Weekly Toll- Sept 11- 18, 2008

Clerk dies leaving work

SEPT 18, NEW ORLEANS, LA - Damien Verrett, 29, a Clerk at Pelican Ice, was killed Thursday afternoon as he was leaving. Witnesses said 3 men jumped from an SUV in the parking lot and opened fire on Mr. Verrett. "Somebody's life got taken on the job," said a neighbor who declined to be identified. "That is ridiculous. That's sad."

Cab driver found shot
SEPT 17, CLEARWATER, FL - Police are investigating the death of taxi driver Jack Lagrand, 50, of Clearwater, who was found dead this morning in a Yellow Cab parked behind the Hertz Rental car company. Police believe Lagrand was murdered some time between 1 and 2 this morning. Surveillance videos have been confiscated from businesses close to the crime scene for evaluation. Mr. Lagrand is the third cabdriver killed this year in Pinellas County.

Explosion kills worker

SEPT 17, EAST CAMDEN, AR - An "unplanned ignition of a rocket motor" at the Aerojet plant in East Camden claimed the life of Maurice Mitchell, 29. Mr. Mitchell was working on the motor in a bay area when the motor exploded and caught fire. Authorities believe he was killed in the explosion, not the fire. He is survived by his wife-- also an employee at the plant-- who is 4 months pregnant.

Truck driver killed in crash

SEPT 17, CARROLL TWP, OH - A fiery crash on Ohio-2 occurred just after 9 am this morning when a tractor trailer owned by Ohio Bulk Transfer, Inc., struck an Aunt Millie's bakery truck that had stopped in a construction zone by an ODOT worker who was flagging traffic. On impact, the tractor trailer exploded and careened into a ditch. The driver, Patrick F. Ardito, 55, was trapped inside the burning cab.

Worker electrocuted at nuclear plant
SEPT 17, MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Ricky D. Cummings, 47, of Delano, died Wednesday morning just outside the gates of the nuclear plant in Monticello. Officials say Mr. Delano came in contact with a power line, and his death was caused by thermal injuries due to electrocution.

Trash Worker Killed, Another Injured In Crash

SEPT 17, EDINBURGH, ID - A Rumpke trash worker was killed and another was injured early Wednesday morning when they were struck by a motorist in southern Johnson County. The workers were out of their truck at the time of the crash, said Edinburgh Police Chief Patrick Pankey. Investigators said the driver of a car was not able to see the workers because of the sun.

Man dies after falling through skylight
SEPT 17, CHICAGO, IL - A 43-year-old man died Sunday, three days after crashing through a skylight while working on the roof of a Southwest Side building. Krzyszto Zelasko, of Chicago's Southwest Side,was initially taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in “extremely critical” condition. He was pronounced dead Sunday at Mount Sinai Hospital at 9:35 a.m of head injuries sustained in the fall. His death has been ruled an accident, according the medical examiner's office.

Worker dies after being thrown from bucket truck

SEPT 16, KOKOMO, ID - City employee Jeff Berry, 45, was pronounced dead today after he was removed from life support. Mr. Berry was in a bucket lift changing a light bulb in traffic light last week when a tractor-trailer struck his truck, throwing him 30 feet to the pavement. He sustained a severe head injury and was flown by helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Farmer dies in crash
SEPT 16, MAYWOOD, NE - A young farmer, Austin Fischer, 24, of Maywood was killed this afternoon when his car was struck by a pick-up truck. Police believe he was checking his mailbox and was pulling back onto the road when the incident occurred.

Utility worker killed in Mercer while making repairs

SEPT 16, PITTSBURGH, PA - A utility worker making repairs in Mercer County died yesterday after he stepped on a live wire. Robert Lempke, 43, of Columbia, NJ, an employee for New Jersey Central Power and Light, was pronounced dead at UPMC Greenville, Mercer County, police said. His death was ruled accidental.

Construction worker killed by saw

SEPT 16, MOUNT VERNON, OH - Subcontracted construction worker Roger A. Ferenbaugh, 54, of Mount Vernon, was killed today while working at Rolls-Royce Energy Systems. Investigators believe Mr. Ferenbaugh was trying to cut through concrete pipe with a saw when its blade kicked back and struck him in the neck. The investigation is ongoing.

Municipal employee killed by mower

SEPT 15, HOLLAND TWP, PA - John Dinmore, 79, of Upper Black Eddy, had lunch with a friend today before heading off to mow 2 acres of land at Riegel Ridge Community Center. Investigators believe Mr. Dinmore may have been replacing a blade in the parked ride-on mower when the mower fell on top of him. Friends say Mr. Dinmore had worked at the community center for the past 6 years. "When I asked him about retirement, he said he never really gave it any thought at all," said Holland Mayor Bernie O'Brien, who was at the scene of the accident. Councilman and friend John DiSarro described Mr. Dinmore as "a darn good man."

State employee killed in crash

SEPT 15, GALES CREEK, OR - Kevin A. Leader, 46, of Corvallis, was driving his state vehicle for a work assignment when he lost control and crashed into a utility pole. Mr. Leader, an employee of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, was wearing a seatbelt, but did not survive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Construction worker falls to death

SEPT 15, MOORESVILLE, NC - An employee of SSC Construction Company lost his life today at a construction site near Mooresville. Investigators say Ruben Gomez, 56, was working on scaffolding when he lost his balance and fell about 20 feet. He was killed insantly.

