The New England Consortium (TNEC) recently launched a Networking Group for alumni of TNEC training and the Work Environment program. Dr. Rafael Moure-Eraso, a former Chair and Professor in the Department of Work Environment at UMass Lowell for 22 years, was the guest speaker at the group's first meeting on June 21st.  
President Barack Obama nominated Professor Moure-Eraso to serve as Chair of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB), an independent agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents.  The United States Senate confirmed him on June 23. Moure-Eraso spoke to the group of worker health and safety advocates and business owners about the need to be proactive in protecting workers and communities. "There is a strong need for networking groups within the worker health and safety movement. It is important to keep up-to- date with information that will prevent accidents on the job," commented Moure-Eraso.
The staff and faculty of TNEC presented Professor Moure-Eraso with an award that's inscribed: "In recognition of your outstanding contributions to improving the health and safety of workers through research and practice."  Dr. Moure-Eraso is tireless in his efforts to protect workers on the job; and, he has worked in the United States and internationally throughout his professional career.  
TNEC staff and faculty along with the alumni wish Dr. Moure-Eraso the best as he takes on a very challenging position as Chair of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board.

(l to r) David Coffey, TNEC Training Manager, Issachar Nichols, Trainer Petroleum Education Council and Jimmy Smith, TNEC Adjunct Trainer

The April 20, 2010 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig killed 11 crew members and sparked the greatest environmental disaster in United States history. As part of the national response coordinated by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), The New England Consortium (TNEC) sent two staff members to the Gulf Region to assist the in the evaluation of training for cleanup workers and volunteers.
 In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana and Mississippi an experienced network of worker safety and health experts, trainers and support staff began mobilizing within hours to aid in the recovery of the Gulf Coast.  This network gained much of its experience during the response to the World Trade Center, Oklahoma City and anthrax terrorist attacks.  During the ensuing years, through the evaluation of the lessons they had learned, this little known network developed mechanisms for getting needed safety and health resources into the field.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Worker Education and Training Program (WETP) and its 18 awardees organizations which include TNEC make up this network.  The WETP supports the training and education of workers engaged in activities related to hazardous materials and waste generation, removal, containment, transportation and emergency response.
The Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the NIEHS, is a signatory to the National Response Plan (NRP).  Upon activation of the NRP, NIEHS may be called upon by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide training and technical assistance in the form of instructional staff, curriculum development experts, professional staff safety training, assistance and support in development of site specific health and safety plans, and assistance with respirator fit-testing and the distribution of personal protective equipment.
David Coffey, Training Manager at TNEC and Jimmy Smith, a long time TNEC Adjunct Trainer deployed to the area on May 12. "The people of New Orleans and the Gulf Region could not be more helpful," commented Coffey.  "We had to travel great distances of the Gulf region and the strong feeling of despair among the people wanting to work on the clean up was palpable."
Coffey and Smith spent the majority of their time evaluating training for workers and volunteers.  It is NIEHS' goal to keep the workers and volunteers safe from fly-by-night contractors who give out certificates when their training quality fails to meet the standard set by the NIEHS program.
Safety personnel feared that many people will be required to clean up the spill and its resultant damage without proper personal protection. Training is mandatory for all workers seeking to work on the clean-up, but does not guarantee a job. Mr. Smith mentioned that "heat emergencies are already being seen and the summer thunderstorms and hurricane season is just a short time away,"
After spending a week in the area, Coffey and Smith returned to New England. Conditions will be very hard for most of the workers.  There is concern that people's anger towards BP could get directed at the cleanup crews they mistakenly believe are working directly for the oil giant.
  While Coffey and Smith were in the area the spill was still far from the shores. Unfortunately, as it spreads toxins are washing ashore destroying the precious wildlife and unique fishing areas of the Gulf Coast.

 

  
Contact:   Diane Malachowski, Manager Region 1 OTIEC, [email protected]
                       175 Ammon Drive, Manchester, NH 03103-3308