Does the US Deparment of Labor Help With Obesity-Related Injuries?
The US Department of Labor (DOL) doesn’t directly address obesity itself, but it has a branch called the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that focuses on workplace safety. While OSHA doesn’t publish specific data on weight loss and/or obesity-related injuries, there is a connection.
Here’s how it relates:
- Increased Injury Rates: Studies suggest a rise in workplace injuries for certain professions, particularly healthcare, where staff might assist obese patients.
- Focus on Healthcare Workers: OSHA recognizes this trend and is considering programs to address weight loss and worker safety in healthcare settings.
- Overall, DOL’s OSHA indirectly addresses obesity-related injuries by promoting safety in workplaces where obesity might play a risk factor.
For workplace injury data, you can refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), another department under DOL. The BLS collects data on workplace injuries and illnesses (BLS Employer Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf).
This article is general information, not legal or medical advice. 1 (800) CLINICS is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Labor or OWCP. See our editorial policy.