Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117682

Michael Sprinker, CIH, ICWUC, 1655 W. Market Street, Akron, OH 44313, 330-867-2444, msprinker@earthlink.net

Genetic testing for workers looms closer and closer on the horizon, despite the Burlington Northern - Santa Fe railway settlement several years ago. S. 1053, which would have limited the rights of employers to conduct or access genetic tests for works and discriminate on the basis of genetic information, was never given a hearing in the House of Representatives, after being passed by the Senate. With a new Congress, this bill must again pass both the House and Senate before it can be sent to the president for signature. This paper will discuss where advocates are in the quest to prevent another form of discrimination against workers and what efforts are being made in the legislative, bargaining and other arenas to prevent the adoption of programs which would prevent workers and job applicants from keeping or seeking employment.

In addition, other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, EU accession states and Australia are all considering legislation to regulate the situations in which employers may use such information. This session will also summarize those efforts with an eye towards how such efforts could affect regulation in the US.

This session is designed to serve as a thought provoking dialog on the implications of current technologies and practices and how occupational health advocates can address the many risks of genetic testing for the workforce, including the possible need for special protections based on workplace exposures and risk factors.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants in this session will learn how workers and unions perceive the issue of genetic testing, what legislation is currently being considered and what issues occupational health personnel may want to follow to better protect worker health.
• Participants should then be able to analyze the use of genetic testing and understand the possible implications for improving workplace health and safety and protecting worker privacy.

Keywords: Genetics, Ethics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.