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Last week, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Health and Human Services agency, announced the selection of John Howard as the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the coordinator for the World Trade Center Health Programs. An ardent proponent of worker and public health, Dr. Howard previously served as NIOSH Director from 2002- 2008. (However, as a result of his pro-worker/pro-public health philosophy and activity, the Bush Administration refused to renew his appointment).

Check out the latest newsletter from the New Jersey Work Environment Council. The New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC) is an alliance of labor, community, and environmental organizations working together for safe, secure jobs, and a healthy, sustainable environment.

USW and CWA officers, staff and members have identified occupational and environmental safety and health as an important element within the ongoing work of both unions. As an initial step toward achieving common goals and visions, USW and CWA and their respective safety and health departments have pledged to work together to develop and deliver training and education as well as resolve workplace and environmental hazards.

David Michaels, PhD, MPH, is an epidemiologist and is currently Research Professor at the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. He has conducted numerous studies of the health effects of occupational exposure to toxic chemicals, including asbestos, metals and solvents, and has written extensively on science and regulatory policy. From 1998 to 2001, Dr. Michaels served as Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environment, Safety and Health, responsible for protecting the health and safety of workers, neighboring communities and the environment surrounding the nation?s nuclear weapons facilities.

CWA District 4 Occupational Safety and Health Conference Call, conducted Wednesday, July 22, 2009 from 10:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M.