271105 Development of Community-based advocacy through Involvement in the Chemical Safety Board's safety video program

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Hillary Cohen, MA , Public Affairs, The US Chemical Safety Board, Washington DC
Vidisha Parasram, MPH EOH , Chemical Incident Investigator, US Chemical Safety Board, Washington, DC
Shauna Lawhorne , 2175 K. Street, NW, U.S. Chemical Safety Board, Washington, DC
The CSB is continually trying to develop its outreach program most recently through community based outreach initiatives following a chemical accident. The CSB is working towards engaging members of a community who are effected by a chemical accident to become actively involved in advocating their experiences – through the use of such testaments the CSB is able to give these individuals a voice and share their unique stories. The CSB investigates incidents and determines underlining cause to improve safety. This is done through obtaining implementation of its safety recommendations and through the dissemination of information. In fact, the agency has been a world leader in utilizing innovative communications techniques for its advocacy and outreach efforts. Moreover, the CSB's investigation reports and videos are used extensively around the world, especially in countries where there is a significant chemical and energy industry presence.

Learning Areas:
Communication and informatics
Occupational health and safety

Learning Objectives:
Describe methods to communicate the findings from CSB’s investigation through different mediums including social media outlets; Explain the use new and innovative communication mediums to inform workers and the public of the CSB's safety information; Explain efforts to expand the social media mechanisms used by the CSB

Keywords: Workplace Safety, Outreach Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a public information specialist and am responsible for managing the CSB's public outreach program, including the development and distribution of safety videos.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5085.0: Social Media to Promote Occupational Safety and Health