Health and Safety Websites

• Ergonomics
• Environmental Information
• Health Care
• Higher Education
• Indoor Air Quality 
• Labor Organizations
• Lead Exposure Resources
• Chemical Safety / Safety Data Sheets
• Research
• Drug Addiction
• Safety and Health
• Violence Prevention in Schools
• Workers Compensation
• Workplace Violence

Ergonomics

• Ergonomics
  Provides information concerning ergonomics solutions to companies and individuals looking to increase productivity and quality while decreasing worker overuse injuries.
• Cornell Design and Environmental Analysis
  Information from ergonomics research studies is featured. Includes ergonomic news, Cornell ergonomic information and survey forms and checklists.
• Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
  Information on HFES programs, services and member benefits.
• CDC / National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
  Offers a wide range of resources including the revised lifting formula.
• New York State Department of Health
  Safe Patient Handling resources.
• US Department of Labor, OSHA
  Information on the identification, prevention, and impact of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.
• Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
  Evaluation tools for mechanical lifts, helpful for those who handle students and patients.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  The CDC / NIOSH information sheet on Repetitive Motion: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Environmental Information

• Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) | US EPA
  The guidance outlines Agency policies and recommended procedures for coordinating activities related to Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) assistance agreements. 
• U.S. Right To Know - Pursuing truth and transparency for public health
• Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) | US EPA
• Environmental Working Group – Just Released | Environmental Working Group (EWG)
  Environmental Working Group empowers individuals to protect themselves from potentially toxic chemicals in everyday products and provides accessible information on environmental health issues.
• Environmental Defense Fund - Building a vital Earth for everyone | EDF
  Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): EDF advocates for solutions to environmental challenges, including reducing pollution and promoting healthy communities.
• Be a Force for the Future | NRDC
  Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): NRDC utilizes a combination of science, policy, and legal action to protect public health and safeguard nature, including advocating for policies that ensure the public's right to know about environmental risks.
• Health Care Without Harm - US & Canada
  Practice Greenhealth and its international affiliate, Health Care Without Harm, are key organizations that support hospitals in selecting environmentally preferable products and adopting safe practices.  
• Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
  DHSES Citizen Preparedness Corps  - The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, DHSES, works to protect New Yorkers, their property, and the State's economic well-being from natural and human-caused emergencies and disasters.
• Environmental Protection Agency
  Information on the agency, technical support publications and databases as well as extensive environmental web links.
• Environmental Facts
  Information on environmental legislation.
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry U.S.
  Toxic substances information.

Health Care

• Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments
  The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE) is a nursing organization promoting environmental health.
• CDC - Antimicrobial Resistance
  Focuses on preventing antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and long-term care facilities.
• New York State Department of Health
  New York State Department of Health offers comprehensive information, regulations, and guidance on a wide range of health issues, covering physical and mental health, disease prevention, and wellness practices.
• Mental Health Association
  Mental Health Association in NYS, Inc, Works to end the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote mental health and wellness through training, education, advocacy, policy reform, community-based partnerships, and by connecting individuals and families to support services.
• Healthy Communities Free of Tuberculosis
  Includes educational materials for instruction on tuberculosis in the form of lectures, clinical cases, and downloadable slides
• National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
  NASN is a leading voice for school nurses, dedicated to advancing the profession and improving student health. They provide resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for school nurses. 
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
  The AAP is a professional organization for pediatricians, including those who work with students in schools. They offer guidance on various aspects of child health, including school-related issues.   
• American School Health Association (ASHA)
  ASHA promotes comprehensive school health programs and provides resources for school health professionals. 
• Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE)
  SOPHE is a professional organization for health educators, including those working in school settings. They offer resources, training, and networking opportunities for health education professionals. 
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
  Offers credentialing for counselors, including school counselors. 
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
  AOTA represents occupational therapists, some of whom work in school settings. 
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  APTA represents physical therapists, including those who work with students. 
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  ASHA represents speech-language pathologists, some of whom work in schools.
• NIOSH publication on violence in hospitals
  Prevention strategies for employers and safety tips for hospital workers.
• American Nurses Association
  Has information on variety of nursing workplace issues: health and safety, safety and quality, publications, safe needles. legislative activity, and links to nursing resources

• State/Regional Organizations:

  • New York State School Nurse Association (NYSSNA)
    NYSSNA is a state affiliate of NASN, offering support and resources specifically for school nurses in New York.
  • New York State School Counselor Association (NYSSCA)
    NYSSCA is an organization for school counselors in New York, providing professional development and advocacy.
  • New York State Athletic Trainer's Association (NYSATA)
    NYSATA is an organization for athletic trainers, including those who work with student athletes.
  • New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA)
    NYSPHSAA is the governing body for high school sports in New York.
  • New York State School Social Workers Association
    NYSSSWA is a New York professional association for school social workers providing resources, advocacy, and professional development for school social workers.
  • New York State Association of School Psychologists
    NYASP represents school psychologists in New York State, offering continuing education, informative meetings, and opportunities for collaboration.

