Ray Knabbe
Safety & Health Representative
Charlotte Area Local & Southern Region
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AFL-CIO Safety & Health FACT SHEET
Safety and Health Update
February 2008
More than three decades ago, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, promising every worker the right to a safe job. Unions and our allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality — winning protections that have saved hundreds of thousands of lives and prevented millions of workplace injuries. Nonetheless, the toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths remains enormous. In 2006, more than 4.1 million workers were injured and 5,703 workers were killed due to job hazards. Another 50,000 died due to occupational diseases.
Our fight for safe jobs has gotten harder as for more than seven years the Bush Administration has refused to act. Instead, at the behest of corporate interests, the Administration has moved to roll back and weaken protections. Voluntary compliance has been favored over issuing new protective standards and enforcement. Progress has ground to a halt and may be reversing. Many workers have little or no protection and major hazards remain unaddressed. Catastrophes in coal mines and factories continue, with little action to prevent them.
With the change in control of Congress, there has been increased attention to worker safety and health issues and oversight of OSHA and MSHA. Legislation to strengthen protections has been introduced. But with President Bush still in office and Republican blocking legislation in the Senate, it has been difficult to achieve any major advancements.
Hopefully, this year, with the election, we’ll be able to change the direction of the country, make workers’ issues a priority and make real progress in protecting workers’ lives.
In 2008, here are some of the major challenges we face in our fight for safe jobs:
• Millions of Workers Have No OSHA Protection — More than three decades after the passage of the OSHAct, more than 8.6 million state and local public employees and other workers, including flight attendants, have no protection under the OSHA law.
• Penalties for Violations are Weak — The average penalty for a serious violation of the OSHA law continues to be woefully low — only $906. Criminal penalties under OSHA are weaker than all other safety and health laws, limited only to those cases where a willful violation results in the death of a worker, and even then it is only a misdemeanor. Legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate (The Protecting America’s Workers Act, H.R. 2049, S. 1244) that would strengthen OSHA penalties and other worker rights and protections.
• No New Workplace Safety and Health Rules — The Bush Administration killed dozens of worker protection measures under development at OSHA and MSHA, including rules on cancer causing substances, reactive chemicals, and infectious diseases such as TB. This Administration has the worst record on safety rules in OSHA’s entire history, issuing no new significant rules during its first term. The only health standard issued — a standard on hexavalent chromium in 2006 — was in response to a court order. For seven years, the Administration refused to issue a rule requiring employers to pay for personal protective equipment, particularly important for immigrant and low wage workers. Finally in 2007, this rule was issued, but only after the AFL-CIO and UFCW went to court and Congress ordered OSHA to act. The Administration has failed to protect workers from disabling and deadly lung disease caused by the butter flavoring diacetyl, used in microwave popcorn and other foods.
The House of Representatives passed legislation (H.R. 2693) directing OSHA to issue an emergency rule, but Senate Republicans have stalled the bill.
• Ergonomic Hazards Still a Major Problem — Soon after taking office in 2001, the Bush Administration joined with anti-worker business groups to repeal OSHA’s ergonomics standard. The standard, ten years in the making, would have required employers to protect workers from the nation’s biggest job safety problem — injuries caused by heavy lifting and repetitive work. The Administration’s promised “comprehensive plan” to address ergonomic hazards has turned out to be a sham. In six years, only three voluntary non-enforceable guidelines — for nursing homes, retail grocery and poultry — have been issued. No general duty violations for ergonomic hazards have been issued by federal OSHA since November 2005. Meanwhile, musculoskeletal disorders remain a major job safety problem, responsible for nearly one-third of all work place injuries.
• Securing Mine Safety Improvements — In 2006, as a result of the Sago mine disaster and other mine disasters, the Congress enacted the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act. The legislation requires MSHA to adopt stricter standards on mine rescue teams, communications and oxygen availability and sets mandatory minimum penalties for egregious and repeated violations. But the Bush Administration has missed numerous deadlines under the law, and has threatened to veto a new mine safety bill passed by the House (H.R. 2768) that would further improve protections.
