The Biden administration proclaimed November 12 through November 18, 2023, as National Apprenticeship Week to support existing programs and offer America’s workers direct pathways to good-paying jobs with dignity and respect.

Since its inception, the IAM has been proud to support innovative programs to bolster students’ competencies while meeting the highest quality standards, which is critical to their industrial states’ economic success.

Apprenticeships are a great alternative to traditional college education and provide our country with the best workers in the skilled trades that keep America competitive and safe.

“This week strongly emphasizes that apprenticeships are crucial for boosting our union’s growth and our nation’s economy,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “In a time when workers must adapt to changing technologies, the IAM is firmly committed. We will actively support these training programs through our collective bargaining agreements. Our main goal is ensuring every member has easy access to the valuable knowledge and skills needed for success in their profession.” 

Through the IAM CREST Program, the IAM Apprenticeship Department, the IAM National Apprenticeship Strategic Initiative, and IAM Local Lodges and Districts’ initiatives, we keep our commitment to increase access and opportunities to existing and prospective members so they can enjoy well-paid work with substantial room for professional and salary growth.

“As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact apprenticeships have on shaping a skilled workforce and contributing to our nation’s economic strength,” said Michael Oathout, IAM Director of Safety & Health, Apprenticeships, and Scholarships. “The IAM is committed to supporting innovative programs that elevate students’  skills. Apprenticeships offer a valuable alternative to traditional college education, producing highly skilled workers in the trades essential for our union.”

To provide the best services to our members, Michael Oathout, IAM Director of Apprenticeships, requests that all districts work to create an apprenticeship committee. If you need assistance and resources with developing or expanding a registered apprenticeship within the District or Local, please get in touch with the Apprenticeship Department at apprenticeships@iamaw.org.

The post IAM Celebrates Apprenticeship Week appeared first on IAMAW.

This past August, IAM C.R.E.S.T. held a 10-hour OSHA training on infectious diseases and COVID-19, as well as first aid, CPR and automated external defibrillator sessions for their Youth Transition to Work Program (YTTW) in Lyndhurst, N.J. The goal is to prepare students with basic safety awareness skills as they start their four-year apprenticeship that includes both on-the-job training and classroom sessions.

The OSHA training provided students safety training on walking and working surfaces, fall protection, emergency action plans, fire prevention , material handling, hazardous materials, electrical, personal protective equipment (PPE) and ergonomics. The infectious diseases & COVID-19 session was funded by an OSHA Susan Harwood Grant that focuses on infectious diseases such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses and more. It also covered standard precautions such as hierarchy of controls, ventilation, hand hygiene and PPE. 

The IAM CREST YTTW Program is made possible through funding from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development grant. IAM CREST and District 15 have collaborated since 2009 to strengthen the program helping students transition from high school to jobs in the Automotive and Diesel Technology fields.

The class was led by Project Coordinator/Instructors Shaun Trude and Teri McClendon.

Click here for more information about the Youth Transition to Work Program and apprenticeships or contact IAM CREST at 301-967-4707.

The post IAM CREST’s Youth Transition of Work Program Teaches Critical Safety Skills to New Jersey Apprentices appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM will gather at the Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD to remember fallen members who will be added to the hallowed memorial grounds on Thursday, April 27 at 11 a.m. IAM C.R.E.S.T. of the Safety and Health Department coordinates the program each year.

Each year, more than 5,000 workers die from on the job injuries and 95,000 die from work-related illnesses. The IAM will continue to fight for the fundamental right of every worker to a safe job.

The post IAM to Commemorate Fallen Members, Workers’ Memorial Day appeared first on IAMAW.

IAM C.R.E.S.T. wants to identify smaller employers who would benefit from receiving free training on how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

What you will learn:

–          What can cause diseases
–          Modes of disease transmission
–          Standard Precautions to protect yourself 

Click here for a flyer about the trainings. 

Zoom Sessions (please register in advance by using the corresponding link)

Please email sandh@iamaw.org or call 301-967-4707 for more information. 

This training is presented under grant number SH-36972-HA1 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.  It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

The post Additional Classes! Infectious Diseases: Assessment, Mitigation and Awareness Training appeared first on IAMAW.

IAM’s Corporation for Re-Employment and Safety Training (CREST) will present training on setting up joint labor/management safety committees for small employers. The training will be held over Zoom On Thursday, September 22, at 1:00 pm EST,

The training is possible due to the Susan Hardwood OSHA Capacity Building Pilot grant for workers and managers of small employers with a collective bargaining contract.

The participants will learn the benefits of having a joint labor/management safety & health committee and how to overcome barriers to working together in the interest of safety. 