Police sargeant killed in crash

SEPT 14, LATIMORE TWP, PA - Michael C. Weigand, 25, a part-time police sargeant for the Latimore Township Department and full-time patrolman with Eastern Adams Regional Police Department was killed Sunday morning while participating in a Blue Knights' benefit ride to raise money for a local park. Police say Mr. Weigan's motorcycle was struck by a truck that had skidded into the westbound lane. Said Township Supervisor Daniel Worley: "He was an outstanding person, loved by everyone. It is a tremendous loss not only to his family, but to the people who worked with him." Mr. Weigand, a conscientous police officer and avid motorcylist, is survived by his wife, Amanda and three year old daughter, Lanie. "He could bring sunshine on a rainy day," said a fellow patrolman.

Worker killed in fall

SEPT 14, LOS ANGELES, CA -- Hermelindo Montes Valencia, 56, of Anaheim died today from injuries sustained September 9th while replacing a skylight on top of the Huntington Beach transfer station. According to Ron Shankman, chairman of the Rainbow Disposal Co., Mr. Valencia was wearing a safety harness but unhooked it. Shortly thereafter, he fell through a chute and onto a concrete floor. "It was a tragic accident that was caused by human error," Shenkman said. "Why he unhooked the safety harness, we do not know."

Cook shot at area restaurant

SEPT 13, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- Coworkers say cook Alfredo Chavez seemed distracted Monday morning at Jimmy's Roundup Cafe- like he was expecting someone . Around 6:30 am, two masked men arrived, took Mr. Chavez to the east entrance, and shot him in the face in front of his coworkers. Friends say Mr. Chavez was a "nice, sweet young guy, real quiet, shy and sensitive.” Survived by his wife, who is pregnant, and two young children, Mr. Chavez was working two full-time jobs so that he could save up and move back to Mexico.

Construction worker dies after 6-foot fall in Morton Grove
SEPT 12, CHICAGO, IL - Further investigation is needed to show what caused the death of a Chicago construction worker who fell 6 feet from a scaffolding outside a home in Morton Grove Thursday. Marrecin Waz, 30, landed on his head and broke his neck when he fell as he and his crew were tuck-pointing a home. Mr. Waz may have had a medical condition that caused the fall. An autopsy later Friday could not determine an exact cause of death.

Cell tower technician falls to death

SEPT 12, PORT ANGELES, WA- An employee of Emerald Wireless died just after midnight this morning after falling 40 feet from a cell-phone tower atop the Elks Navel Lodge building. Jeremy Combs, 33, of Bonney Lake, was still alive when paramedics arrived at the scene, but was pronounced dead not long after at Olympic Medical Center. Mr. Combs is survived by his wife and two children. UPDATE, SEPT 19: Authorities have determined that Mr. Combs was not wearing safety equipment when he fell to his death.

Worker killed in tank explosion
SEPT 12, AZTEC, NM - Around 1:20 pm this afternoon at a well site in San Juan County, a semi truck carrying a nitrogen tank exploded. A 21-year old worker, whose name has not yet been released, was killed in the explosion. The incident is being investigated.

4 die in trench collapse

SEPT 12, VERDEL, NE -- Four men were working on a drainage trench this morning when part of it collapsed, trapping Travis Lunn, 24, of O'Neill. Lunn's three coworkers tried to save him but in the process also became trapped. Lunn, David Peterson, 35, of O'Neill, Gary Forsch, 61, of Spencer, and Brad Kelly, 43, of Lynch, all lost their lives in the incident. Investigators said flooding of the Missouri River created the potential for erosion.

Sanitation worker struck by truck

SEPT 11, MARKSVILLE, LA - A sanitation worker was killed early Thursday morning after being struck by a pickup truck. Tony L. Kelley, 32, of Marksville, was stopped partially in a northbound lane and partially in the shoulder when the incident occurred. Mr. Kelley was pronounced dead at the scene. State Police Trooper Scott Moreau said that the accident was in no way the fault of the driver.


Cab Driver Killed in Hollywood Crash Identified

SEPT 11, HOLLYWOOD, CA - A taxi driver was killed early this morning in a four-car collision that happened as area bars and nightclubs were clearing out. The taxi driver, Karen Karapeytan, 33, of Garden Grove, was freed from the cab but did not survive transport to a hospital.

Cab driver shot to death
SEPT 11 KANSAS CITY, MO - A taxi driver was driving this morning when he spotted a cab owned by the same company in the middle of the street. Inside, he discovered cab driver Terrence Williams, 44, slumped over the wheel. Mr. Williams had apparently suffered a gunshot wound to the head.


Worker killed in scaffold collapse
SEPT 11, NEW YORK, NY - A scaffold-rigging foreman, Miguel Rodriquez, 38, was killed today in a scaffold collapse while working on a building in Manhattan. Investigators say his safety harness was not tethered to the building. Update: SEPT 15- Two employees of Classic Painting & Restoration, Inc.-- including the owner-- have been arrested in the aftermath of the incident. In violation of building codes, the company did not have a certified rigging foreman on site when the incident occurred, and the owner reportedly gave a foreman's card to an uncertified worker and asked him to pose as certified foreman if asked. Both were charged with criminal impersonation on Sept 12th.

Firefighter dies two weeks after injuries

SEPT 11, HAPPY CAMP, CA - Firefighter Curtis Hillman, 77, of Happy Camp, died today at Mercy Medical Center in Redding. Mr. Hillman sustained head injuries on August 25 when he either jumped or fell off of a road grader in the Six Rivers National Forest, near the Oregon Border. A member of the Karuk Indian tribe, Mr. Hillman was the 15th firefighter to die from job-related causes this summer.

NASP Safety Awards

Anyone may make nominations to the NASP or IASP "Hall of Heroes". The Hall of Heroes are those who have been awarded a Safety Award or a Certificate of Honorable Mention by the National or International Association of Safety Professionals.

The Specific Awards Given By NASP and IASP Include:

The Medal of Honor
This award requires the direct saving of a life, through extreme personal risk or exceptional effort.