Higher Education

• US Dept of Education Higher Education
  Provides information concerning resources and support about higher education programs.
• Higher Education | New York State Education Department
  The NYSED OHE is a valuable resource for NYS higher education.
• Emergent Issues in Higher Education | New York State Education Department
  Update-to-date information on emergent issues in NYS Higher Education
• US Dept. of Education - Post Secondary Education
  Campus security statistics.
• Campus Safety Division of The National Safety Council
  Various campus safety resources.
• United University Professions [UUP]
  Can access links to other UUP chapters or higher ed unions that have safety and health information; Can also link to SUNY campuses and search for campus environmental health and safety departments

Indoor Air Quality

• New York State Resources

  • NYSED Office of Facilities Planning
    Provides guidance, technical manuals, and regulations for school facility construction, maintenance, ventilation, and IAQ (including Commissioner’s Regulations Part 155).
  • Healthy Schools NY – NYSDOH
    Offers tools for assessing IAQ, mold, pest control, radon, ventilation, and green cleaning practices in NYS school buildings.
  • New York State Children’s Asthma Initiative
    Technical assistance and training for NY schools to create asthma-friendly environments. Tools and assessments available.

• General Information – Selected Topics

  • AFT Health HUB: Resources for IAQ and Mold
  • ASHRAE (Standards 62.1 / 90.1 / Indoor Air Quality Design Guide)
    Authoritative ventilation, thermal comfort, and IAQ design standards.
  • Asthma and the School Environment in New York State
    Explores school-based asthma management, which includes management of the school environment, as an important ingredient in the lives of children with asthma.
  • Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative (CDC/American Lung Association)
    Program providing tools and policies to manage asthma in schools.
  • EPA Tools for Schools
    National resource providing practical steps to improve air quality in schools. Offers free guides, checklists, and communication materials.
  • EPA Indoor Air
    Extensive information about all aspects of indoor air quality. Has specific section for schools (Tools for Schools).
  • OSHA Indoor Air Quality Guide - NIOSH IEQ
    Understanding ventilation and mitigation strategies.

Labor Organizations

• Workplace Health and Safety | AFL-CIO
  Provides information about current AFL-CIO activities on safety and health issues. This site also has extensive web links to others resources.
• American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
  Provides web sites of AFL-CIO State Federations, Central Labor Councils and unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO.
• American federation of Teachers (AFT) – Health & Safety Resource Community
  Wide-range of health and safety information on a variety of health and safety topics, asbestos and chemical exposures, IAQ and other work related hazards.
• National Education Association (NEA) – School Health & Safety
  Vast resources on school healthy and safety, healthy student and staff, vaccination, and healthy buildings. Checklist for building walkthroughs.
• New York State Public Employee Federation (PEF) Health and safety
  Offers publications and information on a wide range of health and safety topics.
• Public Employees Federation [PEF]
  Health and safety page has an order form for publications, a downloadable civil service law module with information about NY law affecting injured public employees.

Lead Exposure Resources

• New York State Department of Health
  Offers a plethora information childhood lead poisoning prevention, pregnant people, rental registries, lead in the water, renovations and repairs, resources and publications.
• New York City Health
  Provides health risks associated with lead exposure, resources and publications.
• New York State Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (NYS CLPPP+)
  NYS DOH supports the implementation of lead poisoning prevention by local health departments across the state.
• United States Environmental Protection Agency
  Provides information on lead, risks association and educational materials. Available as a download the EPA’s Lead Poisoning and Your Children pamphlet is available in 13 languages.
• Children’s Defense Fund
  Resources for lead poisoning.

Chemical Safety / Safety Data Sheets

• Material Safety Data Sheets on the Internet
  A glossary of terms used on MSDSs, a quiz to test knowledge of MSDSs, frequently asked questions and search links for specific MSDSs.
• Environmental Protection Agency
  EPA chemical substance fact sheets.

• Government and Non-Profit Organizations

  • OSHA/EPA Occupational Chemical Database
    Compiles data from various government agencies and organizations and includes essential details like chemical identification, physical properties, exposure guidelines, and DOT emergency response data.
  • New Jersey Workplace Health & Safety Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets:
    Downloadable hazardous substance fact sheets on 2,500 chemicals categorized by name, formula, or registry number.
  • National Institute of Health HazMap:
    A database designed to provide information about the adverse effects of workplace exposures to chemical and biological agents.
  • NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards:
    Provides succinct tabular summaries of SDS-type information for materials with NIOSH or OSHA exposure limits.
  • European Chemicals Agency (ECHA):
    Oversees chemical registration in Europe and provides access to extensive chemical safety information.

