WHEREAS:

Many AFSCME members are exposed to infectious diseases as a normal part of their jobs. Among those exposed are health care workers, corrections officers, waste waster treatment plant Workers, day care and school workers, and members in a variety of other occupations; and

WHEREAS:

Approximately three hundred health care workers die of job-related Hepatitis B every year and some have been infected by the HIV virus (which causes AIDS); and

WHEREAS:

The incidence of tuberculosis has begun to rise for the first time in decades, and other diseases such as scabies, cytomegalovirus, rubella, and histoplasmosis threaten the health of public employees; and

WHEREAS:

For the most part, training for AFSCME members about the modes of transmission and safe working procedures to protect themselves against such infectious diseases is inadequate; and

WHEREAS:

Although OSHA has begun standard setting for workers exposed to blood-borne diseases, no standards exists for other infectious diseases.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge OSHA to expedite issuance of its blood-borne infectious disease standard, that OSHA begin rule-making covering other infectious diseases, and that OSHA add infectious diseases to the Hazard Communication Standard; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and locals be urged to negotiate contract language providing for the opportunity of members who are pregnant to transfer away from care of patients, clients and animals who have diseases which may present reproductive hazards. Such transfer should include retention of all wages, benefits and seniority; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and locals push for adequate training programs about infectious diseases covering such areas as safe work procedures, the use of protective equipment and the modes of transmission.

SUBMITTED BY:

Robert A. Brindza, Delegate
Council 8
Columbus, Ohio