Roundtable

Students at the National Labor College write a senior thesis that combines academic review of literature with collection of primary data and analysis. The result is a large body of activist research done by rank-and-file workers. This panel presents the work of just a few of these students. In addition to 4 current students, we are inviting alumnus Irwin Gill, from the Public Service Association of Trinidad & Tobago, to join the panel. His initial thesis work (presented at APHA several years ago) was on water, the theme of this year's conference. Since his thesis work, Mr. Gill, now an officer in the Water and Waste Water Treatment Association of the Caribbean, has moved his initial safety and health audits at water treatment plants in 3 facilities in Trinidad to audits throughout his country and into other Caribbean countries as well. Other panelists include a locomotive engineer with a unique tool box training program on hazardous materials, an autoworker with an assessment of peer training, a sheet metal worker who explored the human as well as economic impact of the work place death of his work partner, and a firefighter concerned about injuries because so many firefighters do not wear seat belts on the way to fires.

Session Objectives: * Describe the research work of students at the National Labor College in the field of occupational safety and health * Assess ways that activist research can improve the safety and health of workers * * Discuss strategies for combining academic research and activist work in occupational safety and health

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)