The Pump Handle
Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH
of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services
Security cameras in taxicabs, not partitions, reduce homicide rates for cab drivers
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on June 17, 2013 The risk of homicide is higher for taxicab drivers than for most other occupations. A new study finds that surveillance cameras mounted inside the cabs substantially reduce the drivers’ risk of homicide.
“Timeliness” a priority for Obama’s regulatory czar nominee, backlog awaits him
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on June 12, 2013 President Obama’s nominee for regulatory czar has an affinity for timeliness. It will be interesting to see how he deals with a backlog of rules “under review” and an office plagued by missed deadlines.
Lead-poisoned workers: Thousands each year in the US, especially among Hispanic workers
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on June 10, 2013 Between 5,000 and 6,000 cases of elevated blood lead levels from workplace exposures are reported each year to state health departments. In California, where the workforce is 36 percent Hispanic, the proportion of individuals with elevated blood-lead who also had Hispanic surnames was 64-70 percent.
Fallen Houston firefighters raise national death toll to 37, 2013 especially deadly for Texas crews
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on June 4, 2013 In a typical year, about five firefighters in Texas die in the line of duty. So far in 2013, the death toll is 13. The official count doesn’t include five responders who were killed at West Fertilizer.
Hefty portion of work-related injury costs not paid for by workers’ comp, others picking up the tab
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on May 29, 2013 An analysis of data from U.S. emergency departments reveals that 40 percent of work-related injuries and illnesses cases treated there are not paid for through the workers’ compensation system.
ATF obstructs safety investigators examining blast at West Fertilizer
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on May 23, 2013 The federal, State and local authorities investigating the West Fertilizer plant disaster each have different responsibilities and expertise. The ATF is acting like its task is the only one that matters.
Teenagers’ calorie consumption at McDonalds versus Subway
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on May 20, 2013 Researchers compare the calories purchased by teenagers at McDonald’s versus Subway.
Colorado community demanded health impact review of 200 proposed natural gas wells
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on May 16, 2013 The residents of Battlement Mesa didn’t want their “Colorado Dream” to turn into a nightmare because of a proposed hydrofracking project. They turned to a Health Impact Assessment for help.
Waiting for Obama Administration to deliver on new worker safety regulations, probably shouldn’t hold my breath
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on May 15, 2013 Spring 2013 looked like it would be a banner season for progress by the Obama Administration on new worker safety regulations; not so much anymore.
Death on the Job report: US workers deserve better protections
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on May 8, 2013 The AFL-CIO’s “Death on the Job” report shows why U.S. workers deserve much better protections than they are getting.