The Medal of Valor
This award requires the direct saving of a human life, the attempt to save a human life, or the remedy of a hazard that was likely to cause death or serious physical harm, while under significant personal risk or against such great odds as to exhibit valor.

The Medal of Merit
This award requires a contribution to human safety so exceptional as to warrant national recognition.

Life Saving Award
This award requires the saving of a human life through the use of CPR, the Heimlich Maneuver, or an approved means of rescue.

The Outstanding Service Award
This award requires a demonstrated commitment to human safety with quantifiable results, that distinguishes the recipient as one who has made exceptional effort above and beyond that normally expected of a person in a comparable position. Or, those nominated for the The Medal of Honor, The Medal of Valor, or The Medal of Merit whose actions are not deemed by NASP as sufficient to warrant the Medal, but who are deemed by IASP or NASP to warrant recognition.


You can get further details on NASP's web site

I am honored to have one of NASP's awards from 2005 and it is up again. It really is a beautiful presentation and all too often we forget those who put their heart and soul into making a difference. Take a few moments to let them know how much you appreciate them and how proud of their work you truly are!

This is a wonderful group who’s focus is set in safety culture and are always willing to extend a hand when it is needed. If you haven't visited their site or need great training take a few moments to see what they have to offer.

What about Mike, the plumber?

One of my girls has a little something to say. Got to love her, she is a real tropper and wonderful spirit. It's people like her that make it worth it and get things done!


October 23, 2008

There's been a lot of talk about Joe, the plumber lately. What about Mike, the plumber? For the last three years, I have been sharing the loss of my step-dad, Mike, the plumber, in hopes that something will change! You see, he was killed at work when a trench collapsed on him while he was working to install a sewer line for a marina in St. Petersburg, FL. He was 48 years old. The company he worked for did not supply him with a trench box and there was no sloping or shoring in the trench. Had his employer followed regulations, Mike would not have been buried to his chest and crushed to death. He remained conscious while coworkers and rescuers tried to dig him out. Then when the rescue chief arrived and feared the trench would collapse again, everyone was ordered out. Mike was left alone in the ditch with oxygen tubes and a shovel. He had to try to unbury himself while he was internally bleeding to death and trapped in thousands of pounds of dirt. He died alone in that trench within an hour.

The company, which had faced prior serious violations from OSHA, was fined around $20,000, which I believe was later reduced. They continue to do business. Meanwhile, my mother and my family continue to grieve. There are people in power who want change; there are members of Congress who want workers to be protected; there are members of Congress who support the Protecting America's Workers Act. Barack Obama has cosponsored this bill. John McCain has not. I want a leader who will fight for workers' rights and safety. Sixteen workers lose their lives on the job in the U.S. each day! Nearly 6,000 workers are killed on the job each year in our country. Millions are injured and become ill on the job every year! These are preventable deaths, injuries and illnesses.

Please join me this November in voting for Barack Obama for President and for real change for America’s workers and families.

Warmly and in Loving Memory of Charles “Mike” Morrison,
Michelle Lewis
South Burlington, VT*USMWF.org, Tampa Tribune, St. Petersburg Times, Burlington Free Press/Charles “Mike” Morrison/trench collapse

Workplace Fatality Support Group Awarded 2-Year Grant from Public Welfare Foundation

October 17, 2008 the Public Welfare Foundation announced its new grants. United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities (USMWF) was one of 28 grantees, awarded $162,000 over the next 2 years.

I was going to get into more however I will do that in the next news letter. I am in the process of ceasing my other obligations to finally go full time with USMWF and get to a little more than the emailing side of things. For right now you can view our Press Release

We have had some wonderful offers to help with some of the small and tedious task and with the generous grant from the Public Welfare foundation we will be able to get so much more work done.

I know thing are slow but it seems that emotions come in waves and if something was left out of the circle it couldn’t be my people. Having said that I wanted to add a little reminder of why we have worked so long and hard on USMWF.

These next few months are always a reminder of just how important our work is. I start getting emails from mid October all of whom are devastated over spending the holidays without their family member. I received this email last night.

“Hey girl, been travelling all over East Texas and been by the site where my brother was killed, several times. You're the only person I can turn to when the world seems dark. Tammy, I miss him sooooo much it just rips me shreds and its a real physical pain that I feel in my heart! I wish someone could tell me that it would go away. Even if someone could say that I don't think I would ever belief it. I just miss him so much. I long to hear his voice on the phone, just anything. Thanks for being there.”

All too often the families feel alone and it is up to USMWF to make sure they stay healthy and go on while trying to instill in them how important it is to stay involved once they are in the position to do so.

I would also like to add a little about what the Public Welfare foundation is about. It really is an interesting orginazation. This is a brief and taken from the Public Welfare Foundations web site. He seemed to be an intereesting man.

Charles Edward Marsh made a formal commitment to philanthropy by incorporating the Public Welfare Foundation and designating it to receive his newspapers' assets upon his death. He deliberately chose a vague name to allow the Foundation to evolve with the times. According to Anonymous Giver, a biography of Marsh by Philip Kopper, Marsh wrote that "public welfare" was "a pretty wide pair of words," by which he intended the Foundation to involve itself in "any activity which would promote the well-being and happiness of human beings." A document drafted at the time, according to Kopper, declared that the Foundation would make "gifts for education, charitable or benevolent uses in accordance with a plan which shall meet the changing need for such gifts with flexibility...."

The Foundation's first grant was made in 1948 - 28 sewing machines for an organization of Jamaican women, so that the island's poor children could be clothed and sent to school. Marsh saw to it that the Foundation followed up with funding for scholarships and occupational training, medical equipment, clinics and - ahead of the times - micro-loans for fishermen. As the Foundation grew, Marsh built a network of "agents" assigned to find worthwhile recipients: among them, according to Kopper, the young Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa and the playwright Noel Coward.

Marsh oversaw the Foundation's work until his health began to decline in 1953. He died in 1964. Claudia Haines Marsh, his third wife, was the Foundation's president from 1952 to 1974, and she remained a guiding influence until her own death, at the age of 100, in the year 2000.
Charles Marsh's legacy - agility, daring, willingness to take on new and sometimes unpopular challenges, pragmatism and a profound belief in people - is very much alive in the Foundation's approach to grantmaking.

2008 Corporate Killers Award

When JUSTICE cannot be found we must everything in our power to ensure that...
TRUTH still exists...

On February 2, 2007 preventable workplace tragedy would claim the lives of Travis Koehler and coworker Richard Luzierhad. Leaving a third worker, David Snow critically injured and clinging to life. Many lives were forever changed that tragic day. But nothing could have prepared their families & loved ones, for what was yet to come and just how much they would be forced to endure at the hands of corporate greed
And so..... The 2008 Corporate Killers Award goes to... Boyd Gaming
For their blatant disregard of workplace safety and every inconceivable, dishonorable, calculating, criminal, action, carried out to relieve themselves of all responsibility, accountability and liability in this tragedy. For the sole purpose of escaping all forms of justice.

Last years video is also available for veiwing via the following link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWBhN4dYg_c

Tell EPA to Protect Our Food FromThe Toxic Pesticide Endosulfan

Public Comment Period Ends Monday.

Please Take Action Today!

In February 2008, thousands of UFW supporters joined us and signed a petition asking the EPA to ban Endosulfan--an antiquated and dangerous pesticide. We've got their attention, but we need your help to make sure they actually take action to protect the public.

The EPA opened a new public comment period regarding this deadly pesticide. The UFW is again working with a coalition of our environmental friends to turn in a joint petition on Monday to show the EPA how concerned we are. Please take action today by signing this petition and demanding that the EPA ensures that no residues of endosulfan are found in food sold in the U.S.

Endosulfan is one of the most commonly detected residues in our national food supply. It persists in the environment and travels on wind and water currents to areas far from its use. It is acutely toxic and easily absorbed by the human body. Low levels of exposure in the womb have been linked to autism, male reproductive harm and other birth defects. The lethal chemical has been linked to dozens of accidental deaths. It is an organochlorine--which means it persists in our environment long after it has killed the target pests--thus leaving a deadly legacy for people and wildlife.

When we are successful in banning this poison, we will protect both farmworkers and consumers.
The European Union and several other countries have already banned endosulfan as less dangerous alternatives are available. It's time the U.S. does its part to protect communities and the environment from this toxic pollutant.

It is vital that we get as many signatures as possible. Please sign the petition today and then immediately forward this petition to as many friends as possible.

Thank you!

Weekly Toll- Death in the American Workplace- September 3-10, 2008

Scaffolding collapse kills 1
SEPT 10, DETROIT, MI -- Workers were dismantling scaffolding at a project near the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit this evening when the scaffolding collapsed, killing Gilbert Danz, 29, of Roseville. Federal records show that the worker's employer, a steel construction company based in Shelbyville, has had 30 violations of safety rules since 2003. The construction is part of the $230 million Ambassador Bridge Gateway Project, scheduled for completion in December 2009.


Railroad worker killed by tanker car

SEPT 10, TERRE HAUTE, IN -- Philip T. Myers, 42, of Clay City, was working with another worker on the property of Tangent Rail Products today when he was struck by a tanker car that had derailed. Authorities are unsure as to why the tanker, which was being pushed slowly down a railroad spur, derailed. Mr. Myers, an active member of the Rail Road/Teamster Union, had worked as a railroad engineer for Indiana Rail Road for over 16 years. He is survived by several family members, including his wife, children, and grandparents.

Farmer killed by auger
SEPT 10, SPRING GROVE, WI -- Farmer Gary E. Goecks, 62, died this afternoon from injuries sustained when his leg became caught in an auger this morning. Mr. Goecks was extricated and flown by helicopter to UW Hospital in Madison, but unfortunately did not survive his injuries.

Carport collapse kills worker

SEPT 10, KENNER, LA -- Robert Aldrich, 51, was taking down a backyard carport Wednesday morning when the structure collapsed on him. According to police, Mr. Aldrich was working beneath the structure when its supports gave way, crushing him. A resident of Colorado, Mr. Aldrich was residing with a relative in New Orleans and was planning to move there.

Fall claims silo builder

SEPT 10, MINNEOLA, KS -- Phil Love, 39, of Wichita, died en route to a hospital this morning after falling 120 feet. Mr. Love was building grain silos at a co-op in southwest Kansas when he fell from the scaffolding. Clark County Sheriff said he suffered massive head trauma and internal injuries.

Worker killed in building collapse

SEPT 10, CHESTER, VA -- Scott Gioradano, 38, of Disputanta, was found dead today after the building in which he was working collapsed. The building he was working in at Chester Village Green, a mixed-use development, was about 80% completed, and authorities are unsure what caused it to collapse. A nearby witness said she heard the crash and saw more than a dozen workers fleeing from the crumbling building. "They came running out fast," she said. "There was so many of them, you couldn't keep count."

Police officer killed in collision
SEPT 9, NEW HAVEN, CT -- The cruisers of two police officers rushing to respond to a violent domestic dispute crashed into one another late Tuesday night, killing one and leaving the other in critical condition. Sgt. Dario "Scott" Aponte, a 17-year veteran of the police department who had recently been promoted, lost his life in the crash. Mr. Aponte is survived by his wife and four children, the youngest of whom is only 4 months old.


