About Western MassCOSH

The Western Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health has been in existence since 1976, first as a branch office of the Boston-based MassCOSH, then as an independent organization since 1991. MassCOSH was founded by a coalition of labor and community organizations together with activist’s unionists, injured workers and professionals. Their common goal was to combat workplace injuries and illnesses. Westen MassCOSH is to help create safer and healthier work environments. These goals are accomplished through training and educational programs, health and legal assistance (including referral), advocacy and political action.

Over the years, Western MassCOSH has responded to thousands of requests for assistance from workers on health and safety programs. We have co-sponsored conferences on the Right to Know Law, OSHA, Hispanic Workers Health and Safety, Toxic Use Reduction, and Organizing for Diversity. Western MassCOSH has been instrumental in the passage of state laws on right to know, asbestos, lead paint and whistle-blowing protection.
Since 1996, Western MassCOSH has been supporting and sponsoring the Alliance for Injured Workers (originally called Injured Workers’ Resources). The Alliance holds monthly support group meetings, often featuring speakers of interest to injured workers. It publishes the Injured Workers Survival Guide, a directory of services in Hampden and Hampshire counties. The alliance has an advisory board made up primarily of injured workers. Members of the alliance often accompany each other to court hearings and medical appointments. They also work to change laws by giving testimony at legislative hearings and by talking to legislators.

www.wmasscosh.org         www.afiw.org  (Alliance For Injured Workers web-site)

640 Page Blvd., Springfield, MA 01104   Suite 104

Written by Nancy Ann Foley, Senior Project Director, Western MassCOSH