Newsletter 28th Edition

Author

Dan Abbotoy
April 29, 2024


Good morning! This week’s newsletter is one in which we take a more sober tone as we take time to remember those who have lost their lives on the job. As always we will cover other health and safety topics, but we do it with a reminder as to why we write this newsletter. We hope that each week we bring you up to date knowledge and information with the goal of making the workplace safer for everyone!

THIS WEEK’S TIPS

This week’s safety upgrades:

  • OSHA’s Memorial Wall

  • NYS Data Update

  • Our Cicada Safety Talk

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This Weeks Professional Development Tip

SAFETY KNIGHTS COMMUNITY
For Those About to Rock a New Gig.

OSHA
Take Time to Remember.

Workers Memorial Day, observed on April 28 since 1970, commemorated the lives lost to workplace injuries and illnesses. Today, approximately 15 U.S. workers died daily due to work-related incidents, totaling 5,486 fatal injuries in 2022. To honor these individuals, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) held events nationwide on April 28. Assistant Secretary Doug Parker emphasized the importance of workplace safety, stating that OSHA's mission was to ensure every worker returned home safely. A week-long series of events, from April 22-25, educated employers on safe workplaces, culminating in an in-person and livestreamed event in Washington, D.C., featuring OSHA and MSHA leaders, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, and United Support & Memorial for Workplace Fatalities Board Member Stacy Sebald. Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson emphasized MSHA's commitment to miners' safety. The events aimed to raise awareness and prevent future workplace tragedies.

Virtual Memorial Wall

The virtual Workers Memorial Wall serves as a tribute to those who lost their lives while on the job, whether due to injuries, incidents, or occupational illnesses and diseases in the U.S. It honors these individuals who are not just workers, but family members, friends, and coworkers. Developed in partnership with the United Support & Memorial for Workplace Fatalities (USMWF), the wall offers support, compassion, and appreciation to the families of fallen workers. Those who have lost a loved one due to a work-related incident are invited to share their photograph with OSHA at [email protected] to be recognized on the virtual Workers Memorial Wall.

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WORKER RIGHTS
You Gotta Fight. For Your Rights.

beastie boys GIF

In 2022, New York City's construction industry witnessed a surge in fatalities, with 24 deaths reported at construction sites, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. A significant portion of these fatalities involved Latino workers, highlighting the precarious working conditions faced by immigrant workers, particularly on non-union construction sites.

Against this backdrop, a group of mostly indigenous Guatemalan demolition workers in Brooklyn embarked on the Cabricánecos Campaign in May 2022. Their primary objectives were to demand higher wages and create a safer work environment by establishing a workplace safety committee. These workers were employed by Best Super Cleaning, a farm labor contractor operating under the federal H-2A program for temporary or seasonal nonimmigrant workers.

Despite facing initial resistance from management, the workers received support from the Laundry Workers Center and progressive Jewish groups. Their campaign gained momentum, culminating in a victory in November. Best Super Cleaning agreed to nearly all of their demands, including recognizing the workers' right to form a workplace safety committee.

The campaign faced numerous challenges along the way, including allegations of worker surveillance and retaliatory firings. However, the workers persisted, organizing pickets and negotiations until management relented. On January 20, 2023, Best Super Cleaning agreed to recognize the safety committee, although negotiations were briefly suspended afterward.

With the establishment of the safety committee, workers gained the authority to refuse unsafe jobs and hold monthly meetings with management to address safety concerns. Additionally, the workers secured a modest wage increase, although specific details were kept confidential per a confidentiality agreement with management.

Before their victory, workers endured hazardous conditions, including working without proper equipment such as harnesses and ventilation masks. Best Super Cleaning had received multiple citations from OSHA for its lack of safety standards. However, with the formation of the safety committee, workers now have the power to advocate for their safety and well-being on the job.

The success of the Cabricánecos Campaign represents a significant milestone in organizing marginalized workers, particularly immigrant laborers in precarious industries. By securing improvements in workplace safety and wages, these workers have set a precedent for future organizing efforts and highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing systemic issues within the labor force.

ENVIORNMENT
Cicada Emergence Safety Talk.

la luz GIF by Hardly Art

In 2024, some region will experience a rare natural phenomenon – the emergence of trillions of periodical Cicadas, known as “brood” groups. This event occurs once every 13 or 17 years. However, what makes this year different is the emergence of both the broods XIX and XIII, set to emerge simultaneously in a rare occurrence spanning 17 states, primarily across the Midwest and Southeast regions. This double brood event marks the first time these two broods have surfaced together in 221 years. After this year, such a convergence is not expected to recur until 2245. This once in a life time occurrence brings with it some unique challenges and safety considerations.

At Work

Outdoor Work: If your job involves outdoor activities, be prepared for the loud buzzing of Cicadas, which can reach up to 100 decibels. Not only can it be distracting, but 100 dB’s is high enough to require hearing protection.

Equipment and Machinery: Cicadas can swarm in large numbers, potentially clogging machinery or equipment. Regularly inspect and clean any vents or openings to prevent malfunctions.

Tree Work: Be cautious when working with trees. Female Cicadas lay eggs in small branches, which can weaken and cause them to fall. Inspect trees for damage before starting work.

Traveling

Driving: Cicadas can impair visibility and cause distractions while driving. Keep windows closed and use windshield wipers to clear any insects away.

Flights: In areas with heavy Cicada activity, be aware of potential flight delays or cancellations as swarms can affect airport operations.

At Home

Protecting Young Trees: Cover young trees and shrubs with mesh or cheesecloth to prevent Cicadas from laying eggs on them. The mesh should have openings smaller than 0.5 inches.

