Safety and Health

Safety and Health

Workplace safety and health sites:

General Health and Safety 
National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 
OSHA's Electronic Compliance Assistance Tools -- Helps workers and employers identify and address potential occupational hazards in nursing homes or in hospitals by describing standard requirements and safe work practices. 
OSHA worker rights under the OSH Act of 1970 
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 
NIOSH guidelines for worker safety and health (pdf) 
Premier's safety topics A to Z 
The National Network of Committees on Occupational Safety and Health 
Sustainable Hospitals Project

Bloodborne Pathogens and Preventing Needlestick Injuries 
OSHA's needlestick info 
CDC guidelines for managing occupational exposure to HBV, HCV and HIV 
NIOSH alert on preventing needlestick injuries 
NIOSH lessons learned: safer medical device implementation
Training for Development of Innovative Control -- Technologies Project (developing safer needlestick technology) 
International Health Care Worker Safety Center

Tuberculosis (TB) and Control of Airborne Pathogens
NIOSH and CDC guide
CDC guidelines for preventing TB transmission of mycobacterium 

Safe Patient Handling and Lifting (including no-lift policies)
Department of Veterans Affairs Patient Safety Center

Violence in the Workplace
OSHA guidelines

Latex Allergy 
OSHA Technical Information Bulletin 
NIOSH alert 

Chemicals and Hazardous Drugs 
OSHA 
NIOSH

SEIU's deep commitment to workers and their families extends to their safety and health—on and off the job. That's why we've put together several booklets (listed and described below) outlining the risks and detailing what you need to protect yourself.  Some of the booklets are available in PDF format. Others can be ordered from SEIU's Fulfillment Center by calling (202) 730-7872.

In addition to the booklets, note our fact sheets on smallpox and our comprehensive list of safety and health sites below. 

	HIV/AIDS Protecting Ourselves, Protecting Our Patients and Residents Health care workers are sometimes frightened by the many stories and rumors about HIV/AIDS. This colorful and highly illustrated 15-page booklet, designed so that it can also be distributed to workers with low English literacy skills, conveys the message that we can still care for our patients and residents, and protect ourselves at the same time. The concise, straightforward information in this book will put health care workers in control of the facts about HIV and AIDS. Hard copies available for $1.00 each, prepaid.
	The HIV/AIDS Book: Information for Workers The fifth edition of this comprehensive 68-page book was written for local union leaders and staff, who provide education and information about HIV and AIDS. The book provides answers to real questions union members ask at workshops and training sessions. Hard copies available for $3.00 each, prepaid.
	SEIU's Guide to Preventing Needlestick Injuries This 1998 36-page booklet (pdf) helps health care workers collect needlestick injury data, actively participate in product evaluation committees, work with hospital administrators, file health and safety grievances, and file complaints with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) when necessary. Hard copies available for $3.00 each, prepaid.
	Is Your Building Making You Sick? This 35-page training workbook (pdf) provides SEIU members with an understanding of the causes of indoor air quality problems, and the tools to persuade employers and building owners to make indoor work environments safe and healthful. This workbook teaches workers how to work together and organize their co-workers to solve sick building syndrome problems. Hard copies available at no charge.

» Smallpox Disease, Vaccine, Vaccination: FAQs (pdf)
» The Vaccine Program: Weigh the Facts Before You Volunteer (pdf)
» Should You Volunteer? A Chart to Help You Decide (pdf)
» Vaccination Safeguards: A Checklist for Health Care Workers (pdf)