Saturday, January 22, 2005

CDC: NIOSH's Evil Step-Parent?

Brooklyn Dodger, a new blog by an occupational safety and health professional who shall remain anonymous, is skeptical about whether CDC actually sees value in occupational health. CDC, as loyal Confined Space readers know, is the "parent" agency of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and just lost a battle to demote NIOSH another level down the CDC bureacracy.

What's the reason for Brooklyn Dodger's skepicism?
BrooklynDodger just received a glossy 2005 calendar from CDC, with a letter signed by Julie Gerberding. She wrote: "I hope you will take a few moments to browse through the calendar and gain some insights into our work." The Dodger leafed through the pictures twice, to make sure not to miss anything. Opposite each month there was a glossy picture and some large text words, but there was no glossy picture related to the occupational environment. While March was cited as "Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month," April's observances did not include Worker Memorial Day.
Other priorities, I guess.

(Oh, and by the way, Julie -- if you're reading this -- no one on the Confined Space staff received a calendar.)