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Read ArticleA Legacy of Leadership in Public Health & Safety
Honoring Dr. Christine Branche, PhD, FACE
Celebrating a visionary leader whose research and dedication have fundamentally reshaped workplace safety and saved countless lives.
Explore Her LegacyA Pioneer in Public Health
For over two decades, Dr. Christine Branche's career has been synonymous with data-driven progress in occupational safety. Her journey from field investigator to national leader has left an indelible mark on how America protects its workforce.
Dr. Branche's distinguished career began in 1996 as an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she investigated public health threats. This foundational experience shaped her evidence-based approach to injury prevention. She later served as the Director of the CDC's Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention before joining the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in 2007.
At NIOSH, her leadership was quickly recognized, and she served as the agency's Acting Director in 2008-2009. However, her most defining role came in December 2009, when she became the founding Director of the NIOSH Office of Construction Safety and Health. For over a decade, she led the national research agenda to tackle the complex hazards facing one of the country's most dangerous industries, retiring in 2020. Her work is characterized by a unique ability to translate rigorous epidemiological research into practical, life-saving interventions.
A Career of Impact
Key milestones in a career dedicated to science and service.
1996
Begins CDC Career
Joined the CDC as an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer in the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
2007
Joins NIOSH
Transitioned to NIOSH, serving as a federal official for the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health.
2008
Leads NIOSH
Appointed Acting Director of NIOSH, guiding the entire institute from July 2008 through August 2009.
2009
Founds Construction Office
Established and became the first Director of the NIOSH Office of Construction Safety and Health, creating a focused national program.
2012
Launches Falls Campaign
Spearheaded the National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction, a defining initiative to combat the industry's leading cause of death.
2020
Retires & Continues Service
Retired from federal service and joined the Board of Directors for the Job-Site Safety Institute to continue her life's work.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Branche's leadership translated research into real-world changes that protect workers every day.
Preventing Falls in Construction
Dr. Branche led the creation of the National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction, a landmark partnership with OSHA and industry leaders. The campaign's annual "Safety Stand-Down" encourages employers to pause work to focus on preventing falls, which account for one-third of all construction fatalities.
Nail Gun Safety Advocacy
She championed research and awareness on nail gun injuries, highlighting risks and promoting the adoption of safer sequential triggers. NIOSH publications released under her leadership provided clear, accessible guidance for workers.
Broad Injury Prevention
Beyond construction, her extensive research portfolio includes significant contributions to preventing drowning, fire-related injuries, motor vehicle crashes, and spinal cord injuries, demonstrating a deep commitment to public health.
"Our most meaningful success comes when research translates into action that workers can see and feel on the job site. Every data point represents a life that can be protected through science-backed safety practices." — Dr. Christine Branche (Conceptual)
Industry-Wide Influence
Dr. Branche's expertise has been sought by a diverse range of leading national organizations.
Military Safety
Provided technical consultation to the U.S. Department of Defense on improving occupational safety protocols for service members.
Sports Safety
Consulted with the National Football League (NFL) on critical injury prevention and management strategies.
Public Health
Collaborated with the American Red Cross to develop and enhance water safety and drowning prevention guidelines.
Fire Safety
Serves on the Fire Council of Underwriters Laboratory (UL), contributing to fire safety standards and research.
Foundational Research
Dr. Branche has authored dozens of scientific publications that form the evidence base for modern safety practices.
The New ANSI Nail Gun Standard: A Lost Opportunity for Safety
A critical analysis that identified safety gaps in the national standard for nail guns, advocating for the use of sequential triggers to prevent a significant percentage of traumatic injuries.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Construction and Worker Safety
A forward-looking study on the application of drones (UAVs) for improving job-site safety inspections, hazard identification, and structural assessments in high-risk environments.
Advancing Safety with Expertise
QuickCare Solutions is proud to build upon the foundational work of leaders like Dr. Branche. Our services are designed to implement the life-saving principles she championed.
On-Site First Aid
Reduce recordable incidents with immediate, expert care that aligns with the principles of proactive injury response.
Learn MoreConstruction Safety
Implement robust safety programs for construction sites, from fall prevention plans to toolbox talks.
See SolutionsProTrain Education
Empower your team with the knowledge to prevent accidents before they happen through expert-led training.
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