Waiting for Montco Worker Safety

Over a year after the Montgomery County Commission on Health endorsed a sweeping set of worker safety recommendations, supporters are still waiting for county officials to implement the plan's proposals. One of the key elements of the Worker Health & Safety Initiative involves training building inspectors to identify dangers at construction sites. "Anyone who's worked around construction knows how dangerous it is and how simple precautions can mean the difference between life and death," said Jerry Lozupone, secretary-treasurer of the Washington Building and Construction Trades Council. "There's no question that what's being considered in Montgomery County will make work sites safer," Lozupone added. "Public officials at every level of government have a moral responsibility to protect the lives of workers," noted SEIU Local 500 President Merle Cuttitta, and Metro Washington Council President Jos Williams said that action by Montgomery county will encourage local governments throughout the region to follow suit. "Workers Memorial Day is coming up in April," Williams said. "It's a day we mourn for those killed or injured on the job, and this year we hope Montgomery County will finally give us something to celebrate, instead."