Addressing worker health disparities: NIOSH education and research centers' approaches and outcomes

In addressing social injustice in the workplace, it is important to consider how to better support the needs of underserved worker populations. A number of barriers exist that result in inequities in the training and protection of minority workers, including, for example, lack of suitable educational programs that engage underserved workers. Obstacles exist that impede the recruitment, retention, and long term success of occupational health and safety professionals who come from underserved communities. Additionally, gaps exist in the portfolio of federally-funded research that focuses on, and which identifies, ways of reducing inequities in the workplace. This session will provide an historical perspective on the successes and failures of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Research Centers in meeting these needs. ERC directors from Washington, Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois and New York/New Jersey will present approaches that have been used in their regions to improve minority worker education, diversity of the occupational health and safety workforce, and target research and research training to address the needs of diverse, underserved workers. The speakers will focus on outcomes and on the challenges faced by educators and occupational health and safety professionals in identifying what approaches are most successful and sustainable. They will also discuss ways in which to measure the outcomes, evaluate the various approaches that have been employed and offer potential solutions to address some of the social justice needs of American workers. The session will include a panel discussion to promote dialogue with attendees.