- This section provides links to online resources and websites of various government agencies and other organizations that may help you solve occupational safety and health problems.
Also see the links listed below for OSH publications from the state and federal governments.- Cal/OSHA publications hosted on the Research and Education Unit
- Cal/OSHA Consultation eTools, an online resource with training materials and other helpful OSH publications.
- OSHA Publications. Federal OSHA posts an array of OSH informational tools here including fact sheets, pocket guides, and posters.
- Publications from the California Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS)
Links
Film Resources: Are you interested in workplace and environmental health and safety film clips? Click here for an online collection of more than 500 historic film clips on a wide range of workplace and environmental health and safety topics including asbestos, lead, emergency response, and labor history classes. Click here for a flier about this collection.
- Government Agencies
- Labor Organizations
- Worker Advocacy Organizations
- University & Scientific Organizations
Government Agencies
- National
- ADATA – Americans with Disabilities Act Technical Assistance Program
- ATSDR – Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
- BLS – Bureau of Labor Statistics (data on injuries and illnesses)
- BLS Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities Program – The IIF program provides annual information on the rate and number of work related injuries, illnesses, and fatal injuries.
- CSB – Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
- CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- DHHS – Department of Health and Human Services
- EPA – Environmental Protection Agency
- HSS – Office of Health, Safety and Security (the Department of Energy’s environmental, safety, and health information resource)
- MSHA – Mine Safety and Health Administration
- NIH National Institute of Health
- NIEHS – National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (research on environmental diseases)
- NIOSH – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
- NIOSH NORA – National Occupational Research Agenda
- NIOSH Construction Topic Page
- NIOSH Science Blog
- NASD – National Agriculture Safety Databse
This is a project of NIOSH designed as an OSH information and education resource for agriculture and agricultural workers.
- NLM – National Library of Medicine
- NTIS – National Technical Information Service
- OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- OSHA Publications
Federal OSHA posts an array of OSH informational tools here including fact sheets, pocket guides, and posters. - Statistics & Data Page
For information about conducting OSH research and investigating employers’ OSH history, see Investigating an OSH Problem
- OSHA Publications
- OSHA Complaint Form
This is an easy way to file a complaint with Federal OSHA. However, California complaints will be forwarded to Cal/OSHA, which may take some time. As of now Cal/OSHA has not established a separate way to file a complaint through their website – although Cal/OSHA does have a form you may print out and use to help you file a complaint. HOWEVER no special form is needed, and the complaint form featured in the Guide to Filing a Cal/OSHA Complaint might be of more assistance when you file a complaint because it touches on the most important information you want to include in an effective complaint. - TAATC – Division of Trade Agreement Administration and Technical Cooperation (formerly the National Administrative Office; features materials relating to NAFTA, labor, and occupational safety and health)
- California
- DIR – Department of Industrial Relations
This Department houses units related to labor.- Occupational Safety & Health Programs
- Cal/OSHA – Division of Occupational Safety & Health (less commonly known as DOSH)
In California this is the agency responsible for implementing OSH policy. To file a complaint with Cal/OSHA, follow the instructions in the section Filing a Cal/OSHA Complaint. To search California OSH regulations, use the guidelines in Investigating an OSH Problem.- Cal/OSHA Asbestos Unit
- Cal/OSHA Research and Education Unit
This unit offers a wide variety of publications and other materials to help with OSH education, research and awareness. - Cal/OSHA Consultation eTools
This page hosts an array of electronic OSH education resources.
- OSHSB – Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board
- OSHAB – Occupational Safety & Health Appeals Board
- CHSWC – Commission on Health & Safety & Workers’ Compensation
- Cal/OSHA Consultation Services
- CDPH – California Department of Public Health
This Department houses several units involved with occupational safety and health.- OHB – Occupational Health Branch
This branch is the focal point in the Department of Public Health for surveillance, evaluation, and public education about occupational disease and injury among California workers.- HESIS – Hazard Evaluation System & Information Services
The Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS), a joint program of the California Department of Health Services and Department of Industrial Relations, reviews and evaluates the scientific literature and provides up-to-date, practical answers to these questions. A multidisciplinary team of toxicologists, physicians, librarians, industrial hygienists, and other occupational health professionals provides a wide range of expertise. HESIS has enlarged its program with the addition of the SHARPS Injury Control Program , working with stakeholders throughout California to reduce bloodborne infections among workers exposed to blood and blood products, particularly in hospitals, home health care agencies and nursing homes.