Worker killed at lumber mill
SEPT 9, LACLEDE, ID -- A 54-year old employee of Riley Creek Lumber was killed in an accident at their mill in Laclede early Tuesday morning. The name of the victim has not yet been released.

Road construction worker killed
SEPT 9, PRINCE GEORGE, VA -- Road construction contractor Antonio Tenorio, 43, of Lanexa, was working this morning in a marked work zone when he was struck by a dump truck that was backing up. Paramedics rushed to the scene but Mr. Tenorio had already passed away. The incident is under investigation.


Cab driver killed in collision
SEPT 9, ATLANTA, GA -- A Victory Cab Company driver was killed around 1:30 am Tuesday morning when a Jeep Cherokee crossed the center line and hit his cab. Chijioke Eleyi, 44, died at the scene. The other driver, who survived the crash but was seriously injured, was taken to Atlanta Medical Center

State trooper killed in crash

SEPT 9, RALEIGH, NC -- NC State Trooper Andrew J. Stocks, 43, was reporting to the scene of an accident today when his cruiser collided with a garbage truck. Officer Stocks was critically injured at the scene and did not survive being transported to a nearby hospital. Mr. Stocks, who is survived by his wife and child, was celebrating his one-year anniversary of his return from a tour of duty in Iraq. Said his wife: ""Andrew loved his job as a state trooper. "He loved his service to his country, and he wanted to do that back home in the States -- he wanted to continue to serve."


Worker electrocuted at Wal-Mart
SEPT 9, WALPOLE, MA -- Romulos Santos, 47, a native of Brazil who was living in Somerville, was killed today while working with a remodeling team at Wal-Mart. Police said the work crew had accidentally cut through electrical cable and that Mr. Santos was trying to restore the power on his own when he came into contact with live wires. He was pronounced dead at Caritas Norwood Hospital.


Cabbie hit by oncoming traffic
SEPT 9, QUEENS, NYC, NY -- Winston Franks, 56, a livery cab driver, was killed while working Tuesday evening. Mr. Franks apparently got into an argument with a passenger who was sitting in the front seat, and she pushed him out of his car while he was driving. He was clinging to his seatbelt when he was hit by oncoming traffic in Ozone Park. The passenger switched to his seat and fled the scene. Mr. Franks is survived by his wife of 12 years, who said of her husband: "He was a very hard working man. He didn't interfere with anyone. He just went out there, tried to make a dollar to help his family."


Worker crushed by forklift
SEPT 8, VINELAND, NJ -- Julio A. Rivera, 37, was working at Rudco Products Monday afternoon when another employee lost control of a forklift and the machine pinned Mr. Rivera against a trash compactor. He was transported to South Jersey Healthcare-Regional Medical Center but pronounced dead shortly thereafter.





Father dies saving his son

SEPT 8, NOKESVILLE, VA -- A father and son were working in their backyard Monday afternoon when tragedy struck. The son, who suffers from Down's Syndrome, fell through a piece of metal covering an opening in a the septic tank. Witnesses say his father, Thomas S. Vander Woude, 66, jumped into the tank and submerged himself in sewage so he could push his son's head up to the surface. When rescue teams arrived, he was unconscious and they were unable to revive him. Now family and friends say Mr. Vander Woude's final sacrifice reflects the kind of person he was. Said his wife of 43 years: "He lived sacrificing his life, everything, for his family." Said a neighbor: "He's the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. And if he didn't have one, he'd buy one for you." Mr. Vander Woude, a Vietnam veteran and retired commercial airline pilot, was an active church member, a local farmer, and a coach for his son's basketball team.


Worker dies at oil and gas well pad
SEPT 9, GRAND JUNCTION, CO -- Talliesin Dodd Hayden, 38, of Butte, Montana, died from injuries sustained yesterday in an accident Halliburton's Laramie Energy well pad. Mr. Hayden was providing wireline service when a cable broke, causing a 29-foot long, 100-pound tube to strike him in the head. He died Tuesday afternoon at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand junction from multiple injuries, including head trauma.


Hospital security guard killed
SEPT 7, PORTLAND, ME -- James Angelo, 27, a security guard at Mercy Hospital, died Sunday morning from gunshot wounds. Hospital employees heard gunshots and found Mr. Angelo, who was taking his break, in a fenced-in parking lot around 4 am. Police are seeking help in tracking down two suspects witnesses saw fleeing the scene.


Worker dies after trench collapse
SEPT 6, SEATTLE, WA -- A construction worker who survived a trench collapse on Thursday has died from the injuries he sustained. Steven Dale Slee, 28, was working at a Rainier Vista construction project when 7,000 pounds of compacted dirt fell from the side of a trench. Rescuers used an airbag and ladders to reach him.


Cab driver killed by alleged drunk driver
SEPT 6, DENVER, CO -- Solomon Abraham, 33, died Saturday night after his cab was struck by a drunk driver who had run a stop sign. A hard worker, Mr. Abraham worked at least 16 hours a day driving for Yellow Cab. He was formerly a teacher and lawyer in Ethiopia, but had risked his life to get asylum in the United States. "He believed that America had the best democracy in the world, and so that's why he came here and he was hoping to raise his children in peace," said a friend. Mr. Abraham is survived by a wife and two children, who friends say are lost without him. The drunk driver, Darian Blackwell, 21, has been charged and is due in court next week.


Police officer, salon employee killed
SEPT 6, MARTINEZ, CA -- On Saturday morning, witnesses say Jose Felix Sandoval arrived with a gun at Elegant Hair Design searching for his ex-wife, the owner of the salon. Gunfire erupted behind the salon shortly thereafter. The owner's cousin, Catalina Torres, 44, a part-time salon employee and mother of two, was fatally shot, as was Sgt. Paul Starzyk, 47, a 12-year police veteran and father of three. The gunman was later shot and killed by police.


