Leslie Nickels, MEd, PhD embodied the heart and spirit of public health. I’ll remember much about her including her special bond with the mother of occupational medicine, Alice Hamilton.
Environmental Health
Protecting the workers rebuilding Houston: ‘We must see them as full human beings who deserve fairness’
Even before the rains of Hurricane Harvey let up, Marianela Acuña Arreaza was mobilizing to protect the workers who would dig out and rebuild the city of Houston after catastrophe.
The 22-person editorial board of an occupational and environmental health journal resigns in protest. They are rejecting the publisher’s interference in the board’s decision-making and scientific independence.
In many households, a Thanksgiving tradition is for someone at the table to express appreciation for the meal in front of them. We often overlook the individuals who do the labor-intensive and dangerous work that brings the turkeys and other food to our table.
Day laborers in Houston are key players in the clean-up and recovery worker following Hurricane Harvey. Eight weeks after the disaster, a new report describes the work they’ve been doing, the hazards they face, and the wages being paid.
Now available is a first-of-its kind database of U.S. worker fatality cases which were criminally prosecuted. The collection currently contains 77 cases from 17 states, and offers links to court records, investigation files, and news stories from each case.
Alexander Acosta told lawmakers that negotiations are underway to resolve industry’s and labor’s concerns about OSHA’s silica rule. He answered questions about workplace violence and requirements for injury reporting.
U.S. Chemical Safety Board considers withdrawing retaliation protections for offshore oil workers; unions re-examine their role in the wake of sexual harassment revelations; America’s fastest-growing jobs are also among the lowest-paying jobs; and migrant women continue to face exploitation on the job.
The Steelworkers union is challenging the Trump administration’s plan to diminish mine safety improvements and a 1969 law is on their side.
APHA Annual Meeting
Occupational health, environmental protections the focus of new public health policies
The American Public Health Association adopted 13 new policy statements. Six of them address priority topics on worker safety and environmental health.