CSEA OSH activists driven to vigilence continued from page 9 recalled feeling “woozy” while 10 The Work Force April 2015 working in a confined space 14 feet below ground one day while employed in a previous position at the agency. At that time, he had not yet received confined space training. “I knew to get out of there quickly,” he said. LeFebvre later became involved in CSEA’s Peer Trainer Program, and received the confined space training as part of a Train-the-Trainer course. “(CSEA Occupational Safety and Health) staff trained us, and it really benefited me,” he said. “Peer training involves the people who are doing the work, and it’s important for workers to know the material and pass it onto their co-workers.” As a peer trainer, LeFebvre has taught not only workers in his own local, but has even brought his program to CSEA members in his region and other regions. “Workers often feel more comfortable responding and learning from a co-worker,” he said. “They know that it affects us, too.” In addition to teaching workers how to safely work in confined spaces, the Peer Trainer Program has helped keep employers accountable. LeFebvre praised the DEC’s confined space program, noting that the agency goes “above and beyond” with training. LeFebvre also helped in the agency’s efforts to update its confined space toxin monitors, and is now working to upgrade electrical equipment at the agency. “We’re fortunate that our management is supportive of health and safety,” he said. “The key to peer training success is communication.” Meeting and learning CSEA’s Standing Occupational Safety and Health Committee oversees safety and importantly, recommends actions around safety and health to the CSEA president. CSEA safety and health activists also have an opportunity to get training — and learn from each other — at the union’s biennial Statewide Conference on Occupational Safety and Health. About 1,000 members attend this three-day conference, which is unique in that it offers training sessions that are often tailored toward certain industries that employ CSEA members or current issues. Members may learn the basics of safe patient handling, with demonstrations of the latest health issues of CSEA members, participates in educational activities and helps organize the Statewide Conference on Occupational Safety and Health, but more equipment, or discuss the potential hazards of sanitation work. A 2014 conference breakout session on shift work and fatigue was among the programs that attracted a standing-room-only crowd. Many conference sessions also offer members the chance to discuss potential safety issues at their work sites with other members who may be dealing with similar issues. The conference also has a social justice angle. Along with the Workers’ Memorial Day Program that remembers fallen workers and urges for change, many conference programs urge members to get more involved in making changes. “Getting the information from the trainings and conferences, and bringing it back to workers is so important,” LeFebvre said. Althea Green, president of the SUNY Downstate Local, is also determined to share information with her members. “I suggest that our members learn as much as possible about their work environment and gather as much information as they can,” she said. “I take all types of information back to our members so they can learn as much as possible.” Working together for change Another crucial tool in the fight for workplace safety and health are health and safety committees at every level of the union. Committees are often the key for identifying, and solving, potential workplace hazards. Town of Southold Unit President Tom Skabry, chair of Long Island Region Occupational Safety and Health Committee and a member of CSEA Standing OSH Committee, urges locals and units to have active safety and health committees at the work site level, and Frank Cosentino, committee chair Metropolitan Region Tom Skabry Long Island Region Guy Bilyou Southern Region Michele Bruno Capital Region Joe Miceli Central Region Paul Blujus Western Region A CSEA member takes part in confined space training. Many of CSEA’s training programs are designed to allow members to train others once they receive specific training.
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