House of Representatives
Room 119 North
State Capitol
P.O. Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708-8952
VOTE YES ON H.R. 375: SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY IN ORDER TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THE WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN KILLED OR INJURED IN THE WORKPLACE.
The proposed bill for a National Workers’ Memorial Day will have a great positive impact in our community to honor those who have been compromised due to their work conditions. As a health educator pursuing a career in occupational health and safety as well as being a part of the work force, I find that this day would be a great way to spread the word about the importance of safety on the job as well as address current issues that need to be changed in the workplace.
One condition that needs to be addressed is the amount of workers affected by lead exposure in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), lead exposure is currently the leading cause of illnesses in the workplace. Although the state of Wisconsin has made great strides in reaching the Healthy People 2010 goal of having no adult blood levels above 25 microg/dL, there is still a major risk of overexposure as long as lead is used in the industry. As you may know, overexposure in lead can have some very traumatic results so it is important to protect those who must work around it.
Opponents of this bill may say that this will not effectively bring about awareness about the importance of workplace safety. This is wrong as it is not only the company’s responsibility to provide a safe work environment; it is also the employee’s personal responsibility to uphold to the standards of the company to protect themselves. By having a day to honor those who lost their lives when it could have been prevented, it would make others aware of the true cost of negligence at the workplace and may remind them to take all necessary precaution when needed.
You support in the prohibition of automotive oil filters in landfills is appreciated in keeping our planet a healthy place. In the same concern, I think it is important to keep safe those who are working hard every day on this planet, too. Therefore, voting “yes” to H.R. 375 would be the best option. If I can provide you with additional information or assistance please contact me at (555)-555-5555 or email@gmail.com
Samantha
Facts About Occupational Lead Exposure
How are adults exposed to lead?
• Majority of all of lead exposure are from the workplace
• Approximately 95% of the cases reported in a study conducted in the United States were from occupational hazards.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
• Pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities
• Muscular weakness
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Memory loss
• Mood disorders
• Reduced sperm count, abnormal sperm
• Miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women
• Fatigue
What are the potential long-term effects of lead exposure?
• Anemia
• Cataracts
• Damage to reproductive organs in men
• Digestive problems
• High blood pressure
• Memory and concentration problems
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nerve disorders
• Pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preterm delivery and stillbirth
How prevalent is it in the United States?
• In the year 2000, about 430,000 nonfatal occupational illnesses were reported annually in the United States
• For every 10,000 full-time workers in the United States, there are 50 reported cases occupational illnesses.
How can the risk be reduced?
• Proper techniques of removing/handling lead should be applied at all times.
• Awareness of the consequences of exposure.
• Stricter standards/more surveillance of the amount of allowed blood levels in the working adult.
For more information about
Occupational Lead Exposure
Please contact
Sources:
Wow I thought it was really interesting how most lead exposure comes from the work place. I suppose it makes sense seeing as work is where most people spend their time and they may be exposed to some unusual materials. I think this is a really important cause.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you included your future job goals as well as the Healthy People 2010 goal. It shows your personal interest along with national interest. I think the symptoms and long term effects are valuable pieces of information because often you do not know the symptoms of lead exposure (at least I don't) and long term effects are always something to be aware of. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteI think this bill would be a great way to bring attention to the issue and get more companies to be careful of the exposure to lead for their employees. I can't believe lead is the leading cause of illness in the work place. Adults shouldn't be getting exposed that much to lead since they can prevent it.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea lead had such a big deal at the workplace. This bill will be a good way to bring awareness to the issue.
ReplyDeleteI like how your facts sheet slowly progressed from saying what the concern is, how to identify it, why we should care, why it needs to be taken care of, and ultimately consequences of not dealing with the issue. I think it really gives more purpose as to why this topic and its effects should be addressed.
ReplyDelete