CWA District 7/CenturyLink/Minnesota OSHA Lead Abatement Settlement Agreement

Minnesota OSHA, CWA District 7 and CenturyLink are implementing a new landmark settlement agreement covering work with lead cable.

CenturyLink received nine citations for violations of the OSHA lead standard this year. As a result, CWA, Minnesota OSHA, and CenturyLink agreed to a landmark lead abatement program. It includes provisions for notification and training; coverage of safe and healthful work practices and procedures; appropriate engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment to prevent and control lead exposure; medical surveillance; and personal hygiene.

Also last month, CWA District 7, the union's Occupational Safety and Health Department, and CenturyLink negotiated an agreement to expand the Minnesota OSHA settlement agreement to include District 7-wide implementation of the company's lead abatement program, including notification, training, and medical surveillance for affected technicians. CWA's Occupational Safety and Health Department and CenturyLink have agreed that the program will cover all affected CenturyLink technicians throughout the country.

Lead is a carcinogen that can damage workers' brains, nerves, red blood cells, kidneys and reproductive systems. This new program will ensure CenturyLink technicians who work with lead-encased cable and other lead products are provided safe and healthful working conditions.