09/07/2026
This Labor Day, we honor the workers who build, sustain and strengthen our nation. From the industrial struggles of the late 19th century — when workers faced 12-hour days and unsafe conditions — to today's evolving workplace challenges, the fight for worker health and safety continues.
ACPM President-Elect Dr. Jim Tacci reminds us that protecting workers means addressing all workplace hazards: "Workplace stressors can be every bit as damaging to folks' health and wellness. Just like with physical hazards and chemical hazards, we shouldn't underestimate the value of maintaining people's workplace mental health and well-being."
The shift from helmets and hard hats to psychological resilience represents the next frontier in occupational health. Preventive Medicine physicians are uniquely trained to address both individual and population-level workplace health — from ergonomic interventions to mental health support systems.
As Dr. Tacci notes: "Fundamentally, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you can prevent somebody from getting injured by implementing ergonomic changes or putting in place other safety protocols, you've made your workplace safer. You've made that person healthier. And, it cascades, you've made their family healthier, more stable, more financially secure."
This Labor Day, let's recommit to building workplaces that prioritize prevention and protect the health of every worker.
Read ACPM's Moments & Momentum: https://bit.ly/4nWbZNa