Report of the Occupational Safety & Health Committee
National Board of Directors Meeting
September  2010

The committee met Thursday at 0900.

Committee report

The Committee discussed that local OSH committees are referring almost zero issues to the National level. This has been an ongoing problem. If there is a problem with the employer refusing to sign off, that needs to be brought to our attention. Otherwise if issues are still unresolved at a second meeting, efforts should be made to follow the procedure and refer.

Lab 1070’s – The Board should inform local OSH committees that all Lab 1070’s absolutely must have a corrective action attached. Members should insist on this at the local levels. This has improved dramatically, however the diligence must be maintained.
Furthermore, the committee believes that hazardous occurrences are being vastly under reported. The importance of properly reporting injuries will also be outlined in both an N.O. Memo and the H/S portal on the website.

The Committee was made aware that a portal was in the works for the website that will outline protocols for referrals to the Policy committee, work refusals, and other health and safety issues.  It will also feature an area where members can post problems and successes from local committees that may help other members across the country.

Local OSH committee minutes should also be sent to the National Office to the attention of Brother Baizana for monitoring.  Since this initiative at last Board, only one has been received.

The Chair thanked the Committee, and Brother Baizana, for their work and commitment.

This report is hereby respectfully submitted,

Jason McMichael
Chair