Newsletter 17th Edition

Good morning! This edition feels a little over packed but it’s only because we felt the need to cover some timely news we feel strongly about. We’re covering everything from Cancer to the Superbowl. So, if you’re ready, let’s dive in!

THIS WEEK’S TIPS

What you’ll find in this weeks edition:

• How to build psychological safety (plus possible grant funding)

• Industrial Tanks Hazards and Prevention

• Insight into your coworkers handwashing habits

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This Weeks Professional Development Tip

• 4 Traits of Bad Managers, According to a Former Microsoft VP

SAFETY KNIGHTS COMMUNITY
How would you do?

WORKER SAFETY
Maybe it’s not so ‘Super’.

Last night marked the end of another highly anticipated Super Bowl season, showcasing the culmination of five months of NFL football. Yet, beyond the excitement of the game, the league's labor landscape reveals deep-seated concerns. An article from, Current Affairs took a comprehensive look into what lies just below the surface.

One pressing issue is the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of artificial turf on player safety. Studies, such as a 2018 report published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, have indicated that synthetic turf surfaces contribute to a higher incidence of injuries due to their reduced ability to release cleats compared to natural turf. Data shows that between 2012 and 2016, there were 16% more injuries on turf fields than on grass ones, with the figure rising to 20% for non-contact injuries like sprains and tears. Despite these findings, 15 NFL teams continue to use artificial turf on their home fields, sparking calls for change from both players and experts.

Furthermore, concerns persist regarding player health, particularly regarding traumatic brain injuries like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Studies have revealed alarming rates of CTE among former NFL players, with a staggering 92% of deceased players examined showing signs of the condition. Additionally, recent research has linked NFL athletes to a heightened risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, at a rate over three times higher than the general male population.

Thursday Night Football, introduced in 2006, has also drawn criticism for its impact on player well-being. Athletes, who typically have a week to recover between games, face significantly shortened rest periods with Thursday night matchups. Studies suggest that injuries are slightly more common on Thursday nights compared to other days of the week, highlighting the potential risks associated with this condensed schedule.

Moreover, issues extend beyond player welfare to include the treatment of NFL cheerleaders, who often face low pay, lack of benefits, and gender-based abuse. Despite the athleticism and skill required for their roles, cheerleaders are frequently undervalued and subjected to exploitative working conditions.

While some may perceive NFL players as privileged due to high-profile contracts, the reality for many is quite different. The average professional football career lasts just 3.3 years, and players often contend with chronic health issues long after retirement. Despite the league's immense profits, the financial security of its players remains uncertain, with approximately 80% experiencing financial difficulties within three years of leaving the NFL.

In contrast, team owners reap substantial rewards without shouldering the physical risks endured by players. The concentration of wealth and power among a select few underscores the systemic inequalities within the league's structure.

As we turn the page on another NFL season, maybe it’s time for the league to take a serious look in the mirror and begin to address the urgent need for comprehensive reforms, prioritizing player welfare, addressing labor rights, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and fairness across all levels of the sport.

ENVIORNMENTAL
A foundry stuck in the past.

The Smith Foundry in Minneapolis' East Phillips neighborhood has been under scrutiny for repeatedly violating the federal Clean Air Act, according to EPA filings. The foundry, which processes iron metal, has been found to emit nearly twice the allowed amount of air pollution permitted by state regulations. Additionally, the facility failed to maintain equipment meant to reduce pollution and neglected to report equipment failures as required.

The violations, discovered during an unannounced EPA inspection in May, raised concerns among residents, particularly those in the predominantly people of color neighborhood, who have long complained of health issues and environmental injustice. Despite the EPA's findings and subsequent enforcement action, community members question why the foundry was allowed to continue operating after the violations were identified.

Lead and particulate matter emissions from the foundry pose significant health risks, including respiratory issues and developmental problems, especially for vulnerable populations like children. The EPA is pursuing civil enforcement action against Smith Foundry, with potential penalties and requirements for environmental improvements. The foundry's pending permit application with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will also be subject to scrutiny under new regulations aimed at addressing cumulative impacts on environmental justice neighborhoods.

Community members, while pleased with the EPA's action, demand transparency and accountability from regulatory agencies and the foundry, with some calling for it’s closure. They seek clarity on the consequences for Smith Foundry and hope for meaningful engagement with neighbors to address ongoing environmental concerns and ensure the well-being of residents in East Phillips.

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WORKER HEALTH
What if we thought of Cancer as Preventable?

