Health and safety

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Local   2544 uses the negotiated safety process to identify hazards, inspect   facilities, recommend corrections, promote safety education, and challenge   unsafe work practices. The goal is prevention, documentation, and timely   corrective action.

Adel Alvarez

Vice   President - Local 2544

520-539-3761

Sergio Martinez

Vice President - Local 2544

520-226-6600

HEALTH & SAFETY DEFINITIONS

PLAIN-LANGUAGE GUIDE FOR MEMBERS

HAZARD

Anything with the potential to cause injury,   illness, equipment damage, or an unsafe outcome. A hazard may be physical,   environmental, operational, or related to a work process.

Examples:   damaged vehicles, poor lighting, excessive heat, faulty   equipment, blocked exits, contaminated areas, or missing protective gear.

UNSAFE OR UNHEALTHY CONDITION

A workplace condition that creates risk   beyond what should reasonably be accepted or controlled. The contract directs   employees to report these conditions in writing to a member of the joint   committee.

Examples:   a broken stair, mold, exposed wiring, unsafe flooring,   inadequate sanitation, or a malfunctioning gate.

UNSAFE WORK PRACTICE

A method of performing work that   unnecessarily increases risk, even when the equipment or facility itself may   be functional.

Examples:   bypassing safeguards, using damaged gear, operating   without required training, or being directed to continue a task without   reasonable controls.

INHERENT HAZARD

A danger naturally connected to   law-enforcement work that cannot be fully eliminated. The contract recognizes   these hazards