Environmental Health & Safety

Here you will find information on the programs, workshops and services offered by the UFT’s Environmental Health and Safety unit as well as relevant forms and contact information. Our mission is to provide information about environmental health and safety hazards and how to avoid them and to ensure that your right to a safe and healthy workplace is enforced.

What do we do?

We strive to increase awareness of risks, prevent injuries, address unsafe or unhealthy conditions, and assist and advocate for staff dealing with any building environmental issues. To that end, we work closely with the School Construction Authority, the DOE’s Division of School Facilities, and city and state health and environmental agencies.

On-Site Training: We offer training and workshops on environmental health issues such as bloodborne pathogens, communicable diseases and ergonomics. Read more >>

Site Inspections: We offer technical assistance in building inspections by state and city agencies. Read more >>

Emergency Response: We respond to school-based emergencies, especially those that involve potential exposure to toxic substances during school renovation or construction. Read more >>

Smoking Cessation: Ready to quit smoking? We’re ready to help! Read more >>

Topics you should know about

Contact us

For further information about environmental health and safety or to report an environmental safety hazard, please call your borough UFT health & safety representative:

Bronx: 718-379-6200
Brooklyn: 718-852-4900
Manhattan: 212-598-6800
Queens: 718-275-4400
Staten Island: 718-605-1400

In the event of an emergency, please call 212-701-9407.

Other resources

Building Hazards

Learn about different health hazards – molds, pests, chemicals, and others – that are sometimes present in schools and what you can do about them.

Disease Information

Here you’ll find a useful compendium of diseases and ailments that you may encounter as a public school educator