Advocacy

In response to the EPA’s supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking on “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine expressed its concerns about the proposed rule. The College believes that this proposal is “inconsistent with the proper conduct of scientific inquiry, and we do not believe that additional burdensome peer-review steps are likely to strengthen confidence in the evidence base for new environmental regulations.”

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has voiced its strong support for H.R. 6559, the COVID–19 Every Worker Protection Act of 2020. This act would direct OSHA to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard within 7 days of passage that sets requirements for how workplaces must safeguard all workers from exposure, to COVID-19 in the workplace.

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine is concerned that President Trump's decision to utilize the Defense Production Act to compel meat processing plants to remain open and functioning during COVID-19 will be used to shield meat processing plants from liability for the health and safety of their workers. 

ACOEM recommends that the White House reconsider its defunding of the World Health Organization and seek other ways in the U.S. can help support this vital organization.

In light of the failure to date to institute a proper ban on asbestos, ACOEM expresses support for H.R. 1603, Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2019, which would prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of asbestos and asbestos containing mixtures and articles. Urges that the U.S. House of Representatives leaders schedule the bill for floor consideration at the earlist possible time.

ACOEM requests provisions be included in next legislative coronavirus response package that directs OSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard within 7 days to protect workers, especially those in health care settings, from occupational exposure to COVID-19. Urges OSHA to issue a permanent standard to protect workers from occupational exposure to infectious pathogens, including novel pathogens.

ACOEM voices strong support for H.R. 6139, the COVID–19 Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2020, directing OSHA to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard within 30 days that sets requirements for how workplaces must safeguard health care workers against the spread of COVID-19.

On March 11, 2020, ACOEM President Frangos sent a letter to the leadership of the House Education and Labor Committee urging Congressional action to extend sick-leave benefits to all American workers during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic.