2009 Health and Safety Conference

The 2009 Health and Safety Conference sponsored by the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO took place September 24th and 25th at the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel and Convention Center.  Union leaders and activists who participated in the conference gained valuable insights into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the active role that they themselves can play in workplace safety.

Speakers such as Jordan Barab, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary of OSHA, put a human face on this government office and explained how OSHA intends to fight for workers rights through improved enforcement of our labor laws.  He pledged to continue advancing safety standards to hold employers accountable for working conditions.

Workshops such as the one led by Sharon Simon, Director of Labor Safety & Health Training at the National Labor College, gave participants reliable and practical advice to take back to their membership. Simon illustrated her program with historical examples which really helped make the material accessible. She also noted that health and safety ranks near the top of workers' concerns and should be a major part of every organizing campaign.

For many, the chance to meet their local OSHA Director and learn about rights that whistleblowers have was invaluable.  Delegates to the convention returned to work armed with the tools necessary to maintain security and good health on the job. 

(Photo: AFSCME delegates participating in “Mapping Your Own Work-Related Injuries, Illnesses and Stresses.” Photo Credit: Jose Bucio.  To view more photos from the Health and Safety Conference, please visit our flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/sets/72157622405757941/.)

Comments

[David hogard]

Director of Labor Safety & Health Training at the National Labor College, gave participants reliable and practical advice to take back to their membership. Simon illustrated her program with historical examples which really helped make the material accessible. She also noted that health and safety ranks near the top of workers' concerns and should be a major part of every organizing campaign. thanks a lot for sharing.

http://claimss.putblog.net/guidelines-for-leaders-to-maintain-health-safety/