A blue-green approach to sorting through occupational hazards in the recycling industry

Workers in the recycling industry are exposed to numerous occupational health and safety hazards. Traffic accidents and confined spaces have led to the tragic fatalities in California, but these are only the more publicized cases as of late. Among the other frequent and serious risks are ergonomic, chemical and biological hazards, blood-borne pathogens, slips, trips,falls, and noise. The workforce is exceptionally vulnerable, predominantly Latino, low-wage, and with little formal education. This industry attracts a diverse and powerful set of interests from both labor and environmental communities. It represents a "green job" crucial to community "zero waste" policies, waste recycling companies, and a growing source of local employment. In order to address the issue of hazardous work conditions, our partnership adopted an approach that not only builds individual health and safety capacity among workers, but also simultaneously addresses the broader context through policy solutions and community involvement. The Labor Occupational Health Program collaborated with International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 6 to develop a training program for workers in recycling facilities in Alameda County. An active community coalition was also formed to support this program which included faith, immigrant rights, occupational safety advocacy, legal, environmental, and other labor groups. This presentation will describe the comprehensive approach used in developing this program, incorporating resources and support from a community-driven blue-green alliance.