The UMWA Health and Safety (H&S) Department works to protect the safety and health of UMWA members on the job.

The Department monitors the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Mine Safety and Health Administration to ensure each are implementing effective safety and health rules and regulations. Through an intensive program, the H&S Dept. trains UMWA members to serve as workplace safety representatives. These reps raise health and safety issues with employers and function as advocates for individual workers' safety and health concerns.

In the past year, the Department has been focusing on reforming the Federal Black Lung Disability Program, pushing MSHA to implement effective diesel exhaust rules and fighting to protect workers from overexposure to dangerous levels of noise. To find out more about the UMWA's Health and Safety program contact Dennis O'Dell at (703) 291-2433.

 

Important links (click on the item):

MSHA National Hazardous Condition Reporting

MSHA Equipment, Health and Safety Hazard Alerts

Federal Black Lung Compensation Benefits

Mesothelioma information

NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE). If you have concerns about a health hazard at work, you can request an HHE from NIOSH.