Regulation | The Pump Handle

Environmental Health New report investigates chemical safety inside the fragrance industry, calls for stronger oversight and disclosure

December 4, 2015 Kim Krisberg

Take a quick look around your home and chances are you’ll find at least one product with an ingredient simply described as “fragrance.” But what exactly does that mean and is there anything harmful in the ubiquitous chemical cocktails we refer to as fragrance? Maybe. But the real answer is that it’s hard to know for sure — and that, say advocates, is bad for public health.

Affordable Care Act Study: Medicaid, CHIP score higher than private insurance on access to kids’ preventive care

November 25, 2015 Kim Krisberg 1Comment

Public health insurance programs often get a bad rap, despite a growing positive evidence base on their patient care, quality and outcomes. Earlier this month, another study emerged that found Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program not only outperform private insurance when it comes to children’s preventive care, they can serve as a model of comprehensive children’s coverage.

Child Labor Occupational Health News Roundup

November 24, 2015 Kim Krisberg

Manufacturing workers in the border city of Ciudad Juárez organize for better working conditions; a stretched OSHA struggles to ensure safe workplaces in Houston; Fight for $15 makes it to the U.S. Capitol; and OSHA investigates the death of a FedEx worker in Memphis.

Government OSHA’s beryllium rule: a victim of White House’s “regulatory reform” nonsense

November 24, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH

A business consulting firm submitted comments to OSHA on the agency’s proposed beryllium rule. The firm calls out OSHA for offering way too many regulatory alternatives. It suggest OSHA return to its past practice of proposing a particular approach (or two) and justifying it.

Government Trial of Mining CEO Blankenship: Quotes from Week 7

November 20, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH

The criminal trial of former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship went into its seventh week. The jurors heard from the prosecution’s 27th (and final witness) and heard the defense team rest its case without calling any witnesses.

Government Fatal work injury that killed Davide Nascimento was preventable, OSHA cites A. Martins and Sons

November 11, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH

The fatal work-related injuries that killed Davide Nascimento could have been prevented had his employer followed worker safety regulations.

Child Labor Occupational Health News Roundup

November 10, 2015 Kim Krisberg

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.

Addiction & Substance Abuse CDC: Current, former smokers biggest users of electronic cigarettes

October 28, 2015 Kim Krisberg 1Comment

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

October 23, 2015 Kim Krisberg

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.

Government Trial of Mining CEO Blankenship: Quotes from Week 3

October 23, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH

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.