The number of hazards in the workplace is the background for AIHA to determine the organization's policy agenda for 2023.
They cite statistics that include that approximately 170,000 workers suffer heat-related injuries each year, while about 20,000 workers suffer cold-related illnesses or injuries.
Additionally, millions of people risk permanent hearing loss due to exposure to hazardous noise levels at or outside of work.
In addition to specific policies to address these issues, the organization is focused on encouraging more students to pursue careers in occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS). This includes not only improving school infrastructure but creating better learning environments for students and better working conditions for teachers and other school personnel as well.
AIHA's three public policy priorities for 2023 are:
Protecting Workers and the Public from Hazardous Noise Exposure
Protecting Workers and the Public from Thermal Stress
For other issues not covered by these public policy priorities, AIHA will continue to engage with association members and policymakers. The association’s goal is to translate as much of its members’ technical expertise into public policy recommendations as possible to protect more workers and their communities.
“All of these issues are critical, and together, they play an important role in realizing AIHA’s vision of healthier workplaces and a healthier world,” said Mark Ames, AIHA’s director of government relations, in a statement. “This is a vision shared by millions of American workers, the companies they work for, and the agencies that serve them.”
For more information on AIHA’s public policy priorities and to access public resources for working with local, state, and federal government representatives on worker health and safety issues, please visit AIHA’s government relations and advocacy webpage.
About the Author
EHS Today Staff
EHS Today's editorial staff includes:
Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.
Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.
Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.