5064.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 8:56 AM

Abstract #16438

Primary Prevention for Occupational Health - How Pollution Prevention has affected Worker Safety and Health at four Printed Wire Board facilities in Massachusetts

Karla R. Armenti, Department of Work Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854, 978-934-3050, armeka@mediaone.net

Preliminary results of research examining the aspects of the relationship between pollution prevention and occupational health at four PWB manufactures in Massachusetts will be discussed. Findings of in-depth case study analysis, including an assessment of each facility’s health and safety status via use of the OSHA Program Evaluation Profile (PEP), will be presented on the effects of pollution prevention intervention programs (in the form of toxics use reduction) on worker safety and health at the four facilities.

This "project-in-progress" proposes to find a link between environmental primary prevention interventions and worker health and safety. Based on the preliminary findings at each facility, the researcher expects to demonstrate that primary prevention (in the form of P2) benefits both the environment and the worker. Finally, the researcher will provide recommendations to include P2 primary prevention strategies in a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety Program (at the plant level).

Some of the pollution prevention interventions at the plants were directed exclusively at environmental issues. The researcher will indicate the occupational health impact based on prospective (post-intervention) and retrospective (pre-intervention) evaluation of the occupational health conditions in the specific locations in each plant. The following tools are used in this evaluation:

  1. An occupational safety and health inspection
  2. The OSHA Program Evaluation Profile(PEP)Survey, OSHA 1997
  3. The Pollution Prevention Option Analysis System (P2 OASYS), Tickner J., 1996, and
  4. Open ended interview with key personnel(both management and employees)at the plants, designed to explore the root causes of the occupational health changes attributable to the P2 interventions.

Learning Objectives: see session overview (2582)

Keywords: Occupational Health, Environmental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA