Active Intruder (Shooter)
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 October 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
http://www.nypdshield.org/public/
Active Shooter Mitigation and Planning Guide For Employers – NYPD
ISC-Planning-Response-Active-Shooter-Guide
Workplace Violence Prevention Resources
http://www.cseany.org/osh/workplaceviolence
http://www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/safetyhealth/DOSH_PESH.shtm
Emergency Action Plan Resources
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/
Emergency Action Plan Template-CDC/NIOSH
Asbestos
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
Contact your OSH Specialist if you need help with an asbestos concern.
For More Information
Back Injuries
Stop the Pain- Preventing Back Injuries
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
Know Your Predator-All About Bugs
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.
Bloodborne Pathogens
What are bloodborne pathogens?
Bloodborne 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 healthcare personnel, all may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
All About Bugs
Know Your Predator-All About Bugs
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.
Bullying in the Workplace
Best the Bully! Addressing Workplace Bullying
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. This program will discuss how to address bullying in the workplace.
Carbon Monoxide
Hidden Household Hazards
Many CSEA members work in a home setting. In addition to daycare workers and those who assist the developmentally disabled, anyone going into a home as part of their job should be aware of the potential hazards in it. Carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire, and much more will be covered in this comprehensive course. This information is also useful for all of us in our own homes.
Cold-Related Illnesses
Cold Related Illnesses
Confined Space Entry
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.
Watch CSEA’s Webinar on Creating or Developing a Confined Space Entry Program
Fact Sheets
Hazards of Confined Spaces (Fact Sheet)
Training Requirements PRCS (Fact Sheet)
Rescue Requirements PRCS (Fact Sheet)
Communications Requirements PRCS (Fact Sheet)
Checklists and Tools
COVID-19
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 every day 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:
- Special Edition Healthy Life Newsletter COVID-19
- Share the Facts COVID-19 from CDC
- Coping with Disaster from CDC
- Helping Children Cope During and After a Disaster from CDC
- 10 Tips for Essential Workers from the NYS Office of Mental Health
- SAMHSA Tips for Social Distancing, Isolation, and Quarantine During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
- 10 Tips for Helping Others Grieve from the NYS Office of Mental Health
- Managing Anxiety due to COVID-19 from the NYS Office of Mental Health
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
Crystalline Silica
Crystalline Silica
There are many hazards hidden inside a garage. This workshop will 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. After this workshop, you will never see a garage the same way again!
Disaster/Emergency Preparedness
Flood & Storm Clean-up 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 clean-up 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 healthful 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
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
Working in and Cleaning Up Flooded Buildings
NIEHS Hurricane Sandy Response Page
Protecting Yourself While Helping Others
Protecting Yourself While Removing Post-Disaster Debris from Your Home and Business
OSHA’s Hurricane Preparedness and Response Page
Diesel hazards fact sheet (Mt Sinai)
Blood exposure during clean-up (NYCOSH)
Flood health hazards from sewage (NYCOSH)
Hurricane Sandy Clean up Hazards (NYCOSH)
Emergency Response and Preparedness Floods Page; US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Protect Your Property or Business from Disaster Page; US Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA)
Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings; US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Electrical for the Home
Hidden Household Hazards
Many CSEA members work in a home setting. In addition to daycare workers and those who assist the developmentally disabled, anyone going into a home as part of their job should be aware of the potential hazards in it. Carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire, and much more will be covered in this comprehensive course. This information is also useful for all of us in our own homes.
- Asbestos for the Home
- Carbon Monoxide
- Electrical
- Emergency Preparedness
- Fire Prevention
- Home Fall Prevention
- Household Chemicals
- Lead
- Mold
- Radon
Electrical for the Workplace
Fall Prevention for the Home
Hidden Household Hazards
Many CSEA members work in a home setting. In addition to daycare workers and those who assist the developmentally disabled, anyone going into a home as part of their job should be aware of the potential hazards in it. Carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire, and much more will be covered in this comprehensive course. This information is also useful for all of us in our own homes.
Fire Prevention
Hidden Household Hazards
Many CSEA members work in a home setting. In addition to daycare workers and those who assist the developmentally disabled, anyone going into a home as part of their job should be aware of the potential hazards in it. Carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire, and much more will be covered in this comprehensive course. This information is also useful for all of us in our own homes.
Garage Hazards
Garage Hazards
There are many hazards hidden inside a garage. This workshop will 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. After this workshop, you will never see a garage the same way again!
Hazardous Substances
Global Harmonization
Hazard Communication
Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat-Related Illnesses
Heroin/Opioids
The Heroin/Opioid Epidemic
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 The Heroin Opioid Epidemic Fact Sheet
Resources for Addiction Help
- New York State HOPEline 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369)
- https://combatheroin.ny.gov/get-help
- https://www.oasas.ny.gov
- http://heroin.net/help/new-york/
- https://www.addictioncenter.com/rehabs/new-york/
More Informational Sources on Heroin/Opioid Use and Addiction
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/heroin.html
http://www.heroin.ws/Heroin-Street-Slang.htm
Naloxone Information
https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/naloxone
Bloodborne Pathogen Information
OSHA-BBP Employer Requirements
osha3186Model Exposure Control Plan
Workplace Violence Prevention Information
Hexavalent Chromium
Garage Hazards
There are many hazards hidden inside a garage. This workshop will 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. After this workshop, you will never see a garage the same way again!
