A-Z Safety Resources
Browse an alphabetized list of of safety hazards with information and resources on what they are and how to confront them.
A
Active intruder (shooter) events have very little chance of happening in our workplaces, however, it is important for workers and their employers to be prepared in case they do occur. On Oct. 15, 1992, an active intruder entered the Schuyler County Office Building and fatally shot four public employees over child support payments that were being garnered from his wages. The risk factor of being in a position of authority or a perceived position of authority over the public is a known risk factor for workplace violence. Because of this incident and others across the country, New York State public employers must have workplace violence prevention and emergency preparedness programs in place.
Click here to download the Active Intruder Fact Sheet
Active Intruder Information
- http://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness
- http://www.fbi.gov/about/partnerships/office-of-partner-engagement/active-shooter-resources
Workplace Violence Prevention Resources
Emergency Action Plan Resources
CSEA members work with or near asbestos frequently, if it is improperly controlled workers can develop asbestos related illnesses.
General Information for Building Occupants
Information for Housekeeping & Maintenance Personnel Who May Disturb Asbestos Containing Building Materials
Information on Asbestos in the Home
For All Other Asbestos Related Concerns
- If you suspect that asbestos is being improperly removed from your workplace, contact the Asbestos Control Bureau
- Contact your OSH Specialist if you need help with an asbestos concern.
For More Information
B
The most common injuries to workers are back injuries. Lifting, pulling and pushing objects and persons are often the cause. Learn what can be done to prevent back injuries in your workplace.
Bedbugs are not just found in hotels. They can hitchhike on any item and infest homes, dorms, cars and even workplaces. Learn how to avoid bites from bedbugs with CSEA’s Bedbugs Fact Sheet.
Blood-borne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. Workers in many occupations, including first responders, housekeeping personnel in some industries, nurses and other health care personnel, all may be at risk for exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
Patógenos_transmitidos_por_la_sangre
Bullying is detrimental to any workplace, school or organization. It affects people of all ages, their families, and their co-workers. Bullying can cause painful physical and emotional effects and can even lead to suicide. Many cases of bullying often escalate into workplace violence incidents.
Bullying Prevention Fact Sheet
Bugs are becoming more prevalent in our workplaces and more dangerous. From bedbugs to bees, come take a walk on the wild side and learn more about these pesky critters. We’re sure to discuss Lyme disease, Powassan, West Nile and Zika, as well as the potential effects from bee, wasp and hornet stings.
C
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that is a product of incomplete combustion. It is created in any place where combustion occurs and in greater concentration where sufficient oxygen is not present to efficiently combust the fuel.
Cold-related illnesses can be an issue outdoors when temperatures fall and the wind chills rise. It is important to know the signs, symptoms and precautions that should be taken as hypothermia can be deadly.
Permit required confined space information
The information on this page applies to workers entering into permit-required confined spaces (sewers, tanks, pits, vaults and others) covered by 29CFR1910.146 and 29 CFR 1926 1201-1213.
Fact Sheets
Confined Space Toolkit:
Confined Space Assessment Form (fillable)
Confined Space Equipment Checklist
Fact Sheet
Disability Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Resources
COVID-19 Disability Insurance Coverage Information (Pearl Insurance)
COVID-19 and Filing for Workers’ Compensation (Fine, Olin & Anderman)
COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation FAQs (Fine, Olin & Anderman)
COVID-19 and Mental Health
Mental health is a fundamental and essential component of overall health. An individual’s mental health can impact how they cope with everyday stressors as well as situations which may result in emotional trauma.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus (also called COVID-19) a pandemic. That designation and the actions put in place to try and reduce the curve (closings of many businesses and schools, social distancing as well as insistence of staying home) have resulted in overwhelming feelings of anxiousness/anxiety, worry and separation.
The 24/7 news cycles which release update upon update, can add to the mounting sense of anxiety felt among children as well as adults. These are common feelings, even for those not directly impacted. To help manage and reduce stress, it is important to take time to care for yourself. The following strategies may be helpful:
- Take the recommended and necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe
- Try and limit screen time on electronic devices. Also, try and limit news intake to new information and stick to reliable news sources (there is no benefit to watching the same news over and over)
- Try and maintain a schedule as close to your overall daily routine (even if some changes are necessary)
- Don’t completely isolate yourself; even if quarantined, it is beneficial to keep social interactions with friends and family (phone, text messaging, social media, etc.)
- Try and stay physically active
The following documents are provided for additional information:
Should you or your family member need additional mental health assistance during this difficult time, the following resources may be helpful:
- The New York COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314
- Your health insurer’s Mental Health Program (contact number typically on back of insurance card)
- For NYS Empire Plan 1-877-769-7447 (Beacon Health #3)
- Network mental health providers through your health insurer that provide telehealth services (through phone or video)
- Telemedicine program offered through your employer or health plan; services through phone or video
- Your employer’s Employee Assistance Program
- SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline 1-800-985-5990
There are many hazards hidden inside a garage. Here are some resources to show you how to identify and map garage hazards as well as give you more information on spray booths, common chemicals used in garages and much more.