For those interested in joining, please send an email to SandH@iamaw.org to register.

View the Training Flyer.

This training is presented under grant number SH-37163-SH1 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.  It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

The post IAM CREST Presents Training for Workers & Managers of Small Employers with a Collective Bargaining Contract appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM’s Corporation for Re-Employment and Safety Training (CREST) recently spearheaded a webinar to help drum up participation in skilled trade apprenticeships in New Jersey. The event, which touted the District 15 Automotive Technician and Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship Training Program, coincided with National Apprenticeship Week activities in the Garden State.

Ira Stern, the IAM’s New Jersey Training and Apprenticeship Coordinator, led a presentation of the union’s apprenticeship opportunities in collaboration with the Passaic County Workplace Development Board. In addition to the IAM, the event included presentations from a representative for building trade unions, AFSCME District 1199J, which represents health care workers and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

Stern shared testimonials from participants of the IAM program, which works with local employers like Penske and Hudson Toyota in Jersey City, N.J.

The IAM apprenticeship program receives funding from the New Jersey (NJ) Department of Labor and Workforce Development as part of their Youth Transition To Work (YTTW) program. The YTTW provides funding to help young people move from high school into occupations through apprenticeship training.

Introduction to Career Opportunities

“This was a great opportunity to introduce many young students to a high paying career alternative to going to college,” Stern said. “The IAM’s diesel and mechanic apprenticeship has introduced many people to great and rewarding work that pays a good wage and sets them up for a great career. This apprenticeship also answers the call to provide a steady stream of qualified and well-trained workers for the demands of our union employers.”

The event was attended by students and educators, and included remarks from New Jersey Labor Secretary Robert Asaro-Angelo, who lauded apprenticeships as a vital tool to prepare the state for more job opportunities.

The webinar was just a snapshot of the several events the IAM was involved in as part of the National Apprenticeship Week. The IAM has several apprenticeship programs throughout the country, all efforts to introduce young workers to many trades.

“These apprenticeships are a great chance to introduce students to rewarding career opportunities,” said Michael Oathout, IAM Director of Safety & Health, Apprenticeships and Scholarships. “These apprentices are earning good compensation as they’re learning on the job. These apprenticeships also offer a solution for employers seeking good, qualified workers. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The post IAM CREST Leads Apprenticeship Outreach Effort in New Jersey appeared first on IAMAW.

IAM CREST provided a 3-day Setting Up a Joint Labor/Management Safety and Health Committee program for IAM District 166 and Local Lodge 2061 with Jacobs Space Operations Group at Kennedy Space Center, Florida from October 19 – 22, 2021.

The focus was to get labor and management on the same page to address past barriers and recognize the benefits of working together jointly by identifying and addressing hazards. Something we stress is that in order to have a successful joint labor/management committee you must start with a joint commitment which must be cat all levels (bottom up throughout each organization).

Class Participants: Matt Ammons, Joe Blumenthal, Doug Brownlee, Kaylee Colvin,  Mike Easley, Robert Casey Ford, Brandon Giera, Stephanie Hansen, Steve Jezowski, John Jones, Jim LaRocque, Manny Martinez, Tiffany Osborne, Tyler Polk, Christine Raub, James Severson, Nicholas Smyth, Steven Starbird, Taylor Whalen, Jim Whitaker, Chris Zeuli.

IAM CREST Instructors: Teri McClendon, Shaun Trude,

IAM CREST Associate Instructor: Danny Cooke,

The post IAM CREST Completes Joint Labor/Management Program With Local Lodge 2061 Members appeared first on IAMAW.

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the IAM Corporation for Re-Employment and Safety Training (IAM CREST) an $80,000 OSHA safety training grant for Machinists Union districts and locals setting up or expanding joint safety committees.

The goal of the pilot program is to develop a viable training model to establish effective Joint/Labor Safety Committees at multiple worksites. The project will consist of three major components:

• Recruiting small employers interested in establishing a Joint Program.
• Develop an eight hour “Setting Up a Joint Labor/Management Safety Committee Training Program.”
• Develop a pilot training program for workers and supervisors to introduce the new Safety Committee structure as well as procedures going forward to address safety and health in the workplace.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced the award of more than $11.6 million in grants to 93 nonprofit organizations nationwide under the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, to fund education and training on hazard recognition and prevention, and on rights of workers to safe workplaces and the responsibilities of employers to provide them.

If your local or district would like more information about setting up or expanding a joint safety and health committee please contact IAM Crest at 301-967-4707 or SandH@iamaw.org

The post IAM CREST Receives $80K Grant for Safety Training appeared first on IAMAW.

Flooding continues to be a significant issue, especially during this hurricane season. IAM CREST, Corporation for Re-Employment and Safety Training, provides some general guidelines and guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on staying safe during flooding events.

Driving during Flood Conditions

It’s important to be careful when driving during flood conditions. Nearly half of flood fatalities are vehicle-related. Six inches of standing water is enough to stall some cars, a foot of water can float a vehicle, and two feet of moving water is enough to sweep a car away. If the water level is rising around your vehicle, you should abandon the vehicle.

Be wary of unknown road conditions. Do not try to cross flooded roadways if you do not know the depth of the water.

Hazards and Precautions

The OSHA Resources page has QuickCards and Fact Sheets that provide details about hazards present in flooded areas and after a flood has occurred. The information below provides a brief summary of some of the most common hazards associated with floods as well as precautions that can be taken to protect against those hazards:

• Electrical hazards

Where would I expect to find electrical hazards after a flood?

Workers can expect to find standing water present throughout a flood zone. If water has been present anywhere near electrical circuits and electrical equipment, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Never enter flooded areas or touch electrical equipment if the ground is wet.

What hazards exist when repairing downed or damaged power lines and what protective measures should be used?

Workers repairing downed electrical lines must be aware of the hazards associated with maintenance on overhead lines, as well as the potential for emergency conditions to create additional hazards. Such work must be performed by utility company workers or other properly trained workers. Potential hazards include:

• Electrocution by contact with downed energized lines, or objects in contact with fallen lines.
• Falls from heights.
• Being struck or crushed by falling poles, towers and tree limbs.
• Being injured in vehicular accidents when responding to an emergency situation.
• Burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure.

Stay well clear of any downed or damaged power lines. Establish a safe distance from the lines and report the incident to the responsible authority. Work on damaged power lines must only be performed by properly trained electrical utility workers. Electrical utility workers must first assess the hazards present in order to minimize the chances of exacerbating the situation. Ideally the lines involved should be de-energized, but this may not be possible in all situations. When working on downed or damaged power lines, electrical workers must utilize proper electrical safety work practices and personal protective equipment.

• Tree and debris removal

What hazards exist during removal of downed trees and debris after a flood, and what safety precautions should be taken?

When floods occur, debris and downed trees can block public roads and damage power lines. As with the electrical hazards, when removing trees and clearing debris there are potential hazards of electrocution from contact with downed power lines or tree limbs in contact with power lines, falls from heights, and being struck or crushed by falling tree limbs. Another potential hazard of tree and debris removal is being injured by the equipment, such as chain saws and chippers (see OSHA’s QuickCards on Chain Saw Safety and Chipper Machine Safety).

Proper protective equipment, including gloves, chaps, foot protection, eye protection, fall protection, hearing protection and head protection, must be used when using chainsaws and chippers to clear downed trees.

Only appropriate power equipment that is built to be used outdoors and in wet conditions should be used. All saws, chippers, and other tools should be used properly and according to their intended application. All equipment should be well-maintained and functioning correctly. In addition, all equipment should have proper guarding, working controls, and other safety features as installed by the manufacturer.

• Carbon monoxide

Gasoline and diesel powered generators, pumps, and pressure washers all release carbon monoxide, a deadly, colorless, odorless gas. These devices must be operated out of doors and never inside confined spaces.

• Lifting injuries

Workers involved in flood preparation and cleanup activities are at risk of back, knee, and shoulder injuries from manual lifting and handling of building materials, sandbags, and fallen tree limbs. To help prevent injuries, use proper lifting techniques and teams of two or more to move bulky and heavy items.

• Mold

Mold can often be recognized by sight or smell. It may appear as colored woolly mats, or it may produce a foul, musty, earthy smell. Mold exposure can cause sneezing, runny nose, eye irritation, cough and congestion, aggravation of asthma, and dermatitis (skin rash). Individuals with allergies, asthma, sinusitis, or other lung diseases and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of health effects from exposure to mold.

What precautions should be taken when cleaning up mold?

Identify and correct moisture problems. Make sure that work areas are well ventilated. Use hand, eye, and respiratory protection. A N-95 respirator is recommended. Discard mold damaged materials in plastic bags. Clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water. Disinfect cleaned surfaces with 1/4 to 1 1/2 cup household bleach in 1 gallon of water. CAUTION: Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products that contain ammonia.

• Rodents, Snakes and Insects

What precautions should be taken against insects?

