1. Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health
Milagros Barreto,
Worker Center Coordinator
SAFE x 23

2. 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 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Injury Worker

7. 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