Oral

This session is a group of submitted papers relating to current topics in OHS field. This includes: More than 130 workers die from work-related diseases each day, and an additional 17 die from injuries on the job. Yet the universe of those who care about worker protection appears to be small, and shrinking. Perhaps it is time to broaden our approach and seek new allies. This paper describes and analyzes a project aimed at re-framing ‘occupational health' to reach new and broader audiences. The project seeks to introduce and promote a new comprehensive approach to occupational health examining the overall structure of jobs. By developing a “Healthy Jobs Bill of Rights” with input from community, labor, and OHS groups, this project defines the components of a “healthy job”. These are not limited to traditional, technical measures of health and safety, but rather present a more holistic concept. In addition to a “healthy and safe workplace”, components include “decent wages and benefits”, “dignity and respect”, and “job security”. Materials are being developed that articulate the link between these job components and worker health. The project targets groups not traditionally associated with health and safety and engages in community campaigns to see if new alliances could incorporate OHS into their work through this approach. We will describe our collaboration with community organizations using these materials and pilot efforts to expand interest and action for worker protection.

Session Objectives: Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to list updated information on current topics in H&S field including: * Discuss the effectiveness of the “healthy jobs” approach in broadening the scope and appeal of OHS to beyond traditional audiences. * Describe the challenges of developing messaging and materials that effectively convey healthy jobs components. * List three collaborations with other organizations that are actively reaching workers and facilitate the use of produced materials to promote healthy jobs.