D
Flood & storm cleanup information
Cleaning up after an extreme weather event can be hazardous work. Below are some resources to help you stay safe and healthy during the flooding and cleanup both at home and on the job. Safety must remain a priority, especially in emergency situations. Each employer is responsible for the safety and health of its workers and for providing a safe and healthy workplace. Employers are required to protect workers from the anticipated hazards associated with the flood response and recovery operations that workers are likely to conduct.
Use this information to help safely respond to a severe weather event:
Working in and Cleaning Up Flooded Buildings
Emergency Preparedness Fact Sheet for the Workplace
Emergency Preparedness Fact Sheet for the Home
Preparación de emergencia para el hogar
Information for CSEA members responding to flood affected areas
The heroin/opioid epidemic is not only affecting our families and communities, but our workplaces as well. As public employees, hazards associated with opioid use are becoming more common as the epidemic grows. Employers must put protections in place to ensure a safe and healthy workplace against the associated hazards such as exposure to workplace violence and bloodborne pathogens.
Click here to download CSEA’s Opioids Fact Sheet.
Resources for Addiction Help
- New York State HOPEline 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369)
https://combatheroin.ny.gov/get-help
More Informational Sources on Heroin/Opioid Use and Addiction
Naloxone Information
E
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2020, there were 126 workplace fatalities caused by electricity, most of which (44%) occurred to construction workers. For this reason, electricity is included in OSHA’s focus four hazards for construction, the four workplace hazards that cause the most fatalities.
In addition to being a primary cause of fires, electricity can cause injuries and fatalities in your home. Proper installation, maintenance and use of your house’s electrical system is critical to prevent potential shocks or electrocution. Read our electrical safety fact sheets to learn more.
CSEA’s Electrical Safety at Work Fact Sheet
CSEA’s Electrical Home Safety Fact Sheet
F
Both types of falls (same level and from heights) are the second leading cause of non-occupational fatalities and result in about 19,000 deaths per year across the US. Slips, trips and falls can also result in serious injuries such as concussions and broken bones. Read CSEA’s Home Fall Prevention Fact Sheet to learn how to prevent these accidents.
Resbalones, Los Tropiezos Y Las Caídasy Caídas
Fire is a leading cause of non-occupational fatalities and is the fifth largest cause of accidental deaths in the home, leading to about 3,000 deaths per year across the U.S.
OSHA Regulation Subpart K 29CFR.1910.151 has specific requirements for First Aid in the workplace that employers must follow. All employers, regardless of size, must have trained first aid providers at all workplaces if there is no infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees.
Kitchens are full of occupational hazards. There are many laws and regulations that cover safety in kitchens.
H
The hierarchy of controls is the system used to select the most effective control measures for an identified workplace hazard. The most effective control at the top and the least effective at the bottom. Employers should always address a hazard using the most effective solution possible.
Here’s a shock: most employers in New York State are not in compliance with the control of hazardous energy regulations. These resources will help you to assess your employer’s current energy control (lockout-tagout) program.
Hazardous substances are often used in the workplace. Workers have the right to know the hazards of substances they must use, how to use the product, any potential health effects and be provided the proper personal protective equipment for use. Learn more about rights regarding hazardous substances:
Learn about Hazardous Materials Training Requirements with this CSEA fact sheet.
Heat-related illnesses can be an issue outdoors when temperatures and humidity rise, however, it can also be a hazard for those who work in extreme temperatures indoors such as commercial kitchens and boiler rooms. It is important to know the signs, symptoms and precautions that should be taken as heat stroke can be deadly.
Occupational exposures occur mainly among workers who handle chromate-containing pigments, spray paints, or coatings; operate chrome plating baths; or weld or cut metals that contain chromium, such as stainless steel. Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen (cancer causing agent). Exposure may occur through breathing it in, ingesting it in food or water, or direct contact with the skin.
I
Imminent Danger is any conditions or practices in any place of employment, in which a danger exists which could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical harm immediately or before the danger can be eliminated through applicable regulatory enforcement procedures.
The air you breathe can have a huge impact on your health. Read CSEA’s Indoor Air Quality Fact Sheet to learn more.
CSEA members are frequently exposed to various diseases because of their work. Health care workers, school employees, sanitation workers and others are regularly placed in environments with infectious conditions.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella Fact Sheet
L
Lead is a metal that has been used for centuries because of its low melting point, durability, and weight. However, exposure to lead can cause lead poisoning which has serious side effects. Learn how to stay safe and prevent exposure.
M
Suspicious package incidents are a real concern and hazard for workers who handle packages and letters on a daily basis. With the following resources, learn the best practices for safe mail handling.
Mold is present in all environments on earth and typically is involved with the breakdown of dead or decaying plants and animals. While it is present at low levels everywhere, when it grows to excessive levels, it can cause adverse health effects. Learn how to prevent excess mold growth.
Mosquitoes are considered to be one of the deadliest creatures on earth. About 725,000 people are killed every year by mosquito-borne diseases. Learn how to protect yourself and others with CSEA’s Mosquito Fact Sheet.
La hoja informativa sobre mosquitos de la CSEA también está disponible en español.
Care must be taken to prevent mulch fires.
Working at a computer workstation that is not properly arranged can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries and other repetitive strain injuries. Following simple guidelines and having the right equipment can protect workers from these hazards.
Recommended Computer Workstation Design
Computer Workstation Assessment Form
OSHA’s Computer Workstation Page
N
Exposure to high noise levels over an extended time or exposure to high volume impact sounds can cause hearing loss that exceeds the normal rate of hearing loss due to aging.
O
The OSH Act- legislation to create OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was signed on December 29, 1970 and enacted on April 28, 1971 providing workers unprecedented health and safety rights and protections. (April 28th now annually commemorates Worker’s Memorial Day).
A clause in the OSH Act excludes public employees from protection under OSHA Regulations, so in 1980, the PESH Act was enacted creating the Public Employees Safety and Health Bureau for New York State public employees. PESH enforces OSHA regulations and even some other regulations specifically made for New York public employees such as the NYS Workplace Violence Prevention Act. Private sector employees are still covered under OSHA in New York unless they are self-employed or a part of a family business such as a farm.
P
Learn more about poisonous plants and how to work safely around them.
Children in schools and under the care of providers are required to have outdoor play time each day as long as the weather is not too hot or cold. (Above 90 degrees or a wind chill below 32 degrees). Playgrounds can be a great source of fun, however they also can be riddled with hazards.
R
Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas formed from the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium in the ground. Long term exposure to radon increases the risk of getting lung cancer. Learn about the dangers of radon.
Radon Fact Sheet (Espanol)
Reporting workplace injuries and illnesses is critical for workers to protect their right to file a worker’s compensation claim and can prevent other workers from being sick, injured or killed. Find resources for accessing and using injury and illness logs with CSEA’s Reporting and Recordkeeping Fact Sheet.
Respirators are not “one-size-fits-all.” Employers must perform a hazard assessment in order to select the proper respirator based upon the specific hazards present and the respirator’s limitations.
CSEA Masks and Respirators Fact Sheet
CSEA Respiratory Protection Fact Sheet
CSEA Respiratory Protection Employer Requirements Fact Sheet
S
Injuries from lifting, moving and repositioning of patients are amongst the most severe and debilitating of all workplace incidents.
Safe patient handling programs are the solution. The NYS Veterans Home at Batavia reduced their lost work days by 98% and eliminated mandation and overtime in the process. For help starting a safe patient handling program, contact your OSH specialist today!
Learn how Batavia solved the health care dilemma
They will NEVER go back: The story of how the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia solved the health care dilemma by overcoming short staffing, mandatory overtime, high turnover of employees and soaring Workers’ Compensation costs. Watch this 15 minute video to find out how.
More special features and select scenes:
Attention Heath Care Workers: CSEA Has Your Back!
CSEA and The Western New York Council on Safety and Health (WNYCOSH) have spearheaded an effort to protect health care workers in New York by co-founding the NYS Zero Lift Task Force.
Who We Are
The New York State Zero Lift Task Force is made up of health care workers, administrators, patient advocates, union representatives and safety and health professionals that want to ensure the health and safety of all patients and health care workers in New York State.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to create a safe environment for patients and health care workers by eliminating strenuous manual lifting tasks involved in transferring and repositioning patients, thus improving the physical well-being of health care workers, significantly reducing negative patient outcomes, improving the financial strength of the health care industry by significantly reducing workers compensation costs, and retaining and recruiting qualified staff.
NYS P.U.S.H. Campaign
The NYS P.U.S.H. (Protection Using Safe Handling) Campaign is our educational and awareness program by which we hope to educate New York about the clear benefits of safe patient handling. Through training programs, continuing research, statistical data and legislative efforts, we want New Yorkers to know that safe patient handling programs and legislation will save and protect the future of health care in New York state.
Shiftwork is both physically and mentally stressful. The following fact sheet will educate readers on the hazards and stress caused by shiftwork. Learn about the various physiological effects that can result and strategies to address shiftwork at the workplace.
