Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116846

Jordan Barab, MA, National Writers Union, UAW Local 1981, 55 Walnut Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912, 301-270-8466, jbarab@starpower.net

The weblog or “blog” is a relatively new form of communication. Starting out as a form of on-line diary, blogs have assumed increasing importance as a means to communicate political information and opinion, and to advocate for political or social issues. Over the past two years, a number of public health, science, labor and workplace safety blogs have been created, combining substantive information with the political context in which these issues exist. These include Confined Space, Effect Measure, Impact Analysis, Mine Safety Watch and Brooklyn Dodger which address workplace-related health and safety issues, and Public Health Blog and Chris Mooney that discuss more generic science and public health issues. This presentation will discuss the growing role of blogs in communicating public health, and specifically workplace safety and health information, and advocating for related issues. Is this an effective means of communication to workers and workplace safety and health advocates? Does the politics inherent in these blogs add to or detract from the information they seek to convey?

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the interdependency of politics and scientific information concerning workplace safety and health.
• Create an interest in new forms of communication with workers and academics.
• Discuss the role of the internet and weblogs in communicating workplace safety and health information, and how to measure effectiveness.
• Describe how a weblog works

Keywords: Advocacy, Occupational Safety

Related Web page: spewingforth.blogspot.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation