March 2024 Volume 3 | Issue 6:

Planning to look at the April Solar Eclipse?

PLANNING TO LOOK AT THE APRIL SOLAR ECLIPSE?

If you’ve ever looked into the sun, you know it hurts your eyes. Purposely looking at the sun to view an eclipse can cause severe retina injuries. That’s why CSEA has created a page dedicated to April’s event. You can find that page here.

Here are some helpful safety tips:

• View the sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases. Safe solar viewers need to comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard.
• Do NOT look at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer.
• Do NOT use eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes. Those require different types of solar filters.
• You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only during the brief period of totality.
• You should NOT use adjustable and/or auto-darkening welding helmets or similar products to view the sun.
• Even during the partial phases of a total eclipse, the sun will still be very bright. If you are watching an entire eclipse, you may be in direct sunlight for hours. Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.
• If you are involved in parking or traffic control, use your high-visibility clothing and traffic control devices to stay safe.

Where can I get more information on this?

For information regarding eclipse safety and how to make an indirect viewer, visit https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/

The American Astronomical Society has information regarding solar viewing safety https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety and safe solar viewers and filters at https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters

For an interactive viewing map to see eclipse times, peak sun coverage and likely levels of cloudiness during the eclipse, visit https://data.democratandchronicle.com/2024-total-solar-eclipse/

WESTERN REGION 6 MEMBER KILLED IN TREE FELLING INCIDENT

Sadly, our union lost a Western Region member in a fatal workplace incident involving tree felling.

Aaron Peters, 32, a park and recreation aide 6, died while working at Golden Hill State Park in Niagara County on Jan. 17, 2024. CSEA and PESH are investigating Peters’ death. As the investigation into the incident is completed, this is a reminder to all members that proper hazard evaluations should be undertaken for all job tasks, but especially for highly hazardous tasks.

In addition to these evaluations, hazard controls should be instituted that eliminate these hazards, including engineering controls, proper training, proper equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE). It’s not only the frontline workers who should receive this training, but also any supervisors who will oversee the operations.

Where can I get more information on this?

Check out our Activist Guide.

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MEMBER RESOURCES: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH

Materials & Publications

View/download – A-Z list of fact sheets: cseany.org/safety-resources

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Workshop Trainings & Webinars

View/Watch – webinar trainings: cseany.org/osh-webinars

CSEA Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Specialists

Have a general safety concern?
Contact your OSH Specialist here: cseany.org/member-support

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Hurt at Work?

CSEA endorses the law firm of Fine, Olin and Anderman

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Or call at 855-637-1207

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