Man killed in industrial accident
SEPT 6, CHATTANOOGA, TN -- A worker at ACME Industrial Piping reported Saturday that he had found a man crushed under a gate that had fallen on him. The gate weighed several thousand pounds. Michael Reid, 55, a painter employed by Pro-Coat, was sandblasting the gate when it fell. He was pronounced dead at the scene. “Both (ACME and Pro-Coat) are family businesses, very tight knit,” said ACME President Jim Bailey. “Anytime something like this happens, it gets to the heart of the whole industry.”


Businessman shot in his office
SEPT 5, TULSA, OK -- Businessman Neal Sweeney, 63 was working at his business, Retail Fuels Marketing, this morning when a gunman wearing sunglasses and a hooded sweatshirt walked calmly into his office suite and shot him in the head. Police have no indication the shooter was a former employee but witnesses said he seemed to know his way around the large office complex. He is still at large.


Police officer killed in crash
SEPT 5, PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Officer Isabel Nazario and her partner were assisting in trying to pull over the driver of a stolen vehicle Friday evening when the vehicle struck the passenger side of the cruiser where she was sitting. Ms. Nazario was an 18-year veteran of the police force with a "stellar record." An emotional vigil was held Sunday morning on the street corner where she was killed.


Worker dies saving his son
SEPT 5, PHOENIX, AZ -- A father and son were two of several workers moving 50 lb. pallets up to 25 feet high at Carlton Custom Woodworks when several particleboards came loose and fell. The father, age 46, reportedly pushed his 19-year old son out of the way of the falling boards, but couldn't escape himself. Police said the son was cradling his father's head in his lap when emergency personnel arrived at the scene. His father had already died.


1 killed, 4 injured in road crash
SEPT 4, SANTA PAULA, CA -- 1 man was killed and four injured Thursday after a semi truck hauling a trailer lost control crashed into a road clean-up crew on Highway 126. The worker killed, Christopher Hayes, 22, of Las Vegas, was part of Ventura County's work-release program, a program which allows individuals convicted of relatively minor offenses to trade jail time for community service.


Construction worker falls 40 stories
SEPT 4, NEW YORK, NY -- A subcontracted construction worker Anthony Espito, 43, was working to dismantle a crane Thursday outside a Manhattan skyscraper when he apparently lost his footing and fell 40 stories to the concrete below. Mr. Espito, who was killed instantly, had been wearing a safety harness, but it was not attached to anything. "When this happens, it's heartbreaking," said Pedro Cedeno, an ironworker at the site. "It's like your own family." Said another, ""This happens. We live with that."


Police officer killed in accident
Sept. 4 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A 12-year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Christopher Kane, 38, was killed early Thursday when his cruiser hit a parked construction truck. Mr. Kane was on his way home after his shift when his cruiser struck the parked vehicle. He is survived by his wife and two children.


Worker crushed by well-drilling rig
SEPT 4 ,CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. - A Lebanon County man was killed when a well-drilling rig toppled over at a work site in Chester County Thursday afternoon. The rig's 25-foot mast struck and killed 44-year-old Gregory Martin, of Myerstown, officials said. Martin was working as a driller's helper at the time.

Machine operator dies in tractor accident
SEPT 4, NOGALES, AZ- Jaime Lillywhite, 43, a well-known local heavy machinery operator died instantly on Thursday morning after being trampled by the track of a 49-ton Caterpillar D9 tractor. According to the Nogales Police Department, Lillywhite "was pinned by a portion of the track" and suffered "massive trauma to the upper torso."

Industrial accident claims one
SEPT 4, MARTIN COUNTY, TX -- Auturo Urias of Midland was working by a caliche pit off Highway 349 today when his car stopped working. He had gotten under the car to fix some hydraulic problems and asked another worker to start the engine, not realizing that the truck was in gear. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at Midland Memorial Hospital.

My Election Disappointment!

Alright folks, I am extremely disappointed in this election. There have been no real discussions about what the candidates plan for working America. All I have heard from both parties is; I understand what middle class workers are going through and I feel your pain. Well first off we know that is not possible even if you have had a struggle, unless you are in that particular circumstance you cannot fully understand. So I really don’t want to hear I understand one more time, no one wants pity!

Let’s go back to basics. What goes around comes around. You give nothing and that’s what you get, nothing. I don’t want one more ad, plea or dog the big dog campaign. I want it straight from the lips, how do the candidates plan to reform workers compensation, freedom of chose, workplace safety, workplace health, job stability.

This isn’t a rant about what companies are doing wrong; we need good companies as well as workers rights, health and safety addressed. Employment, medical leave, discrimination, wages, hours and benefits mean different things to different people.

I guess what started this whole rant is an article I found Corporate Counsel Say Election Will Impact Employment Law.

We all know the ones that boast the most have the most to boast about so if there is money to be made why not scare them into spreading it around a little sooner. Personally I see no real reason for anyone to think this will be a major concern of either party. I know I will get a few emails about what this one or that one plans to do or not do but I don’t want the props I will say it again I want to hear it straight from the candidates! I know they can’t cover every issue but they have pretty much covered the same few issues to death and I am pretty sure we all get it. Show me you can be diverse and you’re not just jumping the band wagon.

Ok back to the article again this was a survey and who knows what type but regardless some companies feel this election is going to have an adverse effect on the way they do business.

