The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4216.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 2:52 PM

Abstract #47867

Influences, Trends and Tensions in Popular Education for Workplace Health and Safety

Linda L. Delp, MPH, Center for Labor Research and Education, UCLA, Box 951478, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1478, 310 794-5976, ldelp@ucla.edu

This presentation provides an overview of the use of popular education for worker health and safety in the United States since OSHA was established in 1970. It is based on interviews with more than 20 educators who work in or with the labor movement and is summarized through use of a participatory timeline. I analyze the international and U.S. influences that shaped popular education as it is practiced today, and examine trends in funding, institution and capacity building, and labor involvement that have supported or limited the potential of popular education.

Historic tensions are described, including debates about the role of experts and technical information, the role of unions in addressing workplace health and safety, and the challenge of integrating critical analysis into skills training required by funding agencies. The importance of federal funding, Committees on Occupational Safety and Health and the growing worker trainer movement are discussed. From this historical perspective, I pose questions about future directions in popular education and worker health and safety.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to

Keywords: Education, Occupational Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Popular Education for Workers H&S: Analysis of Past, Innovations and Challenges for the Future (Part 1)

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA