In the early 1990’s, the American Dental Association put up quite a fight to oppose an OSHA regulation requiring dentists to provide gloves, masks and goggles to employees who could be exposed to blood-contaminated saliva.
It’s Public Service Recognition Week — time to think about how government employees are helping us all live healthier lives.
Education
Newborn screening: One of public health’s greatest achievements celebrates 50 years and thousands of lives saved
On Feb. 13, 2012, Honey Stecken gave birth to her daughter Maren. Everything appeared perfectly fine — she ate and slept and did all the things a baby does. Even after a couple weeks at home in South Fork. Colo., with her newborn little girl, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Media outlets across the country covered Workers’ Memorial Week events; the death toll in the Bangladesh factory collapse has passed 400; and OSHA has launched a new initiative to protect temporary workers.
Environmental Health
“It was up to the locals,” insists State officials about explosion risk at West Fertilizer
The first public hearing to examine the circumstances that led to the catastrophic April 17 explosion at West Fertilizer was held. Texas State lawmakers heard testimony from eight State agencies.
Women's Health
With new Plan B decision, FDA takes a step toward better emergency contraceptive access
FDA lowers the age limit for purchasing emergency contraceptive Plan B — and makes an important change to how the drug can be sold.
This week’s MMWR describes cases of bronchiolitis obliterans diagnosed in two individuals who worked— not at a microwave popcorn plant—-at a Texas coffee bean processing company.
Labor Rights
“Fight for 15” takes to the streets in Chicago: Fast-food and retail workers demonstrate for raise beyond their lower-than $10 average wage
Hundreds of workers at fast-food restaurants in Chicago staged a one-day walk-out last week calling for a $15 an hour wage.
Addiction & Substance Abuse
Study: Banning smoking in subsidized housing could save millions in health care costs
Another day, another study that shows investing in public health interventions can make a serious dent in health care spending. A new study has found that banning smoking in all U.S. subsidized housing could yield cost savings of about $521 million every year.
Environmental Health
Will Tom Vilsack’s USDA keep its promise to poultry plant workers about their grueling, disabling work?
The USDA Secretary tells Congress that his agency still plans to implement a new poultry slaughter inspection system that will allow producers to drastically increase line speeds, while a disturbing new report on poultry workers in Alabama explain the harmful effects of the current working conditions.