AIHA Issues First Public Policy Agenda
"Addressing a problem of this scale calls for bold actions that are driven by scientific knowledge. That is why AIHA is proud to unveil its inaugural Public Policy Agenda," said AIHA President Cynthia A. Ostrowski.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association released its first public policy agenda Jan. 7 as part of the organization's ongoing efforts to address worker health and safety issues.
Approximately 150 people die from work-related injuries and illnesses every day, a total of more than 54,000 a year, according to AIHA. "Our collective history has and continues to be made on the backs of the hard-working men and women found in our great country's factories, construction sites, health care facilities and mines, and in every other location imaginable. Truly, everywhere you look, America is at work," said AIHA President Cynthia A. Ostrowski, M.S., CIH, FAIHA.
"Tragically, this also means that our parents, children, brothers, sisters, and friends are also being placed in harm’s way. Addressing a problem of this scale calls for bold actions that are driven by scientific knowledge. That is why AIHA is proud to unveil its inaugural public policy agenda," Ostrowski said.
AIHA's public policy agenda covers 2019 through 2020, focusing on the following worker health and safety issues:
- Big Data
- Cannabis industry health and safety
- Disaster planning, response, and recovery
- Hazard banding and occupational exposure limits
- Hearing protection
- Opioids in the workplace
- Professional title protection
- Sensors
- Teen workplace health and safety
- Temporary and contract workers
- Total worker exposure
- Transportation safety
- Worker fatigue
- Workforce development
- Workplace violence
Each of these focuses is important in working toward safe and healthy workplaces for all, AIHA said. Resources and expert interviews related to each area are available from AIHA upon request.