A Brief History of WisCOSH
In the mid-1970's workers in Milwaukee and across the state became concerned that it had taken so long from the implementation of the OSH Act of 1970 and there was as yet no OSHA office or presence in the State of WI. These workers organized around the issue along with concerned legal and healthcare professionals and unions to agitate for OSHA to come to the aid of the worker faced with hazardous and deadly workplaces.
Upon the success of bringing OSHA to the state and the opening of several offices across the state in 1978 concerned unions, workers, and legal and health professionals founded WisCOSH, Inc.. We've grown steadily and now represent workers throughout the state. Our membership includes union locals, individual union members, physicians, lawyers, health and safety workers, and other interested professionals and workers.
Services We Offer
- Technical assistance to workers and unions
- Help with health and safety contract language
- Help in representing your interests to OSHA
- Referrals to legal and health professionals
- Reference library
- Support in using federal and state laws
- Organizing assistance on safety and health
Affiliations
WisCOSH is an independent organization that works closely with the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, unions, individual workers, and other occupational safety and health (COSH and other) groups across North America.
Our Membership and Structure
Membership is open to individual workers, unions and other organizations interested in improving workplace health and safety conditions. Dues are paid yearly. WisCOSH is governed by a 15 member board, which is elected annually by the membership.
Education and Training
WisCOSH provides workshops and training on a wide range of job health and safety topics, including:
- Basic OSHA Rights and Responsibilities for Employers and Workers
- Basic Workplace Safety and Health Rights at Work
- Hazard Identification At Work
- Understanding OSH's Recordkeeping Requirements
- Preparing for An OSHA Inspection
- Introduction to Ergonomics On The Job
- Your Whistleblower Rights and OSHA
- Effective Workplace Health and Safety Committees
- Powered Industrial Vehicle/Forklift Truck Safety
- Emergency Preparedness Planning
- Disaster Ressponse
- Infectious Disease
- Hazard Communication Standard (2012)
- Chemical Emergency Response (HazMat/HAZWOPER)
- DOT Hazardous Materials
- Focus Four Hazards for Building and Construction Trades Workers
- Worker's Compensation
- Health and safety contract langauge
- and more...
WisCOSH activities inform:
- individual workers,
- union members,
- safety representatives,
- elected officials,
- health professionals
- and many other interested individuals or groups.