Click here for HESIS publications including fact sheets, training materials and other useful OSH tools. - OLPPP – Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
The OLPPP provides information and services designed to prevent and control lead poisoning in California workplaces. Activities are directed towards workers, unions, employers, industry groups, health professionals and the general public. - OHSEP – Occupational Health Surveillance and Evaluation Program
OHSEP conducts occupational disease and injury surveillance on: Occupational tuberculosis: A NIOSH-sponsored program, Occupational Asthma: a NIOSH-sponsored program, Occupational Fatalities in Los Angeles County, Workplace violence, Health effects of low-level ionizing radiation: a Department of Energy-funded program. A multidisciplinary team of epidemiologists, physicians, industrial hygienists, and other occupational health professionals provides a wide range of expertise.
- HESIS – Hazard Evaluation System & Information Services
- CBDMP – California Birth Defects Monitoring Program
- CA EPA – California Environmental Protection Agency
Many OSH issues, especially those having to do with toxic or hazardous materials, can fall in one way or another under the purview of the California EPA.
- OHB – Occupational Health Branch
- DIR – Department of Industrial Relations
Labor Organizations
- National and International Councils
- AFL-CIO – American Federation of Labor – Congress of Industrial Organizations
This national council has affiliates from most unions throughout the US and is the main national voice of organized labor. The website has many valuable links related to occupational safety and health, union affiliates, international organizations, etc.- Safety & Health at Work
This portion of the AFL-CIO site contains valuable OSH information including a Safety and Health Toolbox which features a link to the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (for more information regarding National COSH and other COSH groups, see our Worker Advocacy Organizations section below) and a listing of Safety and Health Sites. There is also a Workers’ Compensation section. - All About Unions
This section provides information regarding the AFL-CIO and its affiliates. This includes a list of Unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO and a listing of State and Local Union Organizations.
- Safety & Health at Work
- BCTD – Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO
This national council has affiliates from the 15 international unions that comprise the building trades (see listings below under International Unions) and is the main national voice of the building trades. Click here for a listing of BCTD affiliates. - CLC – Canadian Labour Congress
- CPWR – Center to Protect Workers’ Rights (also known as the Center for Construction Research and Training)
This is the non-profit arm of the BCTD that focuses on construction worker occupational safety and health. The CPWR has an electronic library (link: http://www.elcosh.org/ ) which is geared towards construction hazards. It is easily searchable by trade and by type of hazard, among other things. - ICFTU – International Confederaton of Free Trade Unions
This is a Confederation of national trade union centres, each of which links together the trade unions of that particular country. Membership is open to bona fide trade union organisations, that are independent of outside influence, and have a democratic structure. - ICEM – International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Unions
The ICEM is a rapidly growing industry-based world labour federation dedicated to practical solidarity. It unites trade unions in its sectors on all continents. Its aim is to become a truly global trade union. - ILO – International Labour Organization
The International Labour Organization is the UN specialized agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights. It was founded in 1919 and is the only surviving major creation of the Treaty of Versailles which brought the League of Nations into being and it became the first specialized agency of the UN in 1946. - TUC – Trades Union Congress (Britain)
The TUC is the voice of Britain at work. With 70 affiliated unions representing nearly seven million working people from all walks of life, they campaign for a fair deal at work and for social justice at home and abroad. - VTHC – Victorian Trades Hall Council (Australia)
The VTHC is the Victorian branch of the ACTU. It grew from the historic winning of the 8-hour day by the Melbourne building trades in 1856.
- AFL-CIO – American Federation of Labor – Congress of Industrial Organizations
- State Councils
- California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
This statewide council has affiliates from most unions throughout California and is the main statewide voice of organized labor. - SBCTC – State Building and Construction Trades Council of California
This statewide council has the California affiliates from the 15 international unions that comprise the building trades
- California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
- Local Councils
The California Labor Federation features a listing of Californias Local or Central Labor Councils. These councils also may have links to their own affiliated unions at each geographical level and this may help you find your own international union website as well as your particular local union website.
The national and statewide councils and some of the local councils may have information about specific occupational safety and health issues on which they are working. Your own international union may well have information about specific occupational safety and health issues that affect your craft or trade, and some of that information may also be available on a local union website.
