It bothers me when politicians try to rile up employers by exaggerating the cost of OSHA penalties.
Government
Fatal work injury that killed Rick Simer, 64, was preventable, OSHA cites K.B.P. Coil Coaters
The fatal work-related injuries that killed Simer, 64, could have been prevented had K.B.P. Coil Coaters, Inc. followed worker safety regulations.
Food Safety & Nutrition
More soda tax success: Study finds Mexico’s tax reduced sugary beverage buys two years in a row
Another day, another study that shows soda taxes work to reduce the consumption of beverages associated with costly chronic diseases in children and adults.
Former head of the federal Wage and Hour Division talks about efforts under Obama, challenges under Trump; news releases on OSHA enforcement actions disappear from its website; Texas lawmakers propose bills to improve farmworker housing conditions; and congressional Republicans vote to roll back OSHA reporting rules.
The American Public Health Association, the American Lung Association, and other health protection organizations have put Members of Congress and the Trump Administration on notice: dismantling regulations and slashing agency budgets will have dire consequences for Americans.
California
Labor-Enviro-Community coalition wins stronger California oil refinery regulations and showcases a winning strategy for worker and community health
Last month, California’s Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) proposed revised and stronger regulations for oil refineries in the state after a 4½-year joint campaign by labor unions, environmental and community organizations. The successful strategic coalition is a powerful example of how health and safety regulations can be improved despite an industry’s wealth, power and political influence.
Environmental Health
Researchers identify thousands of fracking spills, highlight why data is critical to prevention
In 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a report finding 457 fracking-related spills in eight states between 2006 and 2012. Last month, a new study tallied more than 6,600 fracking spills in just four states between 2005 and 2014. But, as usual, the numbers only tell part of the story.
Navy shipbuilders get lucrative contracts despite worker safety violations; Baltimore airport executive cited in worker retaliation case; thousands of California workers have potentially harmful blood lead levels; and immigrant workers lose their jobs after joining national protests.
At the end of President Trump’s fourth week in office, Scott Pruitt was narrowly confirmed as EPA administrator, a fast-food mogul withdrew as Labor Secretary nominee, and a labor and civil rights lawyer was named as Trump’s second choice for the Labor Department position.