Household Hazards
Hidden Household Hazards
Many CSEA members work in a home setting. In addition to daycare workers and those who assist the developmentally disabled, anyone going into a home as part of their job should be aware of the potential hazards in it. Carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire, and much more will be covered in this comprehensive course. This information is also useful for all of us in our own homes.
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality
The air you breathe can have a huge impact on your health.
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases
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. This workshop will discuss occupational diseases such as pandemic flu, MRSA, and other up-and-coming diseases.
Lead
Hidden Household Hazards
Many CSEA members work in a home setting. In addition to daycare workers and those who assist the developmentally disabled, anyone going into a home as part of their job should be aware of the potential hazards in it. Carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire, and much more will be covered in this comprehensive course. This information is also useful for all of us in our own homes.
Lock-Out Tag-Out
Mail Handling
Masks and Respirators
Respiratory Protection Toolkit
Our Occupational Safety and Health Department has developed a helpful online toolkit union members can use as a resource to educate themselves about proper respiratory protection in the workplace. It includes information on what types of masks are appropriate for specific work situations, and how to properly fit and wear them.
Mold
Hidden Household Hazards
Many CSEA members work in a home setting. In addition to daycare workers and those who assist the developmentally disabled, anyone going into a home as part of their job should be aware of the potential hazards in it. Carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire, and much more will be covered in this comprehensive course. This information is also useful for all of us in our own homes.
Mosquitoes
Know Your Predator-All About Bugs
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.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Preparando su hogar para emergencias
Radon
Hidden Household Hazards
Many CSEA members work in a home setting. In addition to daycare workers and those who assist the developmentally disabled, anyone going into a home as part of their job should be aware of the potential hazards in it. Carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire, and much more will be covered in this comprehensive course. This information is also useful for all of us in our own homes.
Refuse Collection
Reporting and Recordkeeping
Respiratory Tool Kit
Safe Patient Handling
Shift Work
Confronting Shift-work and Fatigue
Shift-work is both physically and mentally stressful.This workshop will educate participants on the hazards and stress caused by shift-work. We will discuss the various physiological effects that can result and strategies to address shift-work at the workplace.
Stinging Insects
Know Your Predator-All About Bugs
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.
Stress
Understanding and Managing Occupational Stress
Work practices and workplace design can be a source of stress on the job. This workshop will identify sources of stress and provide tips on how to overcome them
Ticks and Lyme Disease
Know Your Predator-All About Bugs
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.
Tree Work
Tree Work and Responding to Severe Weather Events
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. This workshop will explore what employers must and should have ready before a disaster strikes and the dangers of certain tree work that follows.
Water
What’s in My Water
Communities such as Hoosick Falls, NY, and Flint, Ml have suffered serious health effects from contaminated drinking water. This session will discuss 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.
Work Zone Safety
Work Zone Safety Information
Work Zone Awareness webpage: https://cseany.org/wza
Working on or near traveled roads is one of the most dangerous environments for CSEA members.
Worsening aggressive and distracted driving amplifies the risk that snow plow 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 snow plows with a new awareness campaign–“Get the Edge on Ice – Don’t Zone Out.”
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DontZoneOut
“Get the Edge on Ice — Don’t Zone Out” — Winter Safety Campaign
For several decades, CSEA has sponsored snow closing announcements in nearly every media market in New York; a natural fit because CSEA members are primarily responsible for clearing the roads; providing a necessary service to the community.
Today, drivers are more distracted, more aggressive and less focused on their driving. They are often talking, texting, or doing something else while driving, putting working men and women at a much higher risk for injury or worse. Just as CSEA works with professional baseball teams to raise awareness with the”Don’t Zone Out” safety message while spring, summer and fall outdoor road work season is underway, CSEA is now taking the next step in working with our longstanding Hockey partners in a variety of ways to ramp up our message this winter; “Get the Edge on Ice. Slow Down. Be Patient.”
Hockey partners include the Albany Devils, Binghamton Senators, Rochester Amerks, Elmira Jackals, Utica Comets and Adirondack Flames. We will also be reaching spectators at NY Rangers, NY Islanders and Buffalo Sabres games and reaching spectators through partnerships with college teams like Siena, Cornell, Clarkson and St. Lawrence Hockey.
Workplace Violence
Workplace Violence Prevention
Workplace violence is any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse occurring where a public employee performs any work-related duty in the course of his or her 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 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
Frequently Asked Questions About the Workplace Violence Prevention Law
27-b NYS Public Employee Workplace Violence Prevention Law
Workplace Violence Prevention Regulation
Short on time? Read CSEA’s Executive Summary of the Workplace Violence Prevention Regulation.
or our Workplace Violence Prevention Fact Sheet
Workplace Violence Prevention DVD, call CSEA Headquarters at (800) 342-4246 and ask to speak to the health and safety department to get a copy of the DVD today!
Is it time for a review? Read our Annual Requirements Fact Sheet
Guidance for Local and Unit Leadership
Not sure where to begin? Follow this “To Do List for Union Leaders” to get started.
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.