AFGE Health and Safety Program

The AFGE Health and Safety Program focuses on keeping the federal workplace free from hazards that threaten the well-being of federal employees. AFGE emphasizes the need for agency health and safety programs that prevent injuries and illnesses.

AFGE provides technical assistance to the many activists who serve as local officers, safety representatives, and health and safety committee members. Today, with decreased OSHA involvement in federal workplaces, employees must take an active role in keeping their workplaces safe for themselves and their co-workers.

Training and Education

AFGE is increasing health and safety awareness among our members through educational programs. AFGE conducts training in conjunction with districts, councils, and locals. Topics include health and safety rights of federal workers, indoor air quality, asbestos, and ergonomics, particularly visual display terminals and back problems.

Technical Assistance

AFGE provides information to help activists resolve health and safety problems, prepare grievances, and negotiate health and safety protection. This includes researching exposure risks, health effects, and current standards, as well as making recommendations for abating hazards.

Program Review

AFGE thoroughly reviews and analyzes nation-wide agency health and safety programs, often providing comments and suggestions for improvement. Agency programs are evaluated to ensure maximum protection for AFGE members, including compliance with current standards and regulations, and full employee participation in the agency program.

Legislation/Regulations

AFGE participates in OSHA stakeholder meetings, evaluates proposed regulations and standards, and provides comments and testimony. AFGE also monitors proposed health and safety legislation, lobbying for measures that provide better protection for federal employees and against measures that weaken OSHA protection.

Publications

AFGE has published pamphlets on various topics such as VDTs, Environmental Differential Pay (EDP) and asbestos. AFGE also produces periodic publications with updates on health and safety issues.

In addition, AFGE participates in a number of committees and working groups dedicated to improving health and safety protection for all workers. These include the Federal Safety and Health Standing Committee, the AFL-CIO Standing Subcommittee on Safety and Health, and the Coalition of Health Care Worker Unions.

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