• Employer Voluntary Programs Favored Over Enforcement — The Administration has made expanding voluntary programs and outreach to employers a top priority. Bush’s OSHA has set up partnerships and alliances with dozens of employers, largely excluding unions. At both OSHA and MSHA, industry officials have been appointed to top positions, increasing the employer friendly orientation and policies of these agencies.
• Workplace Injuries are Underreported and Workers Discouraged from Reporting Injuries — Even though the toll of reported injuries is high, recent studies have found that these reports miss two out of three workplace injuries. Increasingly, workers are being discouraged from reporting job injuries, often facing discipline or termination when they are injured. These practices are particularly rampant in industries where immigrant workers are employed, such as poultry. Despite this growing problem, OSHA has taken no action to stop these practices that put workers in danger, and totally distort the real toll of workplace injuries.
• Protecting Workers from Pandemic Flu — In the event of a pandemic flu outbreak, healthcare workers and other responders will be on the front lines, and at an increased risk of infection, disease and death. But rather than moving to provide the best protection possible for these workers, the Bush Administration has dragged its feet and failed to ensure even the most basic occupational health protections, such as NIOSH approved respirators, are provided to workers. The unions petitioned OSHA to issue an emergency standard, but Labor Secretary Chao has refused, stating OSHA can not act until after a flu pandemic has occurred.
• Maintaining OSHA, MSHA and NIOSH Funding — Since President Bush took office, maintaining adequate funding for the federal job safety programs has been a struggle, with repeated attempts to slash funding. Since FY 2001, the OSHA budget has been cut by $30.2 million (6%) in real dollar terms and hundreds of positions have been eliminated. At MSHA, repeated attempts were made to cut funding for coal mine enforcement. Only after the Sago and other mine tragedies has the Administration requested additional funds for the mine safety program. But the FY 2009 budget request would cut the OSHA and MSHA programs, in real dollar terms, compared to FY 2008 funding levels, including cuts in the MSHA coal enforcement program. Once again, the Bush Administration proposes to eliminate OSHA’s worker training program. For NIOSH, the job safety research agency, a $34.1 million cut (in real dollar terms) is proposed, reducing the nation’s commitment to researching and preventing workplace injuries, diseases and deaths.
• Providing Medical Care for World Trade Center Responders — Thousands of emergency workers, construction workers, and others who rushed to the World Trade Center (WTC) to assist in 9/11 rescue and recovery operations are now seriously ill as a result of toxic exposures. Many are disabled and some have died. Through the efforts of the New York Congressional delegation and the unions, temporary funding has been secured for medical screening and treatment for these workers. Legislation (H.R. 3543) has been introduced to provide long-term medical care and compensation for these workers, which the unions are urging to be enacted this year. But in the meantime, the Bush Administration is turning its back on these brave workers. They have failed to provide medical care for sick responders who came from outside the New York area, and have proposed to slash FY 2009 funding for the WTC treatment program by 77%, leaving thousands of sick workers without access to necessary care.
American workers need stronger safety and health laws and OSHA and MSHA programs that put workers, not employers, first. Hopefully, the election in November will bring a major change in the direction of the country, and an opportunity for improving workers’ lives.
Prepared by: AFL-CIO Safety and Health, February 2008
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This article was posted on the national APWU safety page, 11/1/2007:
MRSA – Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Facts and Information
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Approximately 25% to 30% of the population is colonized (when bacteria are present, but not causing an infection) in the nose with staph bacteria. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be treated without antibiotics (also known as antimicrobials or antibacterials). However, staph bacteria also can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia).
Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune systems. Staph and MRSA can also cause illness in persons outside of hospitals and healthcare facilities. MRSA infections that are acquired by persons who have not been recently (within the past year) hospitalized or had a medical procedure (such as dialysis, surgery, catheters) are known as CA-MRSA infections. Staph or MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boils, and occur in otherwise healthy people.
People with weakened immune systems, may be at risk for more severe illness if they get infected with MRSA. Everyone should follow the same prevention measures including practicing good hygiene, cover wounds (e.g., cuts or abrasions) with clean dry bandages, avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors, and contacting their doctor if they think they have an infection.
