Health and Safety

Process Safety Beacon Information on Hazardous Energy

Many process plants contain high speed rotating equipment – for example, compressors, centrifuges, and centrifugal extractors.

Paper Machine primary arm fatality

Attached is a USW Hazard Alert that involves a Rereeler Assistant with three years of service who was fatally injured when he was caught in-between the unguarded Primary Arm and the Reel Rail

U.S. Department of Labor Announces $10.5 Million in Funding Opportunities for Susan Harwood Training Grants to Support Worker Safety and Health

A total of $10.5 million is available for nonprofit organizations including community and faith-based organizations, employer associations, labor unions, joint labor/management associations, Indian

USW Local 340 – WestRock – Sheldon Springs, VT – Local Union Safety Committee Completes Two-Day Workshop under the USW’s Tony Mazzocchi Center’s “Preventing Fatalities and Improving Safety and Health in the Paper Sector” Project

On October 11th the USW Local Union 340’s leaders and safety committee members participated in the first day of training; on October 12th they were joined by management counterparts for the program titled “Increasing the Effectiveness of Labor-Management Safety and Health Committees.” Steve Sallman of the USW’s Health, Safety and Environment Department and Nancy Lessin of the USW’s Tony Mazzocchi Center provided the sessions.

Fatal Incident Involving a Belt Manlift at a Pulp Mill

 A USW member was fatally injured after falling from a belt manlift. It appears the victim attempted to mount and ride the descending foot step (platform) when the incident occurred. He was working alone at the time and there were no witnesses. This antiquated equipment is a power-driven endless belt in a tall column running vertically through floor openings. The belt moves in one direction only. The belt has footsteps (platforms) and hand-holds placed every few feet.

9th Annual USW IP Mill Safety Conference

On September 28th, USW and the International Paper Mill system held its 9th annual Health and Safety Conference. The Safety Conference began with a joint Committee presentation on the history of the conference, safety leading indicators and safety committees. Afternoon breakout sessions focused on Hazard Recognition and Controls, Heat Stress, Local Safety Committees, Dust Hazard Analysis, and Safety Leading Indicators.