Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health Milagros Barreto, Worker Center Coordinator 617-825-SAFE x 23 www.masscosh.org

MassCOSH: Builds the power of workers to be leaders for economic justice Worker Center – network of immigrant workers who, with tools and support of peers/allies, join together to defend right to safe, decent jobs and change public policy. Teens Lead @ Work – teens lead efforts to protect youth from injury and death & educate their peers across the country Labor-Environment – workers, community groups, unions find common ground to address toxics/hazards in communities/workplaces Healthy Schools Initiative – teachers’ union, students, parents work to assess and improve environmental health and IAQ in schools

Instead of being victimized, co-workers organize Safety & Health Training Actions Media & reports Partnerships & Coalitions with other organizations

WHAT MAKES RECYCLING DANGEROUS? Risk of being struck by vehicles, falling bales, or materials Working with moving machinery Exposure to dangerous materials Working in awkward postures Dealing with extreme temperatures and fatigue

WHAT MAKES RECYCLING DANGEROUS? Respiratory hazards: Dust and other airborne contaminants Exposure to noise and vibration Slips, trips and falls Occupational stress and other hazards

Injury Worker

What needs to be done? Public education: Practical steps to prevent hazards for recycling workers Evaluate potential contractors , lessees and franchisees based on their health and safety practices / submit a written Illness and Injury Prevention Program Abate OSHA violations Prohibit the use of Temp Agencies or Workers Among others