In the outbreaks of MRSA, the environment has not played a significant role in the transmission of MRSA. MRSA is transmitted most frequently by direct skin-to-skin contact. If you believe you may have MRSA you should see your healthcare provider. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics. If you are given an antibiotic, take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save unfinished antibiotics to use at another time. Some staph skin infections may be treated by draining the abscess or boil and may not require antibiotics. Drainage of skin boils or abscesses should only be done by a healthcare provider. If after visiting your healthcare provider the infection is not getting better after a few days, contact them again. If other people you know or live with get the same infection tell them to go to their healthcare provider.
The CDC provides the following advice to prevent spreading staph or MRSA skin infections to others:
Cover your wound. Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with clean, dry bandages. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain staph and MRSA, so keeping the infection covered will help prevent the spread to others. Bandages or tape can be discarded with the regular trash.
Clean your hands. You, your family, and others in close contact should wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after changing the bandage or touching the infected wound.
Do not share personal items. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms that may have had contact with the infected wound or bandage. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes that become soiled with water and laundry detergent. Drying clothes in a hot dryer, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria in clothes.
Talk to your doctor. Tell any healthcare providers who treat you that you have or had a staph or MRSA skin infection.
At work Postal employees can protect themselves by practicing good hygiene:
You may choose to wear gloves.
Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
Seek medical attention if you have symptoms.
Visit www.CDC.gov for additional information.
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OSHA Fact Sheet
Working Safely with Electricity
Working with electricity can be dangerous. Engineers, linemen, electricians, and others
work with electricity directly, including overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit
assemblies. Office workers and salespeople work with electricity indirectly and
may also be exposed to electrical hazards.
Generators
One of the common tools utilized following the
loss of power are portable generators. Most
generators are gasoline powered and use internal
combustion engines to produce electricity.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas
produced during the operation of gasoline powered
generators. When inhaled, the gas reduces
your ability to utilize oxygen. Symptoms of
carbon monoxide poisoning include headache,
nausea and tiredness that can lead to unconsciousness
and ultimately prove fatal.
• DO NOT bring a generator indoors. Be sure it is
located outdoors in a location where the
exhaust gases cannot enter a home or building.
Good ventilation is the key.
• Be sure that the main circuit breaker is OFF and
locked out prior to starting any generator. This
will prevent inadvertent energization of power
lines from back feed electrical energy from
generators and help protect utility line workers
from possible electrocution.
• Turn off generators and let them cool prior to
refueling.
Power Lines
Overhead and buried power lines are especially
hazardous because they carry extremely high voltage.
Fatal electrocution is the main risk, but burns
and falls are also hazards.
• Look for overhead power lines and buried
power line indicators.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power
lines and assume they are energized.
• De-energize and ground lines when working
near them.
• Use non-conductive wood or fiberglass ladders
when working near power lines.
Extension Cords
Normal wear on cords can loosen or expose
wires. Cords that are not 3-wire type, not
designed for hard-usage, or that have been modified,
increase your risk of contacting electrical current.
• Use only equipment that is approved to meet
OSHA standards.
• Do not modify cords or use them incorrectly.
• Use factory-assembled cord sets and only extension
cords that are 3-wire type.
• Use only cords, connection devices, and fittings
that are equipped with strain relief.
• Remove cords from receptacles by pulling on
the plugs, not the cords.
Equipment
Due to the dynamic, rugged nature of construction
work, normal use of electrical equipment
causes wear and tear that results in insulation
breaks, short-circuits, and exposed wires. If there
is no ground-fault protection, it can cause a
ground-fault that sends current through the worker's
body.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on
all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere
receptacles, or have an assured equipment
grounding conductor program (AEGCP).
• Use double-insulated tools and equipment,
distinctively marked.
• Visually inspect all electrical equipment before
use. Remove from service any equipment with
frayed cords, missing ground prongs, cracked
tool casings, etc.
Electrical Incidents
If the power supply to the electrical equipment is
not grounded or the path has been broken, fault
current may travel through a worker's body,
causing electrical burns or death. Even when the
power system is properly grounded, electrical
equipment can instantly change from safe to hazardous
because of extreme conditions and rough
treatment.
• Visually inspect electrical equipment before use.
Take any defective equipment out of service.
• Ground all power supply systems, electrical
circuits, and electrical equipment.
• Frequently inspect electrical systems to insure
that the path to ground is continuous.
• Do not remove ground prongs from cord- and
plug-connected equipment or extension cords.