To protect yourself from biting and stinging insects, wear long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts. Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin. Treat bites and stings with over-the-counter products that relieve pain and prevent infection. Watch out for fire ants; their bites are painful and cause blisters. Severe reactions to fire ant bites (chest pain, nausea, sweating, loss of breath, serious swelling or slurred speech) require immediate medical treatment.

What precautions should be taken against rodents and wild or stray animals?

Dead and live animals can spread diseases such as Rat Bite Fever and Rabies. Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Avoid contact with rats or rat-contaminated buildings, and if you can’t avoid contact, wear protective gloves and wash your hands regularly. Get rid of dead animals as soon as possible. If bitten/scratched, get medical attention immediately.

Watch where you place your hands and feet when removing debris. If possible, don’t place your fingers under debris you are moving. Wear heavy gloves. If you see a snake, step back and allow it to proceed. Wear boots at least 10 inches high. Watch for snakes sunning on fallen trees, limbs or other debris. A snake’s striking distance is about ½ the total length of the snake.

What steps should be taken if someone is bitten by a snake?

If bitten, note the color and shape of the snake’s head to help with treatment. Keep bite victims still and calm to slow the spread of venom in case the snake is poisonous. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck out the venom. Apply first aid: lay the person down so that the bite is below the level of the heart, and cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.

• Chemical and biological hazards

Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) and underground storage tanks, along with other chemical containers, may break away and float downstream, causing hazards from their released contents. Floodwaters may also contain biohazards due to direct contamination by untreated raw sewage, dead animals, rotting food, etc. Avoiding contact, good personal hygiene practices, medical surveillance, and discarding all food that comes in contact with flood waters are all important controls.

• Fire

Floods can damage fire protection systems, delay response times of emergency responders and disrupt water distribution systems. All of these factors lead to increased dangers from fire and decreasing firefighter capabilities.

• Drowning

Anytime workers are exposed to moving water, their chances for accidental drowning increase. Even good swimmers are easily overcome by swift-moving water. Workers should not work alone and should wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) when working in or near water.

• Hypothermia (due to the cold weather and water exposure)

Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. Standing or working in water that is cooler than 75°F will remove body heat more rapidly than it can be replaced, resulting in hypothermia. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.

Workers should select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions. This should include dry clothing, underwear that will keep water away from the skin (polypropylene), layers of clothing to adjust to changing environmental temperatures, and a hat and gloves. Take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow the body to warm up. Perform work during the warmest part of the day. Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm. Use the buddy system (work in pairs). Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks). Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol. Eat warm, high-calorie foods like hot pasta dishes.

• Exhaustion (from working extended shifts)

Workers involved in response operations are often called upon to work extended hours under stressful conditions. This working environment increases the risk of injury due to inattentiveness and also makes workers more vulnerable to stress-induced illness and disease.

• Heat

What are Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion and what are the symptoms?

Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related health problem. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulating system fails and body temperature rises to critical levels (greater than 104°F).This is a medical emergency that may result in death! The signs of heat stroke are confusion, loss of consciousness and seizures. Workers experiencing heat stroke have a very high body temperature and may stop sweating.

Heat Exhaustion is the next most serious heat-related health problem. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, confusion, thirst, heavy sweating and a body temperature greater than 100.4°F.

What steps should be taken if workers show signs of heat stroke or heat stress?

• Call a supervisor for help. If the supervisor is not available, call 911.
• Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.
• Move the worker to a cooler/shaded area.
• Remove outer clothing.
• Fan and mist the worker with water; apply ice (ice bags or ice towels).
• Provide cool drinking water, if the worker is able to drink.

What precautions should be taken to protect against heat illness?

To protect workers from heat stress, employers should:

• Provide training about the hazards leading to heat stress and how to prevent them.
• Provide a lot of cool water to workers close to the work area. At least one pint of water per hour is needed.
• Schedule frequent rest periods with water breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Routinely check workers who are at risk of heat stress due to protective clothing and high temperature.
• Consider protective clothing that provides cooling.

Workers should take the following steps to protect themselves from heat illness:

• Know signs/symptoms of heat illnesses; monitor yourself; use a buddy system.
• Block out direct sun and other heat sources.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink often and BEFORE you are thirsty.
• Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loosefitting clothes.
• Be aware that poor physical condition, some health problems (such as high blood pressure or diabetes), pregnancy, colds and flu, and some medications can increase your personal risk. If you are under treatment, ask your healthcare provider.

For more detailed information and OSHA Quick Cards on these topics, visit: https://www.osha.gov/flood

The post OSHA Guidance on Flood Preparedness and Response appeared first on IAMAW.

NIOSH Certified Equipment List

The post NIOSH Approves First Elastomeric Half Mask Respirator Without an Exhalation Valve appeared first on IAMAW.