safety Archives - This Week In Public Health

Policy

What Happens When Fear Drives Firearm Storage?

“It’s for protection.” That’s the answer many Americans give when asked why they own a firearm. And yet, a major new study suggests that this very reason—fear of harm—may be working against basic safety practices, increasing the risk of tragedy instead of preventing it. A nationally representative survey of 10,000 U.S. adults, conducted in January […]

Read more →

Policy

Upgrading Lab Safety for Emergency Response

In the fast-paced world of modern healthcare, staying prepared for public health emergencies is more important than ever. As the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, our ability to swiftly and effectively respond to biological threats can make the difference between containing an outbreak and facing widespread consequences. This is particularly true for laboratories, which are often on […]

Read more →

Society

Shifting Reasons for Gun Ownership

Note: This article was officially published over the last few days, so it’s work resharing here. Over the past few years, the reasons why Americans own guns have been changing. Once primarily associated with hunting and recreation, gun ownership is increasingly driven by the desire for protection. This shift has significant implications for public health […]

Read more →

Health tips

A Unique Approach to Water Safety

While we were on vacation, a 13-year-old was swept out by a riptide and died. According to the CDC, young people aged 15 to 19 years have the second-highest fatal drowning rate, trailing only toddlers. The risks are even more pronounced among Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities and those from low socioeconomic […]

Read more →

Environment

Staying Safe in Heat Wave

Imagine waking up one summer morning to find the temperature soaring (like, I don’t know, today). By noon, it’s unbearably hot, and by evening, the heatwave has claimed lives. This scenario is becoming increasingly common. In 2003, Europe experienced a heatwave that resulted in 70,000 excess deaths. As climate change progresses, heatwaves are expected to […]

Read more →

Environment

Electric Fans are Lifesavers During Heat Waves

Imagine the sweltering heat of a summer day, with temperatures soaring and no relief in sight. Heat waves, often considered silent killers, have become more frequent and intense due to climate change. The elderly, the poor, and the socially isolated are most vulnerable. Public health agencies have often warned against using electric fans during such […]

Read more →

Health equity

Psychological Safety Comes of Age: A Guide to Navigating Organizational Uncertainty

As we navigate increasingly complex work environments, the concept of psychological safety has never been more relevant. The article, Psychological Safety Comes of Age: Observed Themes in an Established Literature, delves deep into this vital aspect of organizational behavior. Understanding Psychological Safety At its core, psychological safety is about creating an environment where team members […]

Read more →

Latest Insights & Research

Tag: safety

What Happens When Fear Drives Firearm Storage?