Poisoned at Work: An Updated Evaluation of New Hampshire Occupational Poisoning Calls to the Northern New England Poison Center from 2012 to 2014

In 2013, we published a report describing New Hampshire occupational poisoning calls to the Northern New England Poison Center (NNEPC) from 2005 to 2011. That report can be found at www.iod.unh.edu/OHSP/poisonedatwork-7-2013.pdf. This report provides new data describing occupational poisoning events reported to the NNEPC during the period of 2012 through 2014

Identifying Barriers and Supports to Breastfeeding in the Workplace Experienced by Mothers in the New Hampshire Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Utilizing the Total Worker Health Framework

Variations in the barriers and contributors to breastfeeding across industries have not been well characterized for vulnerable populations such as mothers participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Our study used the Total Worker Health Framework to characterize workplace factors acting as barriers and/or contributors to breastfeeding among women participating in the New Hampshire WIC. Surveys were collected from WIC mothers (n = 682), which asked about employment, industry, and workplace accommodation and supports related to breastfeeding in the workplace. We found workplace policy factors supporting breastfeeding (i.e., having paid maternity leave, other maternity leave, and a breastfeeding policy) varied by industry. Women in specific service-oriented industries (i.e., accommodation and retail) reported the lowest rates of breastfeeding initiation and workplace supports for breastfeeding and pumping. Further, how a woman hoped to feed and having a private pumping space at work were significantly associated with industry, breastfeeding initiation, and breastfeeding duration. A substantial portion of women reported being not sure about their workplace environment, policies, and culture related to breastfeeding. Additional studies with larger sample sizes of women participating in WIC are needed to further characterize the barriers to breastfeeding associated with specific industries

Analysis of New Hampshire Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) to Better Understand Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration by Industry Category

This supplemental report provides additional information on breastfeeding initiation and duration, and a woman’s job category (industry) as reported to the NH Division of Vital Records Administration via the NH birth certificate. De-identified responses in the NH birth certificate data linked to the responses in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey data provided the opportunity to better understand duration of breastfeeding by a woman’s industry. The findings may be useful to policymakers and employers when framed in terms of the health and economic benefits of breastfeeding to inform workplace policy formation

Collecting Industry and Occupation Data: A Training Guide for Poison Centers

Understanding the causes and contributing factors to work-related injuries and illnesses is critical in the assurance of a safe workplace. Monitoring workers’ health through appropriate and adequate data collection is a critical component in the development of strategies to prevent these injuries and illnesses. The NH Occupational Health Surveillance Program, in collaboration with the Northern New England Poison Center, has prepared a training to help poison center staff improve their collection of patients’ industry and occupation data for work-related exposures. Poison centers provide valuable data to those in the field of worker safety. Collecting information on a patient’s occupation and industry is vital in treating and preventing workplace exposures. This information about work-related poisonings will help others in the field of worker safety and health prevent similar injuries

Work: A Social Determinant of Health Worth Capturing

Work is a recognized social determinant of health. This became most apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers, particularly those in certain industries and occupations, were at risk due to interaction with the public and close proximity to co-workers. The purpose of this study was to assess how states collected work and employment data on COVID-19 cases, characterizing the need for systematic collection of case-based specific work and employment data, including industry and occupation, of COVID-19 cases. A survey was distributed among state occupational health contacts and epidemiologists in all 50 states to assess current practices in state public health surveillance systems. Twenty-seven states collected some kind of work and employment information from COVID-19 cases. Most states (93%) collected industry and/or occupation information. More than half used text-only fields, a predefined reference or dropdown list, or both. Use of work and employment data included identifying high risk populations, prioritizing vaccination efforts, and assisting with reopening plans. Reported barriers to collecting industry and occupation data were lack of staffing, technology issues, and funding. Scientific understanding of work-related COVID-19 risk requires the systematic, case-based collection of specific work and employment data, including industry and occupation. While this alone does not necessarily indicate a clear workplace exposure, collection of these data elements can help to determine and further prevent workplace outbreaks, thereby ensuring the viability of the nation’s critical infrastructure

Identifying Barriers and Supports to Breastfeeding in the Workplace Experienced by Mothers in the New Hampshire Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Utilizing the Total Worker Health Framework

Variations in the barriers and contributors to breastfeeding across industries have not been well characterized for vulnerable populations such as mothers participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Our study used the Total Worker Health Framework to characterize workplace factors acting as barriers and/or contributors to breastfeeding among women participating in the New Hampshire WIC. Surveys were collected from WIC mothers (n = 682), which asked about employment, industry, and workplace accommodation and supports related to breastfeeding in the workplace. We found workplace policy factors supporting breastfeeding (i.e., having paid maternity leave, other maternity leave, and a breastfeeding policy) varied by industry. Women in specific service-oriented industries (i.e., accommodation and retail) reported the lowest rates of breastfeeding initiation and workplace supports for breastfeeding and pumping. Further, how a woman hoped to feed and having a private pumping space at work were significantly associated with industry, breastfeeding initiation, and breastfeeding duration. A substantial portion of women reported being not sure about their workplace environment, policies, and culture related to breastfeeding. Additional studies with larger sample sizes of women participating in WIC are needed to further characterize the barriers to breastfeeding associated with specific industries