The Rural Monitor
Articles by Topic: Occupational health and safety
March 13, 2024
Studies find that rural people have higher rates of hearing loss than urban people but face significant barriers to care. Experts from a hearing clinic in South Dakota, a telehealth program in Alaska, and a nationally available agriculture safety program discuss these barriers, ways to improve access to hearing care, and the importance of hearing conservation.
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November 1, 2023
With free and confidential live chat, text, phone, and email services, new mothers can get quick answers to questions about potentially dangerous exposures.
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September 20, 2023
The health impacts of extreme heat events are being felt by both urban and rural populations. But experts say the factors contributing to urban and rural vulnerability may differ significantly — and some of the most promising strategies for mitigating the impacts in urban areas may not be as useful in sparsely populated rural counties.
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June 14, 2023
A December 2021 survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) suggests that farmers and farmworkers are more aware of mental health resources and less likely to see stigma as a barrier to care, compared to previous surveys. Experts from AgriSafe, AgWell, and AFBF share their own success stories of stigma reduction as well as the challenges that remain in addressing farmers' mental health.
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June 1, 2022
Nuclear weapons testing from 1945 to 1962 and uranium mining from 1943 to 1971 exposed workers and community members living near the mines or testing sites to harmful levels of radiation that can lead to cancer and other illnesses. Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP) grants help healthcare organizations provide screenings, referrals for medical treatment, and other services to this population. Two grantees, the Navajo Area RESEP and the Southwestern Utah RESEP, share their stories.
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November 10, 2020
Nurses are an integral part of the rural healthcare workforce. Registered nurses from across the country share their stories about their path to nursing, their accomplishments, and how they provide healthcare in their rural communities.
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September 11, 2019
Healthcare workers are four times more likely to be seriously injured on the job than other professionals. Research, tools, and campaigns are equipping rural hospital leaders to better protect their employees and develop a culture of safety.
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February 21, 2018
Miners in rural New Mexico may forego care when they have to drive a long distance to see a primary care provider or specialist. The New Mexico Mobile Screening Program for Miners travels to 12 locations in the state to bring needed care to patients.
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October 4, 2017
What's in the air in the rural workplace? From grain dust to rock dust to hospital cleaning chemicals, all these particles have potential to cause chronic lung diseases. But, there are keys to prevention.
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May 15, 2014
The director of the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health discusses innovative programs, hydraulic fracking and her work in prisons.
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