Wellness programs emphasize positive motivation and usually include health awareness campaigns, behavior change programs, and cost containment strategies. Guides are offered for beginning wellness programs in school districts. (MLF)

Describes the use of participative action research to solve problems of work-related employee injuries in a rural midwestern electronics plant by increasing employee involvement. The researchers established an employee problem-solving group that interviewed and surveyed workers, analyzed the results, and suggested new work arrangements. (Author/RW)

Notes that about half of U.S. toys are made in China, mainly by young women who work extremely long shifts, 7 days a week, "amid sickening vapors and under draconian rules." Describes corporate codes of conduct, the role consumers can play in changing extremely poor working conditions, and the impact of international trade reforms.…

Outlines the process for creating an effective environmental health and safety training presentation for both regulatory-driven required training and for non-required training. Discusses conducting a training needs analysis, creating a training design, course materials design, and evaluating the training process. (DDR)

Examines back injury in teachers and child care providers; includes statistics, common causes of back pain (improper alignment, improper posture, improper lifting, and carrying), and types of back pain (acute and chronic). Focuses on preventing back injury, body mechanics for lifting and carrying, and proper lifting and carrying of children. (SD)

Logging is now the most dangerous U.S. occupation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed specialized safety training for the logging industry but has been challenged to reach small operators. An OSHA-approved state program in Minnesota provides annual safety seminars to about two-thirds of the state's full-time…

Attention to the quality of the working environment for women factory workers can make a real contribution to productivity. The example of an Indonesian project that introduced low-cost workplace improvements and provided health instruction shows the feasibility and effectiveness of such efforts, provided there is a clear commitment from…

Presents a matrix that suggests that workplace health promotion and employee assistance programs may represent employer involvement in areas over which they have no legitimate control. (JOW)

All known health concerns related to use of video display terminals (VDTs) can be resolved by better ergonomics, reducing monotonous tasks, and giving VDT operators a better sense of controlling their work. These workplace improvements should be pursued regardless of VDT use. (MSE)

Reviews a new textbook of West Virginia history, published in 1993 and intended for upper high school and college students. Praises the book's liberal use of firsthand accounts and its clarification of significant historical issues (such as factors leading to statehood), but criticizes its avoidance of issues of corporate exploitation and…

The term universal precautions refers to infection-control measures that all people who work in a camp setting must understand. The basic principles of universal precautions relating to blood and body fluids are outlined with specific examples of safety and prevention measures. A glossary of related terms and a list of recommended readings are…

Details the incorporation of safety procedures and issues into the curriculum of an undergraduate chemical engineering unit operations laboratory course. Includes checklists and sample reporting forms. (DDR)

This study examined whether a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) nutrition program would help employees maintain weight loss and dietary intake improvements over time. Subjects received either no nutrition education, education with microcomputer use, or education without microcomputers. Posttesting found greater weight loss for CAI participants,…

Provides a conceptual framework within which to measure the economic aspects of child labor. Outlines reasons for concern and explains how child labor is defined and measured. Discusses policy and program implications. (Contains 45 references.) (JOW)

This study examined the nature and content of work-safety-skills instruction delivered to Utah students with disabilities at the middle and secondary levels. Analysis of 68 surveys completed by school personnel suggest that only a minority of special education personnel provide ongoing safety-skills instruction and the frequency of such…