Health and safety are top concerns for any union.  But at the AFT, our locals have employed a number of successful strategies to build comprehensive health and safety programs for members.

At the heart of any good health and safety program is good contract language.  AFT locals have negotiated:

PROPER STAFFING LEVELS:  Adequate staff is essential for a safe school environment.  Without proper staff, workers become stressed by the demands of the job and accidents are more likely to occur.

EFFECTIVE STAFF DEVELOPMENT:  Many AFT locals have staff development committees that advise the school board and administrators on what types of staff training should be offered.  Local unions also ensure that people who work with students who have special medical problem, or with hazardous materials such as asbestos, have access to any training they feel they need.

PROPER TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:  AFT contracts also require the employer to provide proper tools and safety equipment to school employees.  Many contracts also require employers to provide Hepatitis B vaccinations for staff. 

COMPUTER SAFETY:  AFT's Los Angeles community college local negotiated ground-breaking language on computer safety, including requiring the employer to provide proper breaks; free eye examinations and better work stations; proper chairs, desks and lighting.

But AFT locals also go beyond collective bargaining to protect members on the job:

SURVEYING MEMBERS:  Often, AFT locals will survey members to determine the extent of a problem.  This information is then shared with the school board and, sometimes, news organizations.

HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES:  AFT locals work to develop joint labor/management health and safety committees.  These committees help ensure that the school district complies with all of the necessary legal requirements of OSHA and any state laws.  These committees also give workers a way to bring their concerns to the attention of administrators.

If you want any additional information on safety problems in the workplace or need help with a work-related problem, please contact your local AFT union.