NIOSH launches initiative to create awareness for safety in 'green jobs'

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is launching a program to incorporate workplace health and safety into "green jobs" and environmental sustainability. The initiative will also develop guidance for preventing occupational injuries and illnesses in these growing sectors.

"As America invests in economic recovery and a clean, secure future, we and our partners have an opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing bonds between occupational safety, health, and environmental stewardship," said Christine M. Branche, acting director of the agency. "In laying the groundwork for green jobs and industries, it is important, as with any emerging industry, to make sure that worker safety and health protections are not overlooked."

As a first step in the initiative, NIOSH introduced a new Web page -- Going Green: Safe and Healthy Jobs -- which will serve as an evolving portal to information and resources being developed or identified by the agency and its partners. The initial contents of the site include links to selected NIOSH Web resources on industry sectors and specific topics related to green jobs. Branche said these are defined broadly as jobs that help to improve the environment.

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NIOSH also will conduct a workshop in December to help frame issues of incorporating occupational safety and health considerations into green and sustainability efforts. The workshop will include invited participants and limited space will be available to the public. Officials said more information will be made available on the event in the near future.

Read more at the WORKERSCOMP Forum^TM homepage.

July 20, 2009

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