The story of worker safety and chemical exposure at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber plant in Niagara Falls, covered in a new book called, The Cancer Factory: Industrial Chemicals, Corporate Deception, and the Hidden Deaths of American Workers, highlights a disturbing reality. Despite decades of monitoring and ample evidence of health risks, workers continue to face dangerous levels of toxins (5x higher than the beginning of a shift) with insufficient protection. Ortho-toluidine, a chemical used in tire production, poses a significant risk of bladder cancer, yet the permissible exposure limit set by the U.S. government remains outdated and inadequate. 

Government agencies like OSHA have struggled to update regulations due to industry lawsuits and bureaucratic hurdles. OSHA's acknowledgment of the inadequacy of its own standards underscores the extent of the problem. Chemical manufacturers have also been allowed to create safety data sheets without stringent oversight, leaving workers unaware of the full extent of the risks they face.

This systemic failure to protect workers is not limited to the Goodyear plant. It reflects broader challenges in the regulatory landscape, with rising workplace fatalities and injuries despite political rhetoric about safeguarding blue-collar workers. Recent incidents, such as cases of silicosis among immigrant workers in the artificial stone countertop industry, highlight ongoing vulnerabilities and the need for comprehensive reform.

While legislation like the Occupational Safety and Health Act has made progress, persistent gaps in enforcement and protections remain. Stronger measures are necessary to ensure the health and safety of all workers, particularly those in industries where chemical exposure poses significant risks to their well-being.

Cancer Prevention

The International Agency for Research on Cancer highlights concerning cancer statistics in Puerto Rico, with over 13,000 new cases and 5,500 deaths reported in 2020 alone. Preventable factors contribute significantly to cancer diagnoses, with environmental exposure to carcinogens being a notable concern. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lists over 100 substances as potential occupational carcinogens, including tobacco smoke, radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust, and formaldehyde. Recognizing National Cancer Prevention Month in February, organizations like Zimmetry Environmental advocate for awareness and prevention efforts. Zimmetry offers testing, monitoring, and consulting services to identify and mitigate exposure risks to carcinogens in both residential and occupational settings, aiming to reduce the incidence of cancer through proactive measures.

OSHA
OSHA news for you!

Changes in Pennsylvania?

Union presidents from across Pennsylvania gathered at the capitol to advocate for Senate Bill 93 and House Bill 299, which aim to enforce OSHA regulations for public sector workers, including road workers, teachers, and corrections facilities staff. While the private sector adheres to OSHA standards, states can opt out, leading to longstanding debates in Pennsylvania since OSHA's inception in the 1970s.

Concerns arise from local governments about the financial burden of compliance with OSHA regulations. However, supporters argue that tragedies like workplace accidents necessitate such measures. Jake Schwab's death in a workplace accident at Erie Transit in 2014, and Representative Pat Harkins' advocacy since then, underscore the importance of workplace safety regulations. Harkins' bill passed in the House last summer with overwhelming support.

Advocates are now focusing on Senate approval, believing they have sufficient support in the Republican-controlled chamber. They emphasize the need to prioritize workplace safety to prevent further tragedies like Schwab's death. Schwab's memory continues to drive their efforts, reminding everyone of the importance of ensuring workers' safety.

Cal/OSHA

California lawmakers, responding to growing concerns about labor enforcement and workplace safety, are calling for heightened scrutiny of Cal/OSHA, the state's workplace safety agency. Assembly Labor Committee Chairperson Liz Ortega plans to seek an audit following a hearing where farmworkers detailed harsh working conditions and slow responses from Cal/OSHA to safety violations. Despite assurances from Cal/OSHA's acting chief Debra Lee about forthcoming improvements, including a specialized unit for agricultural safety and a multilingual hotline, Chairperson Ortega stresses the necessity of an audit to address deficiencies in enforcement. The audit comes amid broader efforts by lawmakers and advocates to bolster worker protections and enhance enforcement systems in California.

OSHA Reminder

Reminder to Employers: It’s Time to Post and/or Submit OSHA Injury Records

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NEWS
Your Virtual Water Cooler

• CDC’s guidelines spark controversy.

• Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s New Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant Provides Increased Efficiency and Safety.

• OSHA fines Sherwin-Williams for safety violations in Garland where explosion occurred.

• OSHA cites repeat offender for 14 violations, proposes $393K in penalties.

• Alabama contractor fined $16,131 after contractor dies working in 107 degree heat index.

• NSC, NIOSH Renew Partnership to Enhance Workplace Safety.

• What is psychological safety (and how to build it)?

• What every small business needs to know about keeping workers safe and healthy.

• NIOSH grant seeks to address farmer mental health.

• New Survey Reveals Strategic Handwashing Among Americans.

• Chlorine-related deaths prompt FRA to expand crew-safety rule.

• 4 Hazards affecting industrial tanks and how to prevent them.

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