23 August, 2007Up to 1.1 million workers and residents are safer thanks to the union's efforts.
USA: Schweitzer-Mauduit paper mill in central New Jersey has invested $700,000 to change over from using deadly bulk chlorine to bleach their paper, to a safer process thanks to the United Steelworkers (USW).
The union's success protects 240 members in the plant, and the surrounding communities where dangerous 90-ton railcars of chlorine rolled through town to the plant. According to the company's own "worst case scenario" report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a terrorist attack or major accident releasing the chlorine could have endangered up to 1.1 million people within a 14 mile radius.
Chlorine exposure burns the eyes and skin, and breathing chlorine can be fatal. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory estimates that should a mass chlorine release take place in a populated area, up to 100,000 people could be killed or injured within the first 30 minutes.
Steve Green, President of USW local 1482 commented in the press that the union worked closely with community residents to push for safer technology in the plant. "Both the union and community had concerns. The union repeatedly urged the company to eliminate the hazard. Fortunately, they responded positively," he said.