The Government Must Lead The Way in Workplace Health and Safety

The government must maintain a strong and credible roll in establishing and maintaining workplace health and safety. The tendency to yield to political and economic interests should avoided.

One area where the government is lacking is the establishment on a complete ban of the

use of asbestos containing products. It is far late in the game, but lives will be saved if in fact asbestos was banned. Additionally, government agencies should be insulated from political  from those interests that would sway them into the opposite area.

"Government has a responsibility to implement effective public health measures that increase the information available to the public and decision makers, protect people from harm, promote health, and create environments that support healthy behaviors. The health, financial, and productivity gains from public health actions benefit individuals and society as a whole."

Click here to read, "Government's Role in Protecting Health and Safety, "Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. N Engl J Med 2013; 368:1857-1859May 16, 2013DOI: 10.1056/NEJMp1303819

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