Tag

Worker Protection

All articles tagged with #worker protection

health-and-safety2 years ago•4 min saved

"Protecting Workers: Safeguarding Against the Hazards of Engineered Stone Countertops"

Silicosis, a lung disease caused by exposure to crystalline silica, is affecting young workers, particularly Latino immigrants, who are exposed to silica dust when cutting and grinding engineered stone countertops. Consumers can help address the issue by questioning safety standards used by manufacturers and opting for alternative countertop materials. Researching the product's impact on workers and choosing fabrication shops that sell refurbished countertops can also make a difference. Consumer demand can drive improvements in product safety and encourage stronger safety enforcement.

via AOL|

#consumer-awareness #engineered-stone #health-and-safety

labor-and-workplace-safety2 years ago•4 min saved

Railroads' Resistance to Safety Hotline Hinders Worker Discipline

Major freight railroads in the United States have resisted joining a government safety hotline due to a disagreement over whether they should be allowed to discipline workers who use the hotline to report safety concerns. Unions and workplace safety experts argue that the ability to discipline workers undermines the purpose of the hotline, as it discourages workers from reporting safety violations for fear of retribution. The railroads claim that the system could be abused by workers trying to avoid discipline by reporting known safety violations. The dispute highlights a long-standing effort by railroads to suppress injury and hazard reporting, according to experts.

via Yahoo News|

#discipline #labor-and-workplace-safety #railroads

labor-rights2 years ago•4 min saved

Examining the Impact of Texas House Bill 2127 on Workers' Water Breaks

A new law in Texas, House Bill 2127, has sparked controversy as opponents claim it would ban outdoor workers from taking water breaks, putting their lives at risk in the scorching summer heat. However, a closer look reveals a more complex situation. The law aims to eliminate local regulations that clash with state law, with proponents arguing it will streamline regulations and support businesses. Critics, including progressive Democrats, argue that the law threatens a range of ordinances and accuse Republican legislators of intentionally eliminating water breaks. While some cities enforce water break requirements, others do not, and there is no evidence that most employers don't already provide water breaks. The full impact of the law remains uncertain as legal challenges are pending.

via ABC News|

#house-bill-2127 #labor-rights #political-battle

business2 years ago•1 min saved

Taiwanese Microchip Company Commits to Enhanced Oversight for Arizona Plant Construction

Taiwanese microchip manufacturer, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), has agreed to increased oversight and safety measures for construction workers at its first U.S. plant in Arizona. The voluntary protection program includes higher safety requirements than federal standards, greater transparency for workers, closer oversight from the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and increased training for foremen and workers. The construction of the plant, which began in 2021, is expected to be completed in 2024 and will utilize TSMC's 5-nanometer technology for semiconductor wafer fabrication. The company has faced criticism for bringing in workers from Taiwan, but TSMC has stated that the jobs of U.S. workers on-site will not be affected.

via ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix|

#arizona #business #construction-safety

business2 years ago•2 min saved

"Gov. Hobbs and TSMC join forces to support workers in groundbreaking initiative"

Arizona Governor Hobbs has announced a voluntary protection program between the state and TSMC microchip company, aimed at ensuring worker safety and increasing transparency. The agreement includes closer oversight from ADOSH, increased training for employees, and a focus on matching industry standards. Additionally, the governor introduced the Build It Arizona initiative, which aims to double the number of construction and trade apprentices in the state by 2026. TSMC's $40 billion investment in a new microchip plant in Arizona is expected to create at least 20,000 new jobs, but the company faced controversy over pay cuts for blue-collar workers when it brought in workers from Taiwan to speed up construction.

via Arizona's Family|

#apprenticeship-program #business #gov-hobbs

politics2 years ago•10 min saved

Biden to Address Worker Protection as Heat-Related Deaths Soar

President Joe Biden announced that his administration will take steps to protect workers from extreme heat, including issuing a "Hazard Alert" through the labor department to clarify federal heat-related protections for workers. Biden criticized states that fail to protect workers and vowed to call them out. He also accused Republicans of opposing efforts to combat climate change and protect Americans from heat-related illnesses. Additionally, Biden will allocate funds to improve weather forecasting and water infrastructure in drought-prone states. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump's attorneys have been told to expect an indictment, and the United Nations secretary-general warned that July is on track to be the hottest month ever recorded, calling for ambitious emissions reduction targets. Millions of Americans are under heat alerts as extreme temperatures spread across the country.

via The Guardian US|

#climate-change #extreme-heat #indictment