Safety & Health
USW LOCAL 983 · SAFETY & HEALTH
See it. Report it. Document it.
Every member has a role in building a safer workplace. If you see a hazard, follow established mill reporting procedures, record the facts when it is safe to do so, and contact Local 983 safety representation or your department representative.
Emergency: For an immediate or life-threatening danger, follow site emergency procedures and seek emergency help. This page does not replace emergency response or employer reporting requirements.
TAKE ACTION
Start with the right next step
Report a safety concern
Describe the hazard, location, date and time, who was notified, and any witnesses. Include photos or documents only when permitted and safe. Use the established workplace reporting process and notify your union representative so the concern can be followed.
Contact Local 983 safety representation
Jason Chasm
Trustee · Safety Coordinator · E-Board Safety & Health Representative · Crew 5
Jchasmbvfd@gmail.com
For department-specific help, use the representative finder.
CONTACT LOCAL 983 REPRESENTATION
Workplace injury or incident
Get emergency or medical help when needed. Report the injury or incident promptly through required workplace procedures, preserve relevant records, and contact Local 983 representation. Workers have the right to report work-related injuries and illnesses without retaliation.
OSHA: INJURY REPORTING AND RETALIATION PROTECTION
INDUSTRIAL HAZARDS
Practical resources for a paper-mill workforce
Heat stress
Heat illness can become serious quickly. Watch for heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion or fainting. Move the worker to a cooler area, begin cooling, and get help. Confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures or very high body temperature can signal heat stroke and require emergency medical response.
Personal protective equipment
PPE must be appropriate for the hazard, fit correctly, be maintained, and be supported by training. PPE is one part of hazard control—not a substitute for eliminating or controlling hazards when other controls are feasible.
OSHA: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Chemical exposure
Know the product and task, review labels and the Safety Data Sheet, understand the exposure route and required controls, and follow site procedures. If an exposure occurs, move away from the hazard when safe, use emergency washing or decontamination as directed, and obtain medical help according to the SDS and site response procedures.
OSHA RIGHTS
You have the right to a safe workplace
Workers generally have the right to receive safety information and training, report hazards and injuries, review certain workplace records, participate in OSHA inspections as provided by law, and file a confidential OSHA complaint. The law also protects workers from retaliation for exercising protected safety rights.
If possible, involve Local 983 before or while pursuing an outside complaint so the union can help document the concern and protect contractual rights. Nothing on this page limits a worker’s right to contact OSHA.
OSHA WORKER RIGHTS FILE AN OSHA COMPLAINT
SAFETY RESOURCES
Official union and government guidance
- USW Health, Safety and Environment
- USW Hazard Alerts
- USW Health and Safety Fact Sheets
- OSHA Worker Resources
- NIOSH Worker Safety and Health
This page is educational. Follow applicable emergency, employer and Local 983 procedures and contact a representative about specific workplace concerns.