Author Archives: FOA

Workplace Safety Tips

Here are some general precautions you should always take while on the job to avoid injuries in the workplace: •    Never take shortcuts! Always be thorough to avoid injuries and mistakes that could cause serious injuries •    Take responsibility and clean up if you make a mess that could harm others •    Always follow correct […]

DiNapoli Finds Veterans Are Not Informed of Health Benefits Options

Many veterans are being placed in the state’s Medicaid program rather than federal programs due to the poor coordination of health benefits by the state Department of Health and local social services departments. Auditors found many examples where necessary referrals were not made for federal benefits, which limits veterans’ health options, costing the state and […]

East Harlem Building Collapse Highlights America’s Dangerously Old Gas Infrastructure

The deadly explosion in Harlem the other week was said to be caused by a leak in a gas pipe, one part of the nation’s enormous and aging gas system. The leak lead to 8 deaths and injuries in dozens. How old the pipe was and how the leak started remain unclear. Some academics, however, […]

OSHA Issues New Whistleblower Protections for Food Industry Workers

In 2011, President Obama signed the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). It was believed to be the most sweeping reform of the nation’s food safety laws in nearly a century. What received less attention of the law’s whistleblower provision. Also known as Section 402, this provision amends the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to […]

Communication Towers: The Dangers Workers Face

Over the past 30 years, the growing demand for wireless and broadcast communications has increased tower construction and maintenance. With the fast growth of technology like 3G, carriers are forced to race to upgrade their network, which has led to the increase number of fatalities in the cellphone tower industry. In order to maintain communication […]

10 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Injury at Your 9-5 Job

When we think of work-related injuries, we usually associate them with construction site accidents and physical labor jobs. However, computer-related health injuries are a leading cause of workplace occupational hazards. While computer usage is very common among 9-5 desk jobs, it is important to protect yourself from serious injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Follow […]

Workers Who Handle Receipts May Be Exposed to BPA

Handling receipts may expose cashiers to BPA, a chemical that has been linked to reproductive problems, according to a study from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. In the small study, researchers compared bisphenol A (BPA) among 24 volunteers who handled receipts printed on thermal paper without wearing gloves. After touching the receipts for two straight […]

As NYC’s Construction Industry Booms, Workers’ Lives are Being Put on the Line

On April 28, Workers’ Memorial Day, a group of activists gathered at a West Side building site known for its poor safety conditions to issue a stark warning. Antonio Sanchez of the Worker’s Justice Project proclaimed, “Every day immigrant construction workers like myself put our lives at risk. Many have gotten injured because irresponsible contractors […]