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

Abstract #74147

Elizabeth Regan, George Meany Center for Labor Studies-National Labor College, 10000 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20903, 301-571-4226, rra@rrainc.com

Health and safety in our workplace are a concern for all of us. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) in Boston, Massachusetts has had a high incident of accidents and work related deaths. There does not appear to be a clear procedure for reporting health and safety violations. The unions have a difficult time identifying the responsible agency for health and safety at the MBTA. After surveying and tallying survey results from 135 members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Local 103 in Boston, this writer concluded that the rules and regulations when reporting a violation are not communicated effectively to the employees. Employees should be made aware of the Systems Safety Program Plan manual which is what the MBTA must use for health and safety and the employers should make sure that employees understand all the rules and regulations that apply.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants will better understand the attitudes and activities of trade unionists; learn how advocacy and original research can be combined to improve safety and health for groups of workers.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.