Environmental health and safety
The mission of UFT's Environmental Health and Safety unit 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. In this section, you will find information on the programs, workshops and services we offer.
What 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 - Site inspections
We offer technical assistance in building inspections by state and city agencies. - Emergency response
We respond to school-based emergencies, especially those that involve potential exposure to toxic substances during school renovation or construction.
Workplace hazards and health concerns
- Asbestos
- Building hazards
- Bed bugs
- Protocol for construction work in occupied school buildings
- Indoor air quality
- Lead in water
- Mold
- PCBs
- Pest management
- Resources relating to Laboratory and chemical safety
- Wireless radiation
Diseases, ailments and pathogens
Contact us
For further information about environmental health and safety or to report an environmental safety hazard, please call the UFT at 212-331-6311.