“ It ’ s not part of our culture to think about work and health in this country . We don ’ t think about occupation as one of the social determinants of health ,” said Jack Dennerlein , a professor at Northeastern University in Boston who studies occupational health and safety in construction
protocols for screening employees and visitors , physical distancing measures and the use of masks and face shields .
Construction industry health experts also expressed concern that Biden ’ s original task force did not include an appointee specifically dedicated to the needs of COVID-19 safety in the workplace .
“ We have the utmost confidence in his expertise in the midst of an unparalleled safety crisis ,” read a statement .
Construction Dive Reporter Joe Bousquin contributed to this report .
“ It ’ s not part of our culture to think about work and health in this country . We don ’ t think about occupation as one of the social determinants of health ,” said Jack Dennerlein , a professor at Northeastern University in Boston who studies occupational health and safety in construction , and who noted a lack of an occupational expert on Biden ’ s initial COVID-19 task force . “ But if he really wants to get the economy running again , you ’ ve got to think about controlling it in the workplace so that workers can show up .”
The NSC praised the addition of Michaels to the team , saying that he brings a deep understanding of the safety challenges facing both workers and their employers .
NOVEMBER 2020 • DITCHMEN 29