The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71225

Marian R. Flum, MS, Department of Work environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Kitson 200, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854, (978) 934-2534, Marian_Flum@uml.edu

This presentation focuses on worker participation in pollution prevention planning and implementation, and the role this can play in not only reducing plant emissions, but also in improving the work environment.

Worker participation is widely accepted as beneficial and even necessary in dealing with workplace health and safety issues. This form of participation is recognized by union contracts, by some employers, and by state legislation. Worker participation in environmental issues, however, is not nearly as well recognized. Examples of joint labor management environmental committees are rare, as are instances of links between occupational and environmental health at the plant level. In many cases chemicals that affect workers’ health are also environmental hazards, yet they are often dealt with separately, since separate regulations and agencies cover occupational and environmental aspects.

This presentation will report on qualitative research data from case studies at three different manufacturing plants that involve workers in decision-making regarding pollution prevention. Two of the plants have strong unions, which promoted joint labor-management pollution prevention or environmental committees. Worker involvement at the third plant was initiated by management, and is a reflection of a general management style. The presentation will report on the results of interviews and focus groups with workers, environmental and health and safety professionals, and management to determine the history of worker participation, its effectiveness in improving both the company’s environmental performance and on worker occupational safety and health.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the link between occupational and environmental health policy,
• Identify factors which promote integration of occupational and environmental health policy,
• Evaluate the practice of worker participation in environmental issues at the plant level,
• Assess a model for effective worker participation

Keywords: Occupational Health, Environmental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: General Electric, Lynn, MA Acushnet Rubber, New Bedford, MA CAMI Automobile Plant, London, Ontario These are the sites of the case studies presented
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.