‘Am I Safe at Work?’: AFL-CIO launches e-tool

Washington — A new e-tool from the AFL-CIO is aimed at helping workers identify COVID-19 exposure risks on the job.

Announced Sept. 2, the Am I Safe at Work? e-tool also informs people how to contact a union and negotiate with employers for safe working conditions. The tool asks users a series of workplace safety questions that start with the phrase, “Has your employer”:

• Informed you of COVID-19 risks in your workplace and plans to protect you from becoming infected?
• Notified you of COVID-19 cases in your workplace?
• Provided additional paid time off if you or a family member is exposed to or tests positive for COVID-19?
• Made physical changes to your workplace to distance you from co-workers and members of the public?
• Changed work procedures to allow for additional cleaning and breaks for handwashing?
• Provided enough personal protective equipment (respirators, gloves, gowns, etc.) with training on how to use it properly?
• Required the use of masks by members of the public?
• Provided a way for you and your co-workers to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation?

Among the tool’s resources are tips for documenting workplace hazards and communicating with co-workers on how they feel about safety on the job.

“No one should be at risk of acquiring COVID-19 because they are working tirelessly to provide necessities for their family and our country,” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said a Sept. 2 press release. “This web tool will help workers demand safer workplaces. Federal OSHA needs to issue an enforceable, emergency workplace COVID-19 standard.”

The tool is available in English and Spanish.