“…the "In-House Counsel Workplace" survey of nearly 400 corporate counsel from ACC's Employment and Labor Law Committee conducted in August, showed that more than half of their companies were not instituting a reduction in workforce and most of those did not expect to do so over the next 12 months.
On day-to-day challenges, corporate counsel cited workplace discrimination as the most time-consuming employment issue, followed by family and medical leave, wages and hours, and employee benefits. The most demanding issue for corporate legal department was cited as harassment/discrimination prevention and compliance, followed by Family and Medical Leave Act compliance and wage and hour compliance. Compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and Sarbanes-Oxley rounded out the top five.
"The results of the Survey illustrate that employment issues are among the chief concerns in corporate America," adds Patrick L. Vaccaro, firm-wide Managing Partner of Jackson Lewis. "Change is in the air and our clients are gearing-up to face the challenges ahead."
Looking forward to this year's presidential election, 60.5 percent of the committee member respondents believed the election outcome would affect labor and employment laws, while 39.5 percent said they did not expect the November ballot to have an impact. Among the potential changes cited by respondents were the possibility of increased costs for health benefits and mandatory paid sick days; a resurgence of workplace regulation generally; and passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, which would eliminate secret ballots in union organizing drives and strengthen labor's hand in negotiations over union representation. “

Most Companies Not Cutting Workers
52.8 percent, said their companies were not instituting reductions- in-force in any of their operations,
47.2 percent said they were
Discrimination Claims a Top Concern
73.5 percent said their companies had been a defendant in employment-related litigation.
52.6 percent said they had faced discrimination complaints.
27.0 percent said wage and hour complaints being the second most frequent.

Why companies feel this election is going to adversely effect them is beyond me because I have seen nothing really being discusses except some over site and it had to do with our government backing (US citizens backing), so unless you own a bank or back some notes there is no need to get your panties in a ruffle. What this does show me is that almost 48 percent of the business plan to cut jobs and the reason the servey can say “Most companies not cutting work” is because they will still have a job and pump out the same amount of whatever they are pumping by pushing few workers to get more done while taking on more responsibly with no raises. Of course this is not a concern and as of right now they know the workers are just glad to have work. Plus when things do get better the company’s profit margins are even higher than the previous quarters because they know they can do it on the workers backs.

As far as discrimination, wage and hour complaints, quit jerking the workers around and you won’t have this issue…problem solved.

Ok I feel better now but this is what I would like to see covered in the election.

• Workers compensation: Too much compensation is denied, ignored and when given is too low. Workers often cannot choose a good doctor and system of checks and balances is about as corrupt as it can get. It was designed to protect the worker and has accompished the opposite .
• Freedom of chose: Workers should have the right to organize and vote without harassment and too many laws that we do have are ignored.
• Workplace safety and health: Where the hell is it and when can we expect it?
• Job stability: What are you going to do to ensure our jobs stay in the US and return to the US?

Working Education and Education Working

In 2006 I remember reading about this cute little man named Kimani Nganga Maruge, 86 who wanted to return to school.

“Eighty-six-year-old Kimani Nganga Maruge, seated in front, attending school in a tiny village just outside El Doret, in western Kenyain Kenya. Maruge surprised school officials when he showed up at the school asking to take advantage of a government program that promises free education for all citizens.”



He did come up against much opposition but this was nothing new to Kimani Nganga Maruge because he had endured not only his torture but watched as his wife and children were murdered. He stated "There are those who have pride in themselves," he says, "and those who don't like to work. But look at me! I do the hard work." He felt that those who have an education are the most successful.

Ah what does this have to do with health and safety? Nothing really but this little man has given me a smile, strength and endurance over the past several years and when I scanned an article about the Los Angeles County temporary student worker program it brought a little man from Kenya to mind.

Now this is not because the student worker program has been a success but because they have turned what should have been a victory into, at the very least, a colossal 30 year loss. This program was originally intended to give students government experience and it would of course benefit the County because they have no need to give part timers healthcare, sick days or any other benefits which they would normally gain after three months of full time work.

After students voted in the Local 721 SEIU and negotiations began it was discovered that some of these part time workers were working full time hours and up to 28 years as a student worker without being enrolled in classes and some who had originally been enrolled were not even qualified.

Out of close to 1,000 workers 73 workers were not enrolled in classes and 718 who were enrolled may not qualify for the student program. Well of course some tried to cover their butts by having many of the employees run to enroll in classes, which by the way only furthers the hardship for them since they get even less paid hours.

Well as one of my long time favorites Ollie said it best on more than one occasion, "Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into." What can be done? Well personally I think these workers should demand full time positions so they can afford to go back to school and if they chose not to at the very least they can send their kids and insure they have some health coverage. Take it from Kimani Nganga Maruge "There are those who have pride in themselves." Stand up and fight for your right and don’t listen to those who say it is impossible. If the little man from Kenya can go back to school surely Americans can in the land of opportunity!

California’s AB 2969 (Lieber)

In August there was an article in the San Francisco Chronicle entitled
“How to practice medicine without a license” By Robert L. Weinmann
Now he has posted a second article entitled “Insurance Industry Sabotages Injured Workers in California”

Dr. Weinmann covers how unqualified individuals are in control of your health and healing and how they get away with it. After reading it I looked up UR or Utilization Review in Webster’s dictionary and found a short but sweet definition:

a critical evaluation of health-care services provided to patients that is made especially for the purpose of controlling costs and monitoring quality of care.

Well it is a bit surprising to see critical and controlling cost in the same breath but let’s not forget they are tracking your care!

It is hard enough to find a good doctor that your insurance will consider but then when you do the companies either chose their mindless drones or often times when referred to a specialist deny findings.

Dr. Weinmann explains that once your workers comp treatment is turned in to insure compliance the company then retains a UR. Each state has its own regulations and they do not have to specialize in your type of referred treatment or even a license in that state at times, meaning there is no accountability because they are not susceptible to the Medical Board.