- Specific Trade Unions
- ALPA – Air Line Pilots Association
- AFA – Association of Flight Attendants
- AFGE – American Federation of Government Employees
- AFM – American Federation of Musicians
- AFSCME – American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
- AFT – American Federation of Teachers
- APWU – American Postal Workers Union
- ATU – Amalgamated Transit Union
- BLE – Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
- BMWE – Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees
- BRS – Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
- CWA – Communications Workers of America
- GCIU or Print Trades – Graphic Communications International Union
- GMP – Glass Molders Pottery Plastics and Allied Workers International Union
- IAFF or Firefighters – International Association of Firefighters
- IAM or Machinists – International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
- IATSE – International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
- IBT – International Brotherhood of Teamsters
- IFPTE – International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers
- OPEIU – Office & Professional Employees International Union
- PACE – Paper Allied Industrial Chemical and Energy Workers (includes former OCAW and UPIU)
- SIU – Seafarers International Union
- SEIU – Service Employees International Union
- TCU – Transportation Communications Union
- TWU – Transport Workers Union
- TNG – The Newspaper Guild
- UNITE HERE – Union of Needletrades Industrial and Textile Employees, Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees International Union
- UAW or Auto Workers – Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America International Union
- UFW or Farm Workers – United Farm Workers of America
- UFCW – United Food and Commercial Workers International Union
- UMWA or Mine Workers – United Mine Workers of America
- USW – United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial & Service Workers International Union
- UWUA – Utility Workers Union of America
- WGA – Writers Guild of America, East
The Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO (BCTD) has 13 affiliates which are listed below for your convenience. For more information see the BCTD Affiliates Page.
- Insulators – International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers
- Boilermakers – International Union of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers
- BAC or Bricklayers – International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
- IBEW or Electrical Workers – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- IUEC or Elevator Constructors – International Union of Elevator Constructors
- Iron Workers – International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
- LIUNA or Laborers – Laborers’ International Union of North America
- OP&CMIA or Plasterers & Cement Masons – Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association of the United States and Canada
- Roofers – United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers
- SMWIA – Sheet Metal Workers International Association
- IBT or Teamsters – International Brotherhood of Teamsters
- UA or Pipe Trades or United Association – United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada
- IUPAT or Painters – International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
Worker Advocacy Organizations
- COSH Groups (Committee/Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health)
These organizations are coalitions of labor unions, occupational health and safety professionals, and labor and community activists. They exist around the country, and originally began with the purpose of advising and advocating with respect to occupational safety and health issues.Federal OSHA provides a complete list of COSH groups. To access this list, click here and scroll down to Appendix F.- National COSH – the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health is a federation of non-profit organizations around the US that advocate for worker safety and health. Their website a variety of resources on worker health and safety. It also features a listing of COSH groups.
Also see the groups listed below.
- Protecting Workers Alliance
- Worksafe
A COSH group covering all of California, Worksafe works on legislation, impact litigation, provides support for legal services, monitors OSH agencies and more. Their website features current OSH campaigns, available trainings and other resources.
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- Environment Health News
- Environmental Working Group
- Grist Magazine – Environmental News and Commentary
- IBAS – International Ban Asbestos Secretariat
- Maquiladora Health and Safety Support Network
- Pesticide Action Network of North America
- Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition
- Sweatfree Communities
- Tools for Action
- Toolkit
- Click here to see a letter written on 2/28/05 by the California COSH group Worksafe in support of a San Francisco citywide ordinance aimed at ending the city’s patronage of commodities produced in sweatshops.
- Young Workers’ Health and SafetyActivist Groups
These groups’ websites feature news and analysis about a range of topics including occupational safety and health and its relation to labor, the environment and politics.
- Attorney Groups
These attorney groups may be able to provide guidance, referrals or direct assistance.- Legal Services and Public Interest Organizations
- Attorney Associations
- AAJ – American Association for Justice
- People Over Profits affiliate program
- CAAA – California Applicants Attorneys Association
Started in 1966, this group of attorneys focuses on workers comp cases. The website is updated regularly with examples of workers comp cases and related materials. It can also be used to obtain an attorney referral.- Click here to get a list of workers’ comp attorneys who are members of the CAAA in your area. At the top of the webpage is a box for an attorney search. Enter your zip code or a nearby zip code (the system seems to produce the names of attorneys with offices in the zip code that begins with the same first 3 numbers – for example, you can enter 94000 and get every attorney with an office with a zip code that begins with 940, or enter 94100 and get every attorney with an office with a zip code that begins with 941).
- CAOC – Consumer Attorneys of California
- National Lawyers Guild Labor & Employment Committee – The membership of the Labor & Employment Committee includes lawyers, law students, legal workers, and worker representatives. It serves as a liaison between the Guild and legal organizations that represent organized labor and workers. It also works directly with organized labor and other organizations that represent workers.
- AAJ – American Association for Justice
- International Organizations
- British Asbestos Newsletter
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- Canadian Injured Workers Alliance – A nation wide alliance of many different injured worker groups from all across Canada.
