Finding a Home in Worker Health and Safety

David Kotelchuck began his work and activism in the occupational health and safety movement in the early 1970s, soon after the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. He has been a stalwart member of the New Solutions editorial board from its inception. In Spring 2026, he celebrated his 90^th birthday, and along with that milestone, he has written a memoir of his life and career. This article presents the memoir chapters that tell the story of David's entrance into the field of occupational health and safety, to inform readers of some of the history and development of the health and safety movement that has taken off since the 1970s. We hope that this story will help inspire a new generation of occupational and environmental public health professionals and activists to continue this work and achieve the goal of a safe and healthy workplace for all workers.