USW Applauds President Obama’s Action to Improve Chemical Facility Safety and Security

Contact: Jim Frederick (412) 562-2586, jfrederick@usw.org

(Pittsburgh) — In response to this morning’s announcement by the White House of a new Executive Order addressing chemical hazards that threaten workers and communities across the country, the United Steelworkers (USW) released this statement:

“The USW applauds President Obama for taking bold action to protect working men and women and communities across the country from hazardous chemical releases and explosions,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard.  “The formation of a new Chemical Facility Safety and Security Working Group, which will coordinate efforts by Federal, State and Local officials, will streamline the regulatory process that all Americans depend on for safety and security – both on the job and where we live.”

Millions of Americans live near or work inside chemical facilities and are at risk of injury or death caused by hazardous chemical incidents. The USW notes that vulnerable populations across the United States will be safer as a result of the improved communication and coordination by the Department of Labor, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice and their local and state-based partners. 

“It is time to modernize chemical facility safety and security regulations to improve performance and accountability by industry and to ensure that no facilities slip through the regulatory gaps,” said USW International Vice President at Large Carol Landry. “Ultimately these measures will save jobs, save lives, and improve both public health and the environment.”

The USW, which represents workers in many of the nation’s most dangerous facilities, is prepared to participate with the working group as an engaged stakeholder committed to protecting workers, their families and the environment.

Overall, the USW represents about 850,000 workers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean in a wide variety of industries, ranging from glassmaking to mining, steel, oil, paper, tire and rubber to the public sector, service and health care industries. For more information, go to: www.usw.org.

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