- European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Workplace Conditions
- European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
This site contains a large range of resources and publications on occupational health and safety topics from around the world.- Health and Safety Campaigns
79-page booklet with experiences from across the European Union and tips for developing a health and safety campaign.
- Health and Safety Campaigns
- International Labor Organization (ILO)
- Pan American Health Organization
- US-EU Cooperation on Workplace Safety & Health
- Workers Health and Safety Centre
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Injured Workers Resources
- Injured Worker Groups
- Injured Workers’ Alliance (Oregon) – A grass-roots organization. Members include injured workers, their families, and concerned Oregonians. Their website provides a great deal of information regarding the Oregon workers’ comp system.
- Injured Workers of New York, Inc. -Assists injured workers in getting proper medical, legal, and financial compensation, advocates for workers’ rights in the media, and actively assists in passing pro-worker legislation.
- Voters Injured at Work – A California-based non-profit focused on improving the workers’ compensation system for working people in California and on providing resources for workers, especially those who have been injured on the job.
- Asbestos Disease and Cancer Groups
Asbestos Support Groups can help members cope with asbestos related disease. Some groups are composed only of asbestos or cancer victims while others include family members or friends. Some are led by professionals, although most are self help groups led by patients. Whatever the format, a support group can help its members explore the fears and problems posed by severe diseases.Finding an Asbestos Support Group. Doctors, nurses, or hospital social workers often have information about local cancer and asbestos support groups. A medical center that treats occupational diseases often has support groups specifically geared for patients with asbestos related diseases. One might also find groups through a union or workplace.These organizations are a source for asbestos support groups:- Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support & Education – A national non-profit which works to provide patient support and advocacy for people living with or at risk for the disease.
- American Cancer Society – A nationwide health advocacy organization which conducts many programs revolving around cancer research and support for cancer victims. It sponsors local programs to help with early detection, prevention and treatment, as well as with support for cancer victims.
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) – A national advocacy organization focused on raising public awareness, protecting asbestos victims, changing legislation, and providing support to asbestos victims and their families.
- ADAO contributed to the 138th annual American Public Health Association meeting and expo in Denver, CO. Click here for a link to videos and resources about asbestos from presentations given at the meeting and expo.
- Gilda’s Club – A national support networks for cancer victims and their families.
- KazanLaw– An Oakland-based plaintiffs’ asbestos law firm.
- National Cancer Institute – A Federal Government program designed as a resource for cancer victims and their families.
- White Lung Association – This website serves as an archive of older information–legal, media and other–concerning asbestos and asbestos related disease.
These books may provide support for those learning to cope with asbestos related disease:
- Share the Care: How to Organize a Group for Someone Who is Seriously Ill. Cappy Capossela and Shelia Warnock, Simon and Schuster, 1995.
- A Cancer Survivor’s Almanac: Charting Your Journey. Edited by Barbara Hoffman, JD. National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. Chronimed Publishing, 1996.
- Ergonomics or Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Support Groups
- CTD Resource Network – This site can be hard to navigate but contains a good deal of OSH information and links regarding RSI issues. Use it to find other sites of interest to injured workers.
- East Bay RSI Support Group – This group provides monthly educational meetings to help those dealing with RSI. Contact phone is (510) 466-5814.
- Los Angeles RSI Support Group – This group provides information and sponsors monthly meetings to help those with RSI. Contact asklarsi@yahoo.com. Meetings are on the third Saturday of every month from 10-12pm at the Sherman Oaks Hospital and Burn Center, 4929 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks (Doctor’s Conference Room). Click here for the meeting schedule.
- SF RSI: Repetitive Strain Injury Support Group – This site lists monthly meetings in San Francisco generally on the 1st Monday (sometimes the 2nd Monday). Their leaflet states that all those with disabilities are welcome. The purpose of the group is to share ideas, information, provide mutual support, develop strategies and to get active. For scheduling or to contact, call Gil at (415) 644-8744.
- Legal Resources for Injured Workers
- CAAA – California Applicants Attorneys Association
Started in 1966, this group of attorneys focuses on workers’ comp cases. The website is updated regularly with examples of workers’ comp cases and related materials. It can also be used to obtain an attorney referral.- Click here to get a list of workers’ comp attorneys who are members of the CAAA in your area. At the top of the webpage is a box for an attorney search. Enter your zip code or a nearby zip code (the system seems to produce the names of attorneys with offices in the zip code that begins with the same first 3 numbers – for example, you can enter 94000 and get every attorney with an office with a zip code that begins with 940, or enter 94100 and get every attorney with an office with a zip code that begins with 941).
