Public Employee Press

DEP a model on workplace violence

While the Bloomberg administration and most agencies have balked at implementing the state-mandated Workplace Violence Prevention Program, the Dept. of Environmental Protection is showing how well the process can work.

DEP has included in its program recommendations developed with Principal Safety Coordinator Guille Mejia on behalf of the DC 37 locals at the agency through the established Labor-Management Environmental Health and Safety Committee. Together, DEP and DC 37 are conducting workplace violence walkthroughs at each agency facility to assess risks and the need for changes.

Mejia worked with management to draft the checklist and the assessment tool that were used Jan. 13 on a walkthrough at DEP's repair site on Pike Street in Manhattan.

The joint effort started with a meeting on procedures and surveyed every aspect of the facility and building access. Labor and management representatives made suggestions for improving safety.

Taking part for the union and offering suggestions for remedying potential hazards were DEP Supervisory Employees Local 1322 Vice President Al Ambrosino, Health Services Employees Local 768's John Sloane, and DC 37's Principal Program Coordinator Lillian Goodwine. Assistant Commissioner Persis Luke and Manhattan Borough Manager Anthony Marchese, who support the effort, participated.

Sloane, the facility safety officer, explained the importance of the sign-in sheet, which he said would be used, "for evacuation in case of an emergency."

"It's good that the department is working with the union to make things safer," Ambrosino said.

A follow-up briefing reviewed suggested changes in the facility developed on the walkthrough and the time line for implementing them. "We're still in the process of evaluating our facilities," said Luke. She said the agency would post the Workplace Violence Policy Statement by February and would train employees about the new procedures for preventing workplace violence and ways to identify escalating situations.

Under the leadership of Luke and Program Development Director Doreen Johann, DEP and the union have confirmed that collaboration is the key to implementing the new program.

"A successful program requires both management commitment and employee involvement," Goodwine said.