Fighting for Safe Jobs
There is nothing more important than staying safe on the job. Our lives depend on it. That is why, as AFSCME members, we have access to some of the best workplace health and safety resources available. Training programs and technical assistance emphasize strategies that involve workers and staff in identifying and solving workplace problems. AFSCME has also played a leading role in winning job safety rights to protect workers from asbestos, infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, and other hazards.
On April 28, AFSCME and the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe workplaces.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration has published two guidance documents on its new hazard communication standard for chemicals: a fact sheet on employer training requirements, and a brief for chemical receivers, chemical purchasers and trainers which explains the new labeling elements and what information must appear on a label as well as describing what pictograms are and how to use them. Review the documents at the links below.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration have made documents and resources available that address emergency preparedness and cleanup in hurricane and flood situations.
In addition, OSHA has created a fact sheet providing details on possible hazards and protective measures to keep workers safe during Hurricane Sandy cleanup and recovery.
- Apr 28Workers Memorial DayStatement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee on Workers Memorial Day
- Apr 28Memphis Sanitation Strike Workers to Be Inducted into Labor Hall of FameSecretary of Labor to host ceremony on Friday, April 29, to begin induction of 1968 Memphis, Tenn., sanitation strike workers into Labor Hall of Fame
- Jan 10AFSCME Decries Anti-government AttacksStatement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee regarding the shootings on Saturday in Tucson, Ariz.
- Feb 11 OSHA reminds employers to post injury and illness Summary must include the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2012.... (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
- Jan 25 OSHA releases 2013 targeted inspection plan to protect federal workers Program directs inspections of federal agencies where a high number of employees have been absent... (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
- Dec 05 US Labor Department's OSHA issues new fact sheet on mold hazards and safeguards for workers during Sandy cleanup Fact sheet provides elements of a mold cleanup plan, work practices and personal protective equipment.... (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
- Jul 31 OSHA issues two educational resources on protecting workers from mercury exposure in fluorescent bulbs Shift to energy-saving bulbs calls for more attention to workers who handle the bulbs. (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
- Jul 10 Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals Practices to help keep workers safe when working with cleaning chemicals, including green cleaning products.... (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
- May 16 New Government Safety Data Initiative Promises Insight into Nation's Public Safety Activities Safety.Data.Gov aims to provide better access to federal safety data and foster innovative ideas. (EHS Today)
- May 07 US Labor Department kicks off summer campaign to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities among outdoor workers Educational materials and mobile application available (U.S. Department of Labor)
- Mar 23 US Labor Department commemorates anniversary of Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire Mobile site features audio tour and background of historic event (U.S. Department of Labor)
- Mar 20 US Department of Labor’s OSHA revises Hazard Communication Standard Regulation protects workers from dangerous chemicals, helps American businesses compete worldwide. (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- Jan 31 New short videos from OSHA provide training to help inform workers on the proper use of respirators Series of 17 videos provide valuable information to workers in general industry and construction. (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- Jan 12 OSHA announces new online Outreach Training Program providers The OSHA Outreach Training Program teaches workers how to identify, prevent, and eliminate workplace hazards.... (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- Apr 21 OSHA marks 40th anniversary with tough stance against funding cuts The federal agency that oversees worker health and safety is celebrating its 40th anniversary this... (The Hill)
- May 06 Your Story Can Make a Difference The work you do every day makes a difference. So do your stories. Share your story at www.afscme.org/story. (Blog)
- Apr 22 In Memoriam: Lee Rizor Ohio state highway technician and OCSEA member killed in tragic road accident. (Blog)
- Apr 12 AFSCME’s DC 37 Launches Website for Members Affected by Sept. 11 The new site offers information on the World Trade Center Health Program, created in 2010. (Blog)
- Jan 04 Right to Know Webinar for AFSCME Members on Hazard Communication Standard Learn about new health and safety regulations in an online course being held Jan 15. (Blog)
- Nov 01 We Are AFSCME: Campaign Volunteer Shares His Story of Activism Public workers are organizing and campaigning for candidates who support working class families. (Blog)
- Aug 22 New Webinar for AFSCME Members on Hazard Communication Standard Learn about the Right to Know Law in an online course being held Sept. 11. (Blog)
- Aug 22 Safety First Following California Hospital Workers’ Win Only after an attack on an employee does state acknowledge problem with safety device’s roll-out. (Blog)
- Jul 06 Pepco In the Spotlight for Corporate Greed Utility company doesn’t pay taxes, proves that they’ve got the power and won’t share. (Blog)
- May 08 AFSCME Social Worker Rescues Infant 23-year social services veteran subdued mother to save wounded infant in Baltimore. (Blog)
- May 07 Honor Nurses by Supporting Nurse-Patient Staffing Bill National Nurses Week is a time to honor nurses by helping them. (Blog)
- Apr 27 Workers Memorial Day: A Reminder of Unfinished Work Millions of public employees work in jobs that don’t provide adequate safety protections. (Blog)
- Apr 28 Workers Memorial Day A time to honor the workers who have lost their lives on the job. (Blog)