- CAOC – Consumer Attorneys of California
- John Burton’s Workers’ Compensation Resources – Offers access to workers’ compensation data and research as well as some information regarding benefits and some injured workers resources.
- Legal Information Institute (LII) of Cornell Law School: Workers’ Compensation Law – The LII is a leading provider of public legal information. This link is directed specifically towards the LII section on workers’ compensation. However, the site offers all opinions of the United States Supreme Court handed down since 1992, together with over 600 earlier decisions selected for their historic importance, over a decade of opinions of the New York Court of Appeals, and the full United States Code.
- Workers Injury Law and Advocacy Group – A non-profit association of attorneys who advocate for workers’ rights. Their website provides resources such as a “Find an Attorney” section and a section which provides links to many different workers’ compensation and worker support organizations and websites.
- CAAA – California Applicants Attorneys Association
- Workers’ Compensation Policy Advocacy Organizations
- CHSWC – Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation
CHSWC is a joint labor-management body created by the workers’ compensation reform legislation of 1993 and charged with overseeing the health and safety and workers’ compensation systems in California, and recommending administrative and/or legislative modifications to improve their operation. - National Academy of Social Insurance (worker advocate) – A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization made up of the nation’s leading experts on social insurance. The research section of their site features a workers’ compensation portion.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (insurance advocate) – The mission of the NAIC is to assist state insurance regulators, individually and collectively, with the goals of: protecting the public interest, promoting competitive markets, facilitating the fair and equitable treatment of insurance consumers, promoting the reliability, solvency and financial solidity of insurance institutions; and supporting and improving state regulation of insurance.
- Workers’ Compensation Task Force – studies workers’ comp systems, holds meetings, and releases research regarding pertinent issues.
- NESRI (worker advocate) – National Economic and Social Rights Initiative
In partnership with communities, NESRI works to build a broad movement for economic & social rights, including health, housing, education and work with dignity.
- CHSWC – Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation
- Disability Resources
- Injured Worker Groups
- Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) – An agency within the Department of Labor, ODEP combines research, support services and other approaches towards the goal of integrating those with disabilities into the workforce.
- Job Accommodation Network – A service of ODEP, JAN is one of several ODEP programs. JAN’s mission is to facilitate the employment and retention of workers with disabilities by providing employers, employment providers, people with disabilities, their family members and other interested parties with information on job accommodations, self-employment and small business opportunities and related subjects.
University & Scientific Organizations
- Technical and Professional
- ACGIH – American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists Inc.
- AIHA – American Industrial Hygiene Association
- ANSI – American National Standards Institute
- APHA – American Public Health Association
- EHS Today – Magazine with weekly Occupational Hazards E-News
- CPHAN – California Public Health Association, North
- NFPA – National Fire Protection Association
- NSC – National Safety Council
- OMB Watch – A nonprofit government watchdog organization that publishes news on the federal budget, non-profit issues and regulatory issues.
- Educational and Clinical
- University-based Clinics for Workers
California:
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health: Northern California Clinics – UCSF and UC Davis
- UCSF Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic at San Francisco General Hospital
This clinic specializes in occupational and/or environmental lung disease. - UCSF Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic at Mt. Zion and Moffitt-Long
This clinic specializes in occupational and/or environmental lung disease. - UCLA Southern Center for Occupational and Environmental Health
This site is under construction but offers contact information in the meantime. - UC Irvine – Center for Occupational and Environmental Health
Outside California:
For a general list of clinics outside of California, consult the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) Directory.
- Also see:
- OSH Education and Training Resources for Workers
California Based:
- LOHP – Labor Occupational Health Program at UC Berkeley (This program is part of the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health.)
- LOSH – Labor Occupational Health and Safety Program at UCLA
Outside California:
- Labor Safety and Health Training Project, National Labor College
- National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training – Funded by the National Institute
of Environmental Health Sciences’ (NIEHS) Worker Education and Training Program (WETP) - OSHA Directorate of Training and Education
- Texas Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, University of Texas Center at Tyler
- Center for Environmental Health and Safety, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- University-based Clinics for Workers
- Scientific
- Haz-Map
A searchable database which links hazardous agents, occupational diseases and job types. - TOXNET, National Library of Medicine
Databases on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, environmental health, and toxic releases. - Tox Town, National Library of Medicine
A resource for researching environmental health concerns. - The Pump Handle
A public health blog with frequent updates and plenty of OSH content.