Protecting Workers and Communities from Environmental Health Hazards through Teaching Research and Service
Message from the Director
Occupational and Environmental health is fundamental to public health. In 2016, there was a total of 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded n the U.S., a 7% increase from 2015, and the third consecutive increase in annual workplace fatalities since 2008. In 2017, private industry employers reported approximately 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, a rate of 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, a rate of 2.8 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. In the years ahead, the changing world of work and climate will present even more new challenges to health and safety professionals tasked with protecting public health. - John R. Balmes, MD
Academic
Since 1978, COEH has provided training to hundreds of graduate students and residents who have gone on to become leaders in the health and safety community, including in occupational medicine, occupational and environmental health nursing, industrial hygiene, epidemiology, and ergonomics.
Research
COEH is one of 18 regional Education and Research Centers (ERC) funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and has published hundreds of articles advancing knowledge in occupational and environmental health and safety.
Outreach
Through research, education, and training, COEH reduces occupational injury, illness, and death by promoting the health and safety of workers locally, nationally, and world wide to professionals, practitioners, labor groups, industry leaders, workers, worker representatives.