CWA Occupational Safety and Health Conference Panels

"Electrical Hazards within the Telecommunications Industry"

1. Workplace hazards associated with member exposure to electrical hazards has become a life-threatening concern for CWA. Indeed, over the last several years,the union and affected families have lost too many members to workplace electrocutions. This panel will target several aspects of the electrical hazards issue including hazard identification, training, occupational safety and health committees, and collective bargaining. In presenting this information, panelists will emphasize the importance of working with all of the structural elements of CWA, i.e., headquarters, district, and local union personnel and offices, to pressure and ensure employers are providing affected members with safe and healthful working conditions. Also, the panel discussion will include methods by which the electrical hazard issue might be used within CWA organizing campaigns.
   

"Indoor Air Quality"

1. Many thousands of CWA members employed in office work environments and airline cabins are exposed to numerous hazards associated with inadequate indoor air quality.
   

2. 
   

3. Hazardous conditions may exist when:
   
   

4. 1) a limited amount of fresh(outdoor) air or polluted air is supplied to the workplace;
   

5. 2) air is circulated at too fast a rate within the work environment; and/or
   

6. 3) toxic substances are present within the workplace.
   

7. 
   

8. In turn, exposure to such working conditions often causes numerous member upper respiratory illnesses and disorders, eye irritation, skin ailments, headaches, and general discomfort. Further, job stress acts to magnify these health problems. Panelists representing a variety of private and public sector employers and work locations will discuss member concerns as well as efforts toidentify and resolve indoor air quality-related design and health problems.
   

"Occupational Safety and Health Strategies and Successes to Help Build and Strengthen the Union"

1. Developing and implementing strategies to achieve improvements in workplace safety and health is one of CWA's primary goals. Such action requires the extraordinary efforts of the union's occupational safety and health activists. Panelists will present information regarding their successful efforts as well as the varied tactics and strategies they have developed and used to build successful safety and health activities to help strengthen the union. Key elements will include the identification, analysis, and resolution of primary workplace safety and/or health hazards, the need for the involvement and education of CWA leaders and members, and cooperative activities with represented employers.