D8: Upton Sinclair Lecture: Protecting Miners: Insights Into Black Lung Disease and Regulatory Challenges

Kansas City Convention Center 

Room: 2505 A 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

This year's Upton Sinclair lecturer will elaborate on the hidden epidemic of severe black lung disease among coal miners, uncovered through relentless investigative work since 2016. Cases of progressive massive fibrosis exceed official reports, and thousands of instances of excessive silica dust exposure and regulatory failures have been exposed. Learn about the significant changes prompted by these findings in 2024 and hear stories from miners themselves. Our speaker, retired NPR Investigations Correspondent Howard Berkes, will share his insights from nearly 15 years of reporting on the regulation of workplace safety and emphasize the critical importance of effective enforcement mechanisms. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the challenges and triumphs of protecting workers' health.

1. Understand the scope and impact of the hidden epidemic of severe black lung disease and the role of silica dust exposure in coal mines.
2. Explore the investigative methods used to uncover regulatory failures and the importance of effective enforcement mechanisms in protecting worker health.
3. Reflect on the current state of regulatory agencies and the potential implications of deregulation on workplace safety.
4. Explain how journalists and workplace safety professionals can work together to hold companies and agencies accountable.
 

Intermediate

Q&A

Aerosols & Airborne Particulates

Also part of the Virtual Program

Available as part of AIHA Connect OnDemand

Total Worker Health®