Overview
Research interest focus on occupational and environmental epidemiology including exposure assessments for epidemiological studies. Exposure assessments involve the development of new and innovative exposure assessment methods and application of these methods to cohort and case-control studies of exposed populations. Research topics include occupational lung diseases and occupational and environmental carcinogens such as asbestos fibers, man-made fibers, and benzene. Epidemiological studies involve the development of quantitative risk estimates for occupational diseases among cohorts of workers exposed to substances such as asbestos. Other ongoing occupational lung disease studies include assessments of exposures and lung diseases among construction workers at Department of Energy nuclear facilities. The objective of this research is to identify possible occupational and personal factors related to the risk of lung diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis, and COPD.
Construction industry health and safety research is another area of research focus. This research includes development of epidemiological surveillance methods for work related diseases and injuries using existing data sources such as medical claims and worker compensation data. Work related musculoskeletal diseases among carpenters are currently being studied in collaboration with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
Other ongoing research includes the development and implementation occupational safety and health surveillance systems for health care workers. The objective of this research is to develop, implement, and evaluate a model surveillance program which can be implemented in other health care settings. This project involves both population-based and case-based surveillance strategies. Surveillance and prevention programs for workplace violence experienced by health care workers is a research interest,
Prevention and management of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases among workers participating in multi-employer health funds is a current area of research interest.
Construction industry health and safety research is another area of research focus. This research includes development of epidemiological surveillance methods for work related diseases and injuries using existing data sources such as medical claims and worker compensation data. Work related musculoskeletal diseases among carpenters are currently being studied in collaboration with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
Other ongoing research includes the development and implementation occupational safety and health surveillance systems for health care workers. The objective of this research is to develop, implement, and evaluate a model surveillance program which can be implemented in other health care settings. This project involves both population-based and case-based surveillance strategies. Surveillance and prevention programs for workplace violence experienced by health care workers is a research interest,
Prevention and management of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases among workers participating in multi-employer health funds is a current area of research interest.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor Emeritus in Family Medicine and Community Health
·
2017 - Present
Family Medicine and Community Health, Occupational & Environmental,
Family Medicine and Community Health
Recent Publications
Hearing Loss Is Associated With Increased Mortality in a Cohort of Older Construction Trades Workers.
Journal Article Am J Ind Med · March 2025 BACKGROUND: Hearing loss has been associated with increased mortality, and there is evidence that regular use of hearing aids reduces the mortality risk. However, these associations have not been sufficiently studied in worker populations at high risk for ... Full text Link to item CiteOccupational asbestos exposure and gastrointestinal cancers: systematic review and meta-analyses.
Journal Article Occup Environ Med · February 12, 2025 OBJECTIVE: To conduct meta-analyses of occupational asbestos exposure and oesophageal, stomach and colorectal cancer risk, including a critical exposure assessment approach. METHODS: The search strategy was executed on MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus and W ... Full text Link to item CiteColorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening in Occupational Health Surveillance Exams Is Associated With Decreased CRC Mortality.
Journal Article Am J Ind Med · February 2025 BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is recommended for adults aged 45 to 75. Using data from a national screening program, we examined the impact of CRC screening in a population with occupational exposures. METHODS: Since 1998, the Building Trad ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Occupational Medicine Program Area of the NC OSHERC
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEKey Faculty · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2017 - 2027Disparities Research Surveillance
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by CPWR-The center for construction research and training · 2014 - 2016Development & Evaluation of a Comprehensive Hospital Workplace Violence Surveillance System
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston · 2014 - 2016View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill ·
1980
Ph.D.