What does this mean for you if you are injured? It means they may suspend, change or deny treatment have no real justification and no responsibility.

Well those of you in California should thank your Governator once again for the veto of AB 2969 - AB 2969 (Lieber) Workers' compensation that would have held these UR doctors accountable.

October 7 - World Day for Decent Work

October 7 - World Day for Decent Work

The IUF is targeting the systematic, programmed destruction of permanent work at two major food TNCs - Nestlé (the world's largest food company) and Unilever (number 3) - as unions worldwide highlight the menacing spread of precarious work on October 7 - World Day for Decent Work.

http://www.iuf.org/den5399

"What kind of "jobs and prosperity" are you offering in reality, and who is making your global brands?"

See the IUF challenge at:

www.nestlewatch.org & www.unileverwatch.org

Jon Kelley Wright Workers’ Memorial Fund

Wow! What a loss! What a story! What a man!

This article is one of those you just don't want to touch. It is a perfect summary of what most families have experienced after our loss. Every grieving process is different as is how it is handled and what we do with it. Well, Derek Wright has found his niche, a great tribute to his Uncle Jon Kelley Wright and a way to help others in his position.

This article is a little old but just incase you haven't read it please take a few moments it is worth the read.

One year since Chrysler murdered my uncle

This fund will allow Haymarket Books to publish an annual series of books about the labor movement and other struggles of working people to change the world. The first title in the series is The Labor Wars by Sidney Lens.

I hope that the Jon Kelley Wright Workers' Memorial Book Series will inspire others to dedicate their lives to the struggle for a world where safety on the job is more important than profits, and that it will help keep the memory of my beloved uncle alive.

So we're inviting anyone else who has lost someone they love in a workplace disaster to memorialize their loved one through this book series, and we'll print all of the names on the dedication page of each book.

Jon Kelley Wright Workers’ Memorial Fund, please visit http://workersmemorialfund.org/, where you can also contact the fund.
To support this project, you can give a tax-deductable donation to the fund by writing a check payable to:
“CERSC,” writing “Workers Memorial Fund” in the memo line, and
sending it to:
CERSCP.O. Box 258082
Chicago, IL 60625

World Day for Decent Work

On October 7 2008 the trade union movement is organising a World Day for Decent Work. This is an unparalleled opportunity for trade unions and organisations interested in Decent Work all around the world to join a broad global mobilisation involving a large number of people and a wide range of activities. A successful day will focus attention on the urgent need for a new globalisation. You’re welcome to join in!

El 7 de octubre de 2008 el movimiento sindical organizará una Jornada Mundial por el Trabajo Decente. Constituye una oportunidad sin precedentes para que los sindicatos y otras organizaciones interesadas en promover el Trabajo Decente en todo el mundo unan sus fuerzas en una movilización global de gran envergadura que involucrará a gran número de personas e incluirá una amplia gama de actividades. Una jornada provechosa conseguirá llamar la aten ción sobre la urgente necesidad de una nueva globalización. ¡Participa!


http://wddw.org/

Conference call participation

Should anyone find themselves wanting to voice their own opinion concerning workplace safety issues potential solutions and preventative measures we are looking for individuals who are interested in participating on a regular basis in our bi-weekly conference calls. For more information please contact
Mary Vivenzi at

mvivenzi@usmwf.org

Farmworkers Feed Us All: The Labor and Health of Migrants in Maine

The Occupational Health Disparities Institute is sponsoring a session at APHA in which Tennessee Watson will discuss the making of and will present Farmworkers Feed Us All: The Labor and Health of Migrants in Maine—a joint photo exhibit, multimedia slide show by Tennessee Watson and Earl Dotter. Tennessee Watson is an up and coming documentarian and it’s great that she is coming to APHA. To preview some of her work, I thought you might want to check out her recent radio documentary on the Latino immigrants in Siler City, NC called Nuevo South. It’s extremely well done and does an outstanding job addressing the racial tensions of the changing demographics in the south.

It has just gone live as part of the American Radio Works special, "Pueblo, USA." http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/immigration/index.htmlIn addition to the audio doc, which you can stream or download, see the photos by Derek Anderson. Also there's a print version of the story (with more detail than the non-narrated audio), as well as a print version en Español!Listen on the web or check with your local public radio station to see if they'll be broadcasting the special in your area.

What Does it Take?

Some seem to be above the law and a license to kill not only the prisoners but their own corrections officers and the hired hand. McNeil Island exposed 18 people to asbestos while removing vinyl tile held in place by toxic cement on 3 separate project and guess what they got a whopping $28,400 fine for two “willful” and seven “serious” violations.

Although McNeil Island knew of asbestos dangers they felt the rules didn’t apply in this case, this one inadequacy was not consistent with their normal procedures, it will never happen again, they are sorry and let’s not forget they are disputing the fines and violations.
I really don’t understand why people are still not taking asbestos serious. Although there were two supervisors trained and certified in remaining asbestos and concerns were raised, they still ignored the warnings. I suppose I could even understand if it was a group of young adults who seem to think life is forever but these people seemed to have a death wish and the sad thing is they didn’t care if they took others with them.

Sometimes I feel if we just get the word out but that isn’t always enough. What does it take, I have no clue but I do know they shouldn’t have gotten off so easy they should have been put out of commission. I am pretty sure those prisoners will not be allowed to carry a gun when they are released so why let the companies keep their weapon. Regardless of what the article and others feel this has the potential to affect not just those 18 but also their families. There may be a baby out there somewhere that has lost the workplace wars and the mother holding it has no clue.
Well as if there hasn’t been enough info out there the entails what when wrong and you can view it in full here