TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION

Health & Safety Weekly News

January 15, 2010

Echoes from 89^th TRB Annual Meeting: La Hood proposes major public transportation policy shift to highlight livability / Federal Transit Administration

In a dramatic change from existing policy, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood proposed that new funding guidelines for major transit projects be based on livability issues such as economic development opportunities and environmental benefits, in addition to cost and time saved, which are currently the primary criteria. Read More

Safety Officials order Boeing Jet inspections / The Wall Street Journal

FAA calls for stepped-up inspections to find possible cracks in the fuselage skin of more than 130 Boeing 737 aircraft. According to the agency's final rule, undetected cracks "could result in sudden fracture and failure of the fuselage skin panels, and consequent rapid decompression." Read More

FRA requires stronger rail cars / Train Law Blog

Starting in March, commuter rail cars must be built with stronger front-end frames to better protect passengers during collisions. Read More

Camden chocolate processing plant fined following worker’s accidental death / New Jersey Newsroom

“It is absolutely imperative that these companies rectify these violations to prevent other workplace tragedies from occurring", said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's area office in Marlton, N.J. Read More

BLS injury, illness data called into question / Life Lines

“When it comes to reporting on-the-job injuries and illness, it’s not surprising that some employers try to fudge the numbers,” says LIUNA General President Terence M. O’Sullivan, referring to the GAO’s November report. Read More

Mining fatalities fell to all-time low in 2009 / OH&S

Coal mines recorded 18 mining deaths, and metal/nonmetal mines recorded 16 mining deaths, for a combined total of 34 mining deaths nationwide and a significant drop from last year's total of 52 deaths. Read More

Pandemic Flu

The following letter, signed by several medical organizations, was published this week on the CDC website. The TWU H&S Department supports this initiative and encourages members to get vaccinated, once observed your doctors’ orientations.

Open Letter to the American People about the H1N1 Flu Vaccine

Since the 2009 H1N1 flu virus hit our shores, scientists, manufacturers, health providers, and federal, state, and local health officials have worked together to protect the health of the American people. Over 110 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine are now available, with more coming every day. Now is the time to protect yourself and those around you by getting vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.

The traditional flu season is just beginning and typically lasts until May. History tells us to prepare for another serious wave of illness. With H1N1 flu declining in many areas, we have a window of opportunity to help prevent the flu from spreading further and causing even more illness, hospitalization, and death.

The H1N1 flu vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to protect yourself and your family from the H1N1 flu.

The H1N1 vaccine is made the same way seasonal flu vaccines are made every year. Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that the vaccine is not only safe, but also an excellent match for the H1N1 flu virus. And remember that when you get vaccinated, you don’t just help yourself; you help your community by preventing the spread of the flu virus.

We especially encourage people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children, young adults, caretakers of infants, and health care workers to get vaccinated against H1N1. Unlike the seasonal flu, H1N1 has hit children, young people, and adults under age 65 exceptionally hard. That is why we encourage you to get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as possible.

Fighting the flu is a shared responsibility. We ask you to join us in this fight to protect yourself and your community by getting the H1N1 flu vaccine.

Sincerely,

American Medical Association; American Nurses Association; American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; National Environmental Health Association; National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health; American Association of Colleges of Nursing; Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America; American Osteopathic Association; National Association of Community Health Centers; American Red Cross; American Academy of Physician Assistants; National Hispanic Medical Association; American College of Emergency Physicans; American College of Preventive Medicine; Infectious Diseases Society of America; National Alliance for Hispanic Health; International Association of Fire Fighters; American Academy of Family Physicians; Association for Professional in Infection Control and Epidemiology; American Pharmacists Association; National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners; American College Health Association; American College of Physicians; National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association; National Association of School Nurses; Affairs Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs; National Association of Childrens Hospitals and Related Institutions; National Community Pharmacists Association; American Hospital Association; Federation of American Hospitals; Epocrates; BlackDoctor; Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; National Association of County and City Health Officials; Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare 

·         General Information about the 2009 H1N1 Vaccine

·         2009 H1N1 Flu Information for Specific Groups

·         Key Facts About 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine

·         CDC's H1N1 Flu Q & A

Health and Safety Task Force

Ed Watt       Mark Johnson       Michael Massoni       Michael Conigliaro       Bobby Romaine