Welcome to our last day of the panel discussion on Workplace Safety Education. If you missed the webinar we held on Monday and would like a copy of the PowerPoint slides, please e-mail me at michaelcruse74@gmail.com, and I will send them to you.
We've heard from some members who attended the webinar how valuable it was to begin thinking about this topic, and finding resources to support making the topic a part of adult education and career pathways programs.
I have two issues I'd like to bring to our panel, based on conversations with colleagues in my school.
1. We have talked about the OSHA 10-hour training, and heard about some of the workplace environments and issues it addresses. Many people think first about hazardous materials, construction sites, etc. However, generally speaking, occupational safety and health should include working in a violence-free setting. Does OSHA address workplace violence as a part of workplace safety? What other resources do adult education programs use to address this issue with students in career pathways programs?
2. During the webinar we heard a little about the issue of fraudulent trainers taking advantage of some minority and under-resourced communities. We learned that adult education programs can check the status of prospective training organizations using OSHA's website. On that topic of regulation and quality control, I am curious what resources are available for adult learners who feel that they are working under unsafe conditions, or are being told that they need to perform unsafe tasks as part of their job? I have heard about the Whistleblower Protection Programs, and am curious how they may fit into an adult education/career pathways worker safety education curriculum?
Thanks,
Mike Cruse
Career Pathways Moderator
michaelcruse74@gmail.com
Comments
Mike,
When I first started working in the adult education program where I am currently working, I had a student inquire about what we would do in the event of an intruder. I'm not sure if this is where your question was going. However, it is a concern as the classroom doors are not locked while class is in session and we are exposed to whomever may decide to enter the building. I look forward to others adding to this discussion.
Your second question is also one that I look forward to hearing the answer. I am interested in having this conversation with my students once an answer is provided.
Erica
That's a good point, Erica. I have also students talk about not feeling safe walking to their cars at night. Someone wrote about student advocacy once in The Change Agent (I think...if memory serves...) about getting their program to install lights in the parking lot.
I wonder about the right to be free from violence in other situations, too. Like the housekeepers in the hotel where I teach needing to think about being vulnerable in hotel rooms. Waitresses who get pawed by customers. Workers in all kinds of situations who feel forced by bosses to do things they don't want to do. CNAs and other healthcare workers who may have to deal with clients who aren't in good control of themselves. Etc.
OSHA has various resources on preventing workplace violence (https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/). As in any other workplace hazard, employers are required to ensure a safe and healthful working environment for all workers that is free of hazards. That includes having a policy on preventing workplace violence. The link on OSHA's website that I provided has information on how to reduce workplace violence hazards, along with OSHA Fact Sheets for different industries.
The following comments are from our panelist, Annette Braam, in response to the question about the Whistleblower program. This is OSHA's program to support workers in reporting unsafe working conditions, without fear of retaliation from their employer.
The best single source of information for adult learners who are interested in learning about health and safety whistleblowing is the Department’s website. The Directorate of Whistleblower Protection public webpage is found at https://www.whistleblowers.gov/ . The page contains information and links explaining OSHA’s role in whistleblower protection. This includes information on how to file a complaint; industry specific fact sheets explaining the scope of our responsibilities under the 22 laws we enforce; an electronic copy of our investigations manual; as well as copies of the statutes we enforce and the regulations that govern enforcement.
In addition the Congressional research service published an overview of all federal whistleblower and anti-retaliation law entitled Survey of Federal Whistleblower and Anti-Retaliation Laws. That survey can be found here.
Thank you, Annette!