The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45167

Cheryl Thomas, Radiologic Tech, 1199/SEIU, St. Luke's Hospital, #7 Buttonwood St., Jersey City, NJ 07305, 201/521-1239, ldelp@ucla.edu

This presentation examines the health and safety problems encountered by hospital workers in the context of management indifference, and discusses the critical role of unions. From my perspective as a health and safety committee member, I present specific examples of chemical and dust exposure related to faulty ventilation systems. I highlight the role of the union, including contract negotiations to establish a union health and safety committee and the establishment of a training program for committee delegates. Criteria for effective health and safety committees include the importance of delegates conducting hospital walkthroughs, documenting problems and using the right to refuse unsafe work. Challenges facing the committee will be discussed, such as the need to continuously motivate committee delegates and to provide ongoing opportunities for leadership development to sustain the committee over time. I discuss a recent incident in which a dental hygienist was overcome by chemical fumes and focus on the steps taken to address the problem and to re-energize the health and safety committee.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to

• Describe two important hazards of concern to hospital workers
• Identify critera to establish effective health and safety committees
• Recognize the important role of union health and safety contract language

Keywords: Occupational Health, Union

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.