Western Mass TUR Education for Building Trade Workers

Project Details

Year: 2007
Location: State-wide
Project Manager: Tolle Graham
Partners: Western MassCOSH, IUE/CWA Local 201, Construction Institute, Clean Water Fund, Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow

Overview

A survey administered to 20 union members found that many lack hazard information about the full range of chemicals used on the job and have little input into decisions about chemical substitutions. The goal of this project was to help increase knowledge of toxic use reduction techniques among union members. MassCOSH worked with partners to develop training presentations to educate workers from the building trades, manufacturing and public works. The first phase of trainings targeted 11 unions that use toxic chemicals perchloroethylene, lead, hexavalent chromium, and DEHP - out of the five chemicals studied in the TURI "Five Chemicals Study."

Accomplishments

•  Reached Central Labor Councils presentations for through PowerPoint presentations at regional meetings.
•  TUR information was disseminated to 20 unions and reached 250 union and labor supporters through outreach packets, newsletters, and events.
•  Conducted additional TUR outreach and assistance through a variety of meetings and forums.