Worker Safety Proposal Urged for Montgomery County

The Montgomery County Commission on Health passed a proposal calling for increased community awareness and mobilization of county resources to combat occupational hazards in the region’s workplaces last Thursday, December 14, reports Commission member Jim Grossfeld. The “Worker Health & Safety Proposal,” which has received strong support from labor and community organizations throughout the Washington area, now moves to the County Council for approval. “It seems pretty clear that we will face institutional opposition to the creation of an Office of Worker Health and Safety Advocacy,” says Grossfield. Supporters are organizing a strategy meeting for January to discuss next steps. Grossfeld, who reported on this issue at Monday night’s Council delegate meeting, noted that while some hope that Governor-elect Martin O'Malley will revitalize the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) committee, “even if MOSH receives more state support it cannot be effective absent involvement by local government and community groups.”