In the Field: MCN promotes worker health and safety at APHA meeting in Chicago

MCN’s Amy Liebman, MPA, MA, Director of Environmental and Occupational Health, attended the 143rd American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Chicago. Yesterday, Liebman presented “Policy exclusions and unequal protection for vulnerable workers. Is regulatory change on the way?” in which she covered the history of farmworker exclusion from regulatory  protections and the new changes recently announced to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Worker Protection Standard. 

The meeting also marked the end of her tenure as chair of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Section. “The OHS section includes over 950 public health professionals and students who believe workers deserve a safe and healthy place to work. It is truly an honor to be a part of this group,” said Liebman. 

She also noted that the APHA meeting offers OHS members a great professional educational opportunity as well as a place for people to network. “Our meeting activities offer members a place to learn, connect, and gather our forces for the coming year. We also have a lot of fun,” said Liebman. In addition to over 18 scientific sessions and eight poster sessions, the section hosts an award luncheon to honor outstanding individuals in the field. The luncheon always includes a comical satirical skit performed by members and plenty of singing. A dance party tops off the section’s gathering. “Working for occupational health and safety is not easy. Laughing and having fun when we get together is a great way to lift our spirits and energize ourselves for the coming year.” 

Liebman looks forward to her role as immediate past chair and hands the baton to incoming chair, Dr. Karen Mulloy. Liebman also will continue her work with APHA as an OHS representative to the APHA Governing Council.

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