AOEC works closely with unions to support research, service, and training to improve the health and safety of workers.  

Over the last two decades, AOEC has collaborated with the AFL-CIO to develop projects with local unions through the Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP).  OHIP trainees are placed with local unions and community/worker focused organizations nationwide each summer for a 9-week field experience that includes a give-back to the unions. 

To date, more than 400 students, over half of which are under-represented minorities, have completed the program. Further, over 50% of OHIP alumni have gone on to pursue careers in occupational safety and allied professions. See below for a list of the past OHIP projects.  

AOEC also provides on-going technical support and collaboration with the International Chemical Workers Union Council (ICWUC) for a broad range of issues, including emerging infectious diseases, tracking alerts on EPI-X and CDC, and training outreach at national public health meetings such as the American Occupational Health Conference (AOHC) and the American Public Health Association conference (APHA), and thought leadership for the future National Institute for Environmental Health Science (NIEHS) funding.