2009 CWA Occupational Safety and Health Conference

The 2009 CWA National Occupational Safety and Health Conference brought together some 165 safety and health activists from all Union sectors. Conducted October 3-5 at the San Diego Holiday Inn On-the-Bay, conference participants received an enthusiastic welcome from Jim Clark, President of the IUE-CWA Manufacturing Division, and, on behalf of District 9, CWA Representative Cherie Brokaw. In addition, Jordan Barab, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor-OSHA addressed the conference outlining plans for the Agency's re-invigoration and return as a representative of workers interests in its efforts to ensure employers provide safe and healthful working conditions

The conference focused upon a number of key issues and action items including:

• Our Economy, Our Jobs, Our Health and Safety
• Occupational Safety and Health during the Obama Administration
• Workplace Ergonomics and Work Organization/Job Stress
• H1N1 Influenza A/Pandemic Flu
• Workplace Violence
• Developing Leadership Skills through Occupational Safety and Health Training
• Establishing Effective, Active Occupational Safety and Health Committees
• Workplace/Hazard Mapping
• Using Your OSHA Legal Rights
• Radio Frequency Radiation
• Behavior-Based Safety and
• Recordkeeping and OSHA Logs.

In addition, following up on the CWA/USW Occupational Safety and Health Agreement established during the Spring 2009, the conference was the first major CWA safety and health activity in which USW staff participated. Playing a leadership role, USW safety and health activists participated in panel and workshop sessions helping to add to the camaraderie and enthusiasm demonstrated during the conference. 

For further information regarding the many and varied conference panel and workshops/strategy and discussion sessions, please see the summaries of these presentations.