To some people, a sting from a bee or wasp can be deadly due to a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shock can occur, and immediate medical attention is required or the sting is fatal. It is important to understand the behavior and traits of these insects to avoid a painful sting whether someone is allergic or not. Learn how to avoid stings from bees and wasps.
CSEA’s Stinging Insects Fact Sheet
Work practices and workplace design can be a source of stress on the job. The following resources will identify sources of stress and provide tips on how to overcome them.
T
Lyme disease is an acute inflammatory disease characterized by skin changes, joint inflammation and flu-like symptoms caused by bacteria transmitted by the bite of a deer tick. Employers should be spreading awareness, providing training, ensuring proper attire, and providing effective repellants. Learn more about how to avoid viruses and bites from ticks with CSEA’s tick safety page and the fact sheets below.
Garrapatas y Enfermedad de Lyme
Natural disasters and severe weather events are on the rise. Public employees are the first on the scene to keep the roads clear and to clean up the damage. The following resource will explore what employers must have ready before a disaster strikes and the dangers of certain tree work that follows.
According to OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.650-652, the Competent Person must be able to identify:
- existing and predictable hazards of the surroundings,
- unsanitary working conditions,
- hazardous working conditions,
- working conditions dangerous to employees.
U
Get information and resources on requirements for sanitary working conditions.
W
Communities such as Hoosick Falls, NY, and Flint, Ml have suffered serious health effects from contaminated drinking water. The following resources go over what contaminants may be found in your water and the potential health effects of them. Learn how to get testing and what employers are required to do to make sure the water at work is safe.
CSEA’s Water Contaminants Fact Sheet
EPA National Drinking Water Regulations
Social workers are vulnerable as they walk into an unprotected and unpredictable environment and every time they enter a client’s community and home. The spectrum of violence ranges from verbal abuse, to stalking or threats of assault, to homicide.
Thousands of CSEA members work on or near roadway work zones, which is among the most dangerous jobs that our union members perform. CSEA launched a Work Zone Awareness campaign encouraging drivers to be alert, be aware of their surroundings, and exercise caution when driving in work zones. When you’re approaching roadway construction, slow down, move over, and don’t zone out! Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.
Learn more with the following resources:
CSEA’s Work Zone Safety Fact Sheet
CSEA’s Work Zone Awareness webpage
“Get the Edge on Ice — Don’t Zone Out” — Winter Safety Campaign
Worsening aggressive and distracted driving amplifies the risk that snowplow operators face when they head out in treacherous conditions to clear roads. To build awareness and improve safety, CSEA is working to emphasize the importance of slowing down and being patient around snowplows.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DontZoneOut
Workplace violence is any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse occurring where a public employee performs any work-related duty during their employment.
CSEA has led the fight against workplace violence for many years. Click here for a brief history of the NYS public employee workplace violence prevention law.
The Occupational Safety and Health Department has prepared a number of resources and tools to help address the hazard of workplace violence:
General information on workplace violence
- Short on time? Read CSEA’s Executive Summary of the Workplace Violence Prevention Regulation or our Workplace Violence Prevention Fact Sheet
- View CSEA’s webpage on frequently asked questions about NYS public employer workplace violence prevention regulations in schools
- Is it time for a review? Read our Annual Requirements Fact Sheet
Guidance for Local and Unit leadership
- What does your employer have to do to meet the requirements? Follow these 7 Steps to comply with the workplace violence prevention regulation.
- Does your employer’s training meet the requirements? Review the training requirements of the NYS workplace violence prevention regulation to find out.
- If you are unsure if your employer is including authorized employee representatives in all program areas, review all areas of the regulation that require employee involvement.
Tools to help you address workplace violence
- Workplace Examination Check List: Public employers are required to complete a workplace examination; they must review and assess many things. Use the workplace examination checklist to make sure your employer has looked at everything.
- Workplace Violence Worker Survey: Use the workplace violence survey to get a better understanding of violence at your work site.
- Workplace Violence Inspection Form: Use the workplace violence inspection form to help you record your observations if you are looking to do an inspection.
- Focus Group Activity: If you are looking to get more information about a specific area or problem, try conducting a workplace violence focus group to get detailed information.
- Incident Report Form: To report and record incidents of workplace violence, use the workplace violence incident report form to document what happened.
- Incident Investigation Form: In the event that a workplace violence incident occurs, use the workplace violence incident investigation form to get to the root-cause of the incident.
Links and other useful information
Z
Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe brain defects.
Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle pain and headache. Zika is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected.
Symptoms of Zika are similar to other viruses spread through mosquito bites. West Nile Virus is a much more likely virus for New Yorkers to be infected with. Mosquito to person transmission has not yet occurred in New York State, however, person to person sexual transmission has occurred in New York.
For workplace settings, OSHA and PESH are treating Zika as a blood-borne pathogen and that standard applies to working around people infected with the Zika virus.