Gardening: Delay planting new trees or shrubs until after the Cicada emergence. Established plants are generally safe from Cicada damage.

Pets: Keep an eye on pets as they may try to eat the Cicadas, which can cause digestive issues if consumed in large quantities.

The Cicada emergence is a remarkable event that requires certain precautions to ensure safety and minimize inconvenience. By following these protocols, we can coexist with these ancient creatures without harm to ourselves or our environment. Remember, while Cicadas are mostly harmless, their sheer numbers can create unusual situations that we don’t encounter every year. Stay informed, stay prepared, and enjoy this unique natural spectacle!

An interactive Cicada map can be found here.

DATA
NY State Injuries and the Dirty Dozen.

New York Mls GIF by NYCFC

New York's private sector is experiencing a concerning rise in workplace hazards, with nearly 200,000 workers injured annually in the state. Over the past three years, workplace injury rates in New York have increased, surpassing the national average by 25% in 2022. Industries such as construction, nursing homes, warehouses, hospitals, food manufacturing, and hotels witness the highest incidence of workplace injuries, with immigrant workers often disproportionately affected.

Reports highlight the escalating dangers facing New York workers. For example, the injury rate among warehouse workers more than doubled from 2017 to 2022, driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce. Construction remains a hazardous sector, with construction worker fatalities increasing annually, particularly impacting Latinx and immigrant workers.

Other occupations, such as healthcare, also face heightened risks, with nonfatal injury rates doubling in hospitals and rising significantly in nursing homes. Despite the workers' compensation system aiming to cover medical expenses and lost earnings, it has faced criticism for inadequately supporting injured workers. Benefit levels are often insufficient, especially for low-wage workers, and administrative complexities create barriers to access, particularly for immigrant workers.

Reforms are urgently needed to address these challenges. Proposed measures include increasing minimum and maximum benefit levels, enhancing safety inspections and penalties for negligent companies in high-risk industries like construction, and implementing targeted legislation such as the "Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act" to improve worker training and establish health and safety committees.

Addressing New York's workplace safety crisis requires collaborative efforts from state agencies, employers, and legislators to ensure the well-being of all workers and reduce the epidemic of workplace injuries.

The Dirty Dozen

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) recently published its "Dirty Dozen" list for 2024, spotlighting employers deemed to prioritize profits over worker safety. Among those listed are major corporations such as Walmart, Tyson Foods, Uber, and Lyft, alongside entities like the Alabama Department of Corrections and Ascension, a major healthcare system. These employers have been accused of various safety violations, harassment of workers, and even fatalities due to unsafe practices.

For instance, Walmart has faced scrutiny following the tragic death of Janikka Perry, who allegedly avoided taking sick time and died alone in a Walmart bathroom, crying out for help. Additionally, Walmart stores have been the site of over 1,100 shooting incidents since 2014, resulting in numerous deaths. Similarly, Tyson Foods has seen six on-the-job fatalities since 2019, along with numerous injuries from hazardous ammonia leaks. Uber and Lyft have been criticized for failing to protect their drivers, with over 80 mobile app workers killed on the job since 2017.

The "Dirty Dozen" list aims to draw attention to the increasing number of preventable fatalities, injuries, and illnesses in U.S. workplaces. It also serves as a call to action for better protections for workers across industries. Testimonials from affected workers, such as Cindy Smith, Ana Mejia, and J.C. Muhammad, highlight the urgent need for improved workplace safety measures and accountability for employers who put their workers at risk.

RESEARCH
Garbage Research.

In the realm of occupational safety and health research, waste management workers in the United States have been notably understudied, despite their essential role in society. A recent study conducted by researchers at Texas A&M and The University of Michigan sheds light on this overlooked group. These workers face a myriad of occupational hazards, ranging from traditional risks to emerging challenges, as they handle non-hazardous waste from residential and commercial sources. From biohazards and chemical exposures to physical dangers and adverse environmental conditions, waste workers confront a complex work environment that affects both their physical health and mental well-being. Against this backdrop, the significance of psychosocial factors in influencing employee health outcomes has gained prominence in recent years. Understanding the dynamics of job demands, interpersonal relationships, organizational health, and overall job perceptions is pivotal for safeguarding the health and well-being of waste workers. This study delves into the realm of organizational health and psychosocial factors among U.S. waste workers, aiming to provide insights into this neglected population and offer avenues for enhancing workplace safety and employee welfare.

Key Findings:

The study revealed that waste management workers faced a multitude of hazards in their line of work, ranging from biohazards and chemical exposures to physical dangers and challenging environmental conditions. While these traditional hazards had been well-documented, there was growing recognition of the impact of psychosocial factors on employee health.

Psychosocial factors such as job demands, autonomy, supervisor support, and job satisfaction played a crucial role in shaping the overall well-being of workers. Additionally, organizational health, which encompassed aspects like leadership styles and occupational stress, had a significant influence on employee health outcomes.

Insights:

Overall, the study found generally positive perceptions of the psychosocial work environment among waste management workers. However, there were areas of concern, such as high ergonomic risks and work-family conflict. Despite its limitations, including a small sample size and potential selection bias, the study provided valuable insights into the health and well-being of waste workers in the U.S.

Implications:

The findings of this study underscored the need for further research to better understand the factors influencing the health and well-being of waste management workers. Longitudinal studies and more extensive data collection efforts were necessary to explore the complexities of psychosocial factors and organizational health across different waste sites. By gaining a deeper understanding of these issues, policymakers, employers, and health professionals could work towards creating safer and healthier work environments for waste workers.

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