[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 19445]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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         OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY WEEK

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, during the week of August 30-
September 3 we will celebrate Occupational and Environmental Health and 
Safety Week. As a strong and vigorous supporter of Federal initiatives 
to strengthen our safety and environmental laws and protect our workers 
and citizens, I am pleased to take this opportunity to draw my 
colleagues' attention to this important occasion and to take a few 
moments to reflect on and bring greater awareness of workplace and 
community health and safety issues to the public.
  Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Week is sponsored by 
the American Industrial Hygiene Association. This is the first annual 
celebration of this event and the goal is to highlight workplace and 
community health issues. This year's theme, ``Protecting Your Future . 
. . Today,'' shows the far-reaching nature of occupational and 
environmental safety's impact on the public.
  One of the major issues concerning workplace safety is Ergonomics. 
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker. It is the 
solution to a host of physical problems brought about by over-exertion 
or repetitive stress. More than 650,000 Americans suffer serious 
injuries and illnesses due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders 
each year, accounting for more than 34 percent of all lost-workday 
injuries and illnesses, and costing employers $15-20 billion annually 
in direct workers' compensation costs.
  There is sound scientific evidence linking musculoskeletal disorders 
(MSDs) to work. Last summer, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) 
found ``compelling evidence'' that workplace modifications can reduce 
the risk of injury. A 1997 review of 600 studies by the National 
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health drew similar conclusions. 
For the average worker, the back takes the brunt of the injuries. About 
4 out of 10 injuries involve strains and sprains, most of them back-
related. The Department of Labor recently reported that injuries and 
illnesses for construction laborers, carpenters, welders and cutters 
increased by a total of 8,000 cases. Additionally, truck drivers suffer 
more than their share of injuries, including approximately 145,000 
work-related injuries or illnesses each year.
  Although many injuries occur in the workplace, our concern does not 
end there. OEHS Week's second important emphasis is safety in the 
community and home. Protecting and improving our environment, our parks 
and wildlife refuges, and natural resources have been among my highest 
priorities since I was first elected to the Congress. I have fought 
for, and helped enact, every major piece of legislation to enhance 
environmental quality--the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the 
Endangered Species Act, and Superfund, to name a few. OEHS Week is 
designed to heighten awareness about several vital community health 
concerns including carbon monoxide poisoning, indoor air quality, and 
noise exposure.
  In my view, a clean environment is a legacy we leave for future 
generations. After all, our natural resources--our farmlands and 
forests, water, air, and our wildlife--are the foundation of our 
country's present and future well-being and quality of life. We are 
making progress in the effort to clean up the Chesapeake Bay--our 
nation's largest and most productive estuary. But much more work needs 
to be done to revitalize this national treasure and I have introduced 
legislation to amend the Federal Water Pollution Act to assist in the 
restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, I have introduced a 
bill to implement pilot projects in Maryland, Virginia, and North 
Carolina to address problems associated with toxic microorganisms in 
tidal and non-tidal wetlands and waters.
  As we approach over 100 years of celebrating Labor Day, it is 
appropriate that we focus our attention on the safety of workers while 
in a workplace environment and on their safety and environmental 
concerns while away from the job site. This 1st annual Occupational and 
Environmental Health and Safety Week truly represents a spotlight on 
the total quality of life of working Americans.

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