• Use double-insulated tools and ground all
exposed metal parts of equipment.
• Avoid standing in wet areas when using portable
electrical power tools.
This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting
OSHA programs, policies or standards.
It does not impose any new compliance requirements.
For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements
of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29
of the Code of Federal Regulations.
This information will be made available to sensory
impaired individuals upon request.
The voice phone is (202) 693-1999;
teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov
(800) 321-OSHA
Think Safety!
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Ray Knabbe, Charlotte Area Local & Southern Region Safety & Health Representative, has recently completed the Special Government Employee (SGE) Training conducted by OSHA at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver, Colorado, OSHA Region VIII. This three day course provides an overview of the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) and the roles and responsibilities of an SGE conducting a VPP audit. Ray will now be able to assist OSHA VPP officers conducting VPP audits at various non-postal companies’ facilities throughout all of OSHA’s ten regions. Congratulations Ray!
What is VPP?
The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) promotes effective worksite-based safety and health. In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Approval into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health.
For more information about VPP or SGE training, log on to: www.osha.gov
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USPS Fan Policy and Building Temperature Regulations
As we all know, the anthrax attack that occurred through the use of the postal system in October 2001 brought about a number of operational changes by management on the workroom floor. These changes were designed to reduce the terrorist threat that existed and that could be attempted still again … remember, the perpetrator(s) are still at large. One of these changes was a general discontinuance of the use of fans on the workroom floor to reduce the possibility of circulating lethal anthrax spores into the air. As the summer months arrive, a re-examination of this "no fan" policy has been conducted and a new policy has been issued without the APWU’s endorsement.
While the guiding policy is still to prevent anthrax spores from becoming airborne, a good deal of relaxation of the restrictions previously in effect has taken place. The “new” policy was delineated in a February 28, 2002 letter from Patrick Donahoe (USPS Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President) and Susan Medvidovich (USPS Senior Vice President, Human Resources) to various USPS officials nationwide. Some key points that were made by management in this letter were as follows:
1. Fans directed at the feed section of the following pieces of equipment still CAN NOT be used: AFCS, DBCS, CSBCS, MPBCS, AFSM 100, MLOCR, FSM 1000 (once the AFF/OCR is installed) and flats cancellers.
2. Fans CAN be used in delivery units, manual distribution operations, docks, trailers, and elevated key areas.
3. Fans CAN be used in areas where there is a potential for heat related illness.
4. Fans CAN be used in non-mail processing locations such as administrative offices.
5. Fans MAY be used in facilities that are not air-conditioned or during temporary failures of air conditioning systems, IF local management decides to. Such fans should be positioned to cool employees and avoid blowing on mail as much as possible.
6. Air curtains and the use of fans for custodial floor drying (in areas away from mail processing equipment) MAY be used at the discretion of local management.
The APWU reacted to this new managerial stance and grieved at the national level that the "no fan" policy be continued, and that the USPS maintains their HVAC equipment so that excessive heat would not become a problem necessitating the use of fans. It is the union’s position that this change in policy permitted fans to be placed back into operation without evidence that the hazard/risk and/or suspected hazard/risk (anthrax) that caused the fan(s) to be turned ‘off’, had been abated. The USPS stated that the risk of potential heat exhaustion is the reason for reintroducing fans into the work place. The APWU countered that the risk of heat exhaustion can be abated by adequate operation of the facility's HVAC system controlling the work environment, specifically the temperature and the humidity.
Perhaps in response to the APWU’s position, J. J. Holmes (Manager, USPS Maintenance Policies and Programs) sent a letter to all maintenance managers on March 5, 2002 encouraging them to verify that,
(1) preventive maintenance activities on air conditioning equipment have been executed;
(2) refrigerant levels in chillers be checked;
(3) leaks be repaired or scheduled to be repaired, and that a number of other related checks be completed as well.
Fans or not, a number of helpful references are available should assistance be needed in maintaining a cool environment during these summer months. They are as follows:
• Section 221.10 of the MS-49 Energy Conservation and Maintenance Handbook. This passage has been interpreted to mean that any postal facility must be cooled to 78 degrees during the summer months. Conversely, it has also been interpreted to mean that any postal facility must be warmed to at least 65 degrees in the winter months.
