Stronger OSHA, unions promote safer workplace

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080115/COLUMNISTS/801150382/1081

Home News Tribune Online 01/15/08

CHARLES
WOWKANECH

On Dec. 1, 2007, Victor Diaz and Carlos Diaz died at North East Linen, an industrial laundry in Linden. The men asphyxiated while cleaning a chemical storage tank. Their bodies were found without any protective equipment other than plastic wrapped around their feet. It is unclear if North East Linen told the men anything at all about the dangers of entering into a tank like the one in Linden. Moreover, it is unclear if any manager followed the strict measures that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires to protect people assigned to jobs inside these tanks.

In response to this tragedy, the House Committee on Education and Labor on Monday held a hearing about workplace safety at Linden City Hall.

Federal lawmakers were in New Jersey because the deaths of these two men are emblematic of a much larger issue impacting men and women in workplaces throughout New Jersey and across America. Put simply, our businesses are failing to keep our workers safe. In 2006, an average of 15 people lost their lives at work each day in this country.

A stronger OSHA is part of the solution. The agency has too few inspectors. Currently, we would have to wait 75 years for an OSHA inspector to get to every business in the state under the agency's jurisdiction. The agency's inspectors also need the right tools at their disposal — including strong standards and effective penalties — to hold employers accountable for compliance and violations. There needs to be a real reform of the penalty system that now says killing a worker is a misdemeanor.

The second part of the solution is the labor movement. With a union, workers get a contract, a clear right to refuse hazardous work, and the ability to speak out about safety in the workplace. Unionization also paves the way for the creation of joint labor and management safety committees. These committees have a demonstrated track record of reducing workplace injuries and illnesses, improving worker morale and increasing productivity.

In late 2007, the federal government issued a complaint against North East Linen alleging that it had illegally fired an employee who stood up for the right of workers to be safe on the job.

Victor Diaz and Carlos Diaz paid the highest price for going to work to support their families. While we mourn their loss, we must take steps to ensure the safety of each and every worker in our state. Monday's hearing was an important step.

Charles Wowkanech is president of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO.