In the late nineties, my school was slated for renovation while all the kids and staff were to occupy it. We were all very concerned about the air quality of the occupied side while the construction was going on and the air quality of the "new building." MassCOSH came to our rescue with technical knowledge, organizing prowess and constant support. With MassCOSH's help, we were able to maintain a healthy and safe environment throughout the process and after.
I then got involved with MassCOSH as a volunteer and then a Board member to give back to this wonderful organization. I have seen MassCOSH help people in so many ways: advicating for health and safety legislation and regulations, organize workers to demand a health and safe workplace, support workers in unionizing drives; and build coalition of community organizations to advocate for the best work environments possible.
My favorite aspect of MassCOSH's work is their education and organizing of teens.
In solidarity, Phil
MassCOSH is an outstanding voice for the safety and health of working people. MassCOSH offers an opportunity for workers and those who are concerned about them, to get involved in making sure that people in Eastern MA can send their family members to work and welcome them home safely at the end of the day. The staff of this organization are not only extremely dedicated, but also creative and are always developing new ways to collaborate with others to provide assistance to the groups of people that need it the most. I have also always been impressed by the organization and management of this non-profit, the sharing of responsibilities among the staff, and the professional treatment given to staff at all levels of the organization.
When workers get hurt or injured on the job they have very few resources or places to turn - MACOSH is always there for them! I have worked with MACOSH in many capacities - as part of their legislative agenda, lobbying for safer/healthier workplaces for all, as part of their organizing and education agenda where they run workshops to teach and mobilize workers on the job to successfully win better working conditions. We are so lucky here in MA to have this organization doing all that they do on behalf of workers - especially those who are most vulnerable like low-wage and immigrant workers.
MassCOSH has been the leading voice for worker occupational health and safety in Massachusetts for many years. As the chief advocate for prevention of injuries, MassCOSH convinced the State to allocate DIA funds for worker training programs. As a partner in The New England Consortium, MassCOSH has worked with UMass Lowell and COSH groups in several other states to advance worker knowledge about health and safety hazards. MassCOSH has provided a vehicle for public health professionals to meet with and learn about workplace hazards in the state -- and to help to alleviate bad conditions in the workplaces. When I served as chair of the Massachusetts Teachers Association's Environmental Health and Safety Committee, MassCOSH was very helpful in looking at school environment issues and the leadership that the organization plays in the Health Schools Network is very important in the Commonwealth. I have also seen the excellent work that MassCOSH has done for and with immigrant workers, as I served for a while on an advisory committee for the group. I have been very impressed with MassCOSH's commitment to worker health and its day-to-day engagement with its efforts in training, advocacy and policy development.
Interning for MassCOSH has provided me with valuable insight on how this nonprofit helps vulnerable workers with not just ensuring their worker's rights but also improving the lives of these workers. MassCOSH educates these workers about their rights and connects them with the necessary resources to fight for the rights and ensure their well-being, from legal to health resources. MassCOSH is more than simply an advocate for the rights of workers, they are a support group for the exploited members of society.