The Pump Handle - A Water Cooler for the Public Health Crowd

Public Health Practice 10 years after SARS: Are healthcare systems ready for the next global public health emergency?

December 30, 2013 The Pump Handle

On March 12, 2003, the World Health Organization issued a global health alert for an atypical pneumonia that was soon dubbed SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome. Ten years later, the International Health Regulations have been revised, but the US isn’t doing enough to maintain its surveillance and response capabilities. (Re-post, by Liz Borkowski)

Mining $70 million owed by mine operators for unpaid safety penalties, time for “boot” device equivalent

December 27, 2013 The Pump Handle 2Comment

In many cities, traffic control officers will “boot” are vehicle if it’s racked up too many unpaid parking tickets. It’s time for an equivalent sanction for employers who violate labor laws and refuse to pay the penalties. (Re-post, by Celeste Monforton)

Public Health Practice In tight fiscal times, National Public Health Week highlights the return on public health investments

December 26, 2013 The Pump Handle

The 2013 National Public Health Week highlighted the theme of “Public Health ROI: Save Lives, Save Money.” (Re-post, by Kim Krisberg)

Worker Health & Safety Preventing worker deaths through better building design

December 24, 2013 The Pump Handle 2Comment

Construction is the US industry sector with the most worker fatalities. Designing buildings with construction and maintenance workers in mind can make buildings safer, and green buildings truly sustainable. (Re-post, by Liz Borkowski)

Affordable Care Act A check in the mail courtesy of Obamacare

December 23, 2013 The Pump Handle

A refund check from my health insurance provider is another sign that Obamacare is working for healthcare consumers. (Re-post, by Celeste Monforton)

Child Labor Study: Overall injury risk increases with multiple jobs

December 20, 2013 Kim Krisberg

People who hold down more than one job not only experience an increased risk of injury at work, but while they’re not at work as well, according to a new study.

Cancer Economists’ flawed argument on OSHA’s “flawed” analysis of proposed rule to protect silica-exposed workers

December 19, 2013 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH 12Comment

Two economists, funded by right-wing, university-housed think tanks, say OSHA’s proposed rule to protect silica-exposed workers is flawed, sloppy, weak and unsubstantiated. I can say the same for their analyses of OSHA’s work.

Food Safety & Nutrition Democratic Senators eager to screw African-American and Hispanic poultry workers

December 18, 2013 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH 1Comment

It’s bad enough having President Obama and his USDA pushing a new poultry inspection process that will injure workers. Now we have seven Democratic Senators who are also eager to screw the workers.

Occup Health News Roundup Occupational Health News Roundup

December 17, 2013 Liz Borkowski, MPH

Fast-food workers walk off their jobs and demand higher wages; workers from a Niagara Falls Goodyear plant have a bladder cancer rate nearly three times that of the general New York state population; and increased pork-plant production comes with more reports of worker injuries.

Child Labor “Putting their workers at risk while profiting from taxpayer dollars” – Senate committee report spotlights federal contractors’ labor violations

December 16, 2013 Elizabeth Grossman 3Comment

“Too often nothing happens,” said John Podesta, Center for American Progress chair and founder, introducing the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Majority Committee report released on December 11th that details federal contractors’ repeat and serious occupational safety and wage violations. “Too often the government renews agreements with companies that have a long track record […]