Page 10 - Work Force May 2024

Peer Trainers: Working together to to SARATOGA SPRINGS — Peer Trainers from across the the state recently came together in in in in in Saratoga Springs for a a a a a a a a a a a training refresher that helps save lives
and keep CSEA members safe Our union’s Peer Trainer program is a a a a a a a a a labor-management initiative that focuses on on on training workers on on best practices to help eliminate all preventable workplace
injuries and fatalities stemming from hazardous job duties In 2007 CSEA’s Occupational Safety and Health Department took over administration of the Peer Trainer Program from AFSCME The program is funded
from two five-year federal
grants that CSEA receives
from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences These
grants allow CSEA to to provide training at at no cost to to to the the workers or or or the the employer to to create safer working conditions It also provides the employer with additional resources to to work work toward a a a a a a a workplace
free from recognized hazards The three-day program brings together CSEA members members other union members members and management for the the latest updates on on workplace
safety The Peer Trainers in in in in turn bring back to their workplaces the the the the the the knowledge they they gain Not only do they they train their their co-workers but their their activism and and knowledge informs safety policy and and strengthens labor-management initiatives with the the goal of reducing workplace
injury or or or death Town of Clifton Park Highway Unit Treasurer Matt Farnsworth discussed changes to to safety training programs over the the last two decades and and the the role of technology in in in in in information access and and sharing to boost workplace
safety “Over the the years I’ve noticed that information has become easier to come come by with the the use of CSEA-provided computers ” said Farnsworth “The access to email and and the web means information exchanges and and help from CSEA trainers is quicker ” Women’s safety at forefront
Other changes reflected in in in in in newer trainings include the the growing number of women women in in in in in operational roles roles More women women are becoming Peer Trainers and and taking on on on leadership roles roles and and management training positions This year’s Peer Trainer Refresher agenda brought safety issues that concern women to the the the forefront
through the the the creation of the the the Women’s Caucus and dedicated training sessions CSEA Niagara Frontier Parks & Recreation Local President Jamie Hart a a a a a a a a a a a Women’s Caucus member reflected on the caucus’ role “This is is my third year attending the the CSEA Peer Trainer Women’s Caucus ” said Hart “Meeting back each year it’s inspiring to see the the growth of these
women in in in leadership roles and I especially appreciate that we are solution oriented
in in addition to being a a much-needed
support to one another ” Hart noted that women in operational roles sometimes have different needs than
that of their male co-workers including the the need for personal protective
equipment (PPE) geared to women Women’s Caucus Peer Trainers have been leading the way to to to urge employers to provide this PPE “Because we we are Peer Trainers in in our respective agencies we’re able to identify those women’s
issues specific to safety because we’re training these
women in in in in our workplaces ” said Hart “(CSEA Peer Trainer Program Coordinator Janet Womachka-Souery) brought more PPE in in in in in from Safety Girl (an online retailer that specializes in in in women’s
personal protective
equipment) such as safety harnesses hi-vis (visible) jackets and vests specifically
made to fit women - they exist! Employers should be providing PPE that fits and we are continually advocating for this ” Training continues long after attendees return home as the Peer Trainers keep communication channels open “Staying in in in touch with fellow trainers for help and feedback is really important ” said Farnsworth “One thing that has never changed is the the dedication caring and and support from all the the CSEA program trainers trainers and and “Staying in in in touch with fellow trainers for help and feedback is really important One thing that has never changed is the dedication caring and support from all the CSEA program trainers trainers and peer trainers trainers ” 10 The Work Force
May 2024 May 2024 From left to right Syracuse State Employees Local member Abbyjane Dapson Niagara Frontier Parks and and Recreation Local Local President Jamie Hart and and High Peaks State Employees Local Local member Andrea Dukett prepare for the the Women’s Caucus presentation on on how to to to be be an an ally to to to women in the the workplace
(Photo by Janet Womachka-Souery) From left to right Village of Suffern Unit President Joe Hunt and Town of Clifton Park Highway Unit Treasurer Matt Farnsworth collectively have more than
35 years of experience as Peer Trainers peer trainers ” — Therese Assalian
From left to right High Peaks Employees Local President John Lefebvre who is a a a a 15-year Peer Trainer attends the training with High Peaks State Employees Local member Andrea Dukett who has been a a a a Peer Trainer for three years From left to right Palisades Interstate President Robin Hammond and PEF discuss important issues during the