Health and safety

Training, research and leadership were focal points when it came to health and safety discussions. Among the many complex topics discussed were ergonomics, industrial hygiene, new technology, contractor safety, emergency response teams, joint health and safety research, and training.

Significant improvements were gained in current programs, along with language in new areas to keep our members safe and healthy on the job. The tentative agreement also reflects resistance against any attempt to circumvent the joint process, and a commitment to continued partnership in sharing best safety practices throughout the industry will continue.

Funding for health and safety training and research

Updated language supports the continuation of joint health and safety training activities at the local and national levels. The company agreed that in the event the fund is depleted, health and safety training and research will be paid for when approved by the Joint Activities board, through national training funds.

Joint health and safety leadership

The UAW and Chrysler agree to work together and with other recognized leaders, such as the National Safety Council, in workplace health and safety to explore innovative methods of sharing best safety practices and training wherever possible.

Other health and safety gains include:

• Voluntary CPR training for employees.
• Increased UAW involvement in air monitoring and industrial hygiene activities, including improvements in maintaining and checking ventilation systems that protect workers.
• Alternate UAW health and safety representatives for Mopar locations.
• Certification training and annual refresher training for UAW health and safety representatives.
• Significant improvements in ergonomics, utilizing improved ergonomic tools used in analyzing and evaluating jobs, in addition, increased emphasis on fixing jobs in need of ergonomic corrections.
• Improved “working alone” protections.