• Question #3 on page 89 of the JCAM (AND Article 14, page 4, of the JCIM). This question reads as follows: "What are the heating/cooling guidelines in postal installations?" Answer: "The Postal Service’s Energy Conservation Program provides for a heating maximum of 65 degrees F and a cooling minimum of 78 degrees F. Common sense and reasonable adjustments are to prevail when temperatures are significantly out of line." This amplifies and further clarifies what is stated in the MS-49.
With or without fans, postal workers can use these references to ensure that their workplace is comfortable and not excessively warm. You may also file PS Form 1767 Report of Hazard, Unsafe Condition, or Practice, bring it up at your next local safety and health committee meeting, and/or see your steward without delay to file a grievance under Article 14 of the CBA. Remember, OSHA has NO standards that regulate workplace temperatures such as those that we deal with on a daily basis.
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Bio Detection System – BDS
In the wake of the Anthrax crisis of 2001, the Postal Service has begun installing Bio-Detection Equipment in a number of plants throughout the country. The systems were developed and prototypes were tested in various Postal facilities. The development process has been reviewed by a number of federal agencies with specific subject matter expertise including the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), the Navy Medical Research Center, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab.
The Executive Office of the President's Office of Science and Technology Policy created a working group to review the performance of the BDS and confirmed with their own tests that the BDS is consistent with the state of the art laboratory-based detection systems and is sufficient to perform the task stipulated by the Postal Service.
Although the technology used in the BDS system is not new (it is the same as was used to monitor the air during the 2002 winter Olympics) the combination of technologies is new.
The BDS basically works by collecting a continuous air sample at a specific pinch point on the machine. The sample is drawn into a collection chamber mixed with reagents and then the machine performs an on-site rapid DNA test of the collected sample. The test results are sent electronically to Postal Officials.
What if there is a positive result?
If the BDS registers a positive result an automatic visual and auditable alarm will be activated - at this point the local facilities Emergency Action Plan should be put into effect. The system further provides an immediate notification to the plant manager as well as direct notification from on-site system monitoring personnel. The manager activates the facility emergency action plan and notifies local first responders and/or emergency personnel (911). The Postal Service has said that to insure proper notification there will be notifications received from multiply sources. The union will be notified.
When a positive BDS alert alarm sounds, the machine will be shut down and evacuation procedures will start. Employees should proceed to their designated evacuation site, supervisors are to take a roll to ensure no one is left in the building and a stand-up talk is to be given to further explain the nature of the event. Everyone is to remain in the evacuation area until further instruction is received from the community emergency personnel. The Postal Inspectors will do a building search to insure everyone has been evacuated.
Facilities that have received the BDS machines are required to update their Emergency Action Plans, conduct drills and follow proper notification procedures.
Members and the public should not be misled into thinking that the BDS system will analyze and detect anthrax in all mail pieces. In point of fact, 50% of the letter mail is not processed on the Advanced Facer Canceller System (AFCS) and therefore will not be exposed to the detection by this equipment. Metered mail or pre-sorted mail will enter the mail stream beyond the AFCS; therefore it is not appropriate to present this equipment as providing employee safeguards against all anthrax exposure.
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January 6, 2006
Charlotte Area Local Safety & Health Representative, Ray Knabbe, has been appointed as the new Southern Region Safety & Health Representative by Southern Region Coordinator, Frankie Sanders.
Ray will fill the position previously occupied by Mr. Bob Del Prete. Bob recently retired to enter into private safety consulting and is widely regarded as one of the best safety representatives that the APWU has ever had. He is from the Broward County Local, APWU in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Ray will continue to serve the Charlotte Area Local as its Safety & Health Representative. This appointment will afford him with multiple training opportunities, experiences and assignments. These opportunities will vastly enhance his ability to fully represent our members with regards to the safety & health issues we face.
The Southern Region represents postal employees in 11 southern states (TX, OK, LA, AR, MS, AL, TN, GA, NC, SC, & FL).
Its headquarters are in Houston, Texas. Ray will be assigned tasks from the National APWU Safety & Health Office for safety & health issues occurring in this region.
Congratulations Ray!
Rosa Spencer, General President, Charlotte Area Local 375, APWU