• Other Resources

  • PubChem:
    Developed by the National Library of Medicine, it is a vast, open chemical database with information on chemical and physical properties, safety, and toxicology.
  • CAMEO Chemicals:
    Developed by NOAA, this tool provides detailed chemical hazard information, including SDS, and is particularly useful for emergency responders.
  • NFPA Chemical Label Codes:
    Free online access to National Fire Protection Association safety codes and standards.

Research

• Congressional Legislation
  Track OSHA/EPA/NRC legislative bills (type Thomas at login prompt).
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Injuries/Illnesses
  Statistical information on workplace injuries and illnesses
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Fatalities
  Statistical information on workplace fatalities.
• INFORM
  Independent research organization that examines the effects of business practices on the environment and on human health. Has downloadable publications on chemical hazards prevention, environmental health threats to children and other topics.
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
  Detailed information and data on toxic substances and work-related diseases.
• Library of Congress Legislative
  Legislative information on safety and health environmental issues.
• Pesticide Information Profile
  Pesticide information.
• Tox Net
  Information on the toxic effects of hazardous chemical exposures.
• National Institutes of Health
  Research, training and grants information.
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
  NIOSH home page gives information on the agency, publications, health hazard evaluations and databases. This site has extensive safety and health web links.
• National Library of Medicine
  Fact sheets and reports.

Safety and Health

• Asbestos.com
  This site provides the latest information regarding the dangers of asbestos cancer (mesothelioma).
• Mesothelioma Guide
  Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer. This web site explains the disease, its risks and how it's treated. The site also helps find doctors who specialize in treating people with mesothelioma.
• NYS Education Department Office of Facilities Planning
  Division within state education department that establishes expectations and standards (includes Part 155) for school facilities related to safety, health and comfort. Loads of useful downloadable information.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  Information on the agency, technical support, publications and standards. This site has extensive safety and health web links.
• Construction
  Contains a number of web sites which are directly related to the construction industry and related job safety and health.
• American National Standard Institute
  Industry safety and health guidelines.
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  Fire safety guidelines.
• NYS Dept. of Labor Division of Safety and Health
  Provides resources on numerous workplace safety and health issues.
• Canadian Center
  Safety and health information and extensive links to other sites.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Information and data on public health issues. It has extensive safety and health web links.
• European Agency for Safety and Health
  Standards, legislation and resources in countries in the European Union.
• Healthy Schools Network
  A state-based advocate organization for the protection of children's environmental health in schools has order form for guides and materials, recent news and links to related resources.
• Hazards in the Arts - Arts hazards information.
• Keeping the Artist Safe: Hazards of Arts and Crafts Materials
• Sound Advice - noise at work in music and entertainment

Drug addiction

• Addiction Group - Rehab Resources

Violence Prevention in Schools

• NYS Center for School Safety
  Primary purpose is to assist in making schools safe. The NYSCSS works with schools in preparing and implementing the new SAVE legislation.
• California Dept. of Education
  Safe schools and violence prevention information.
• Ingersoll-Rand Security and Safety
  Products and solutions for safe schools
• National School Safety and Security Services
  Cleveland, Ohio, based national consulting firm specializing in school security and crisis preparedness training, etc.
• School Violence Prevention
  Service of The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - school prevention resources.
• Dept. of Education U.S.
  National resources on keeping schools and communities safe.

Workers Compensation

• International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions
  Information on organizations of state workers' compensation administrators; links to other organizations; some sections of the site are open to members only.
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners
  State insurance commissioners and departments. Also has access to legal and financial information about insurers.
• Cornell Law School on U.S. Workers' Compensation Law
  Federal laws for workers' compensation, claims (e.g. Employees Compensation Act (FECA), Federal Employers Liability Act (FELAA) ).
• Washington Department of Labor
  State web sites with comprehensive and detailed information about workers' compensation, safety and health.

Workplace Violence

• Safewise New York Safety Directory
  A one-stop source of home and community security resources, including crime prevention, emergency preparedness and fire safety
• NIOSH publication on violence in hospitals
  Prevention strategies for employers and safety tips for hospital workers.
• Canadian Initiative on Workplace Violence
  Canada's premier social research firm that focuses its attention on workplace violence.
• National Crime Prevention Council
  Crime prevention through environmental design.
• Security Products
  Integrated product newsmagazine for security, fire and safety professionals.
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
  Workplace violence resources.
• OSHA
  Workplace violence resources.
• Workplace Violence Prevention
  Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry workplace violence prevention resources.

For more information

For more information on NYSUT health and safety services and publications, contact your NYSUT regional office.

This publication is made possible by a grant from the New York State Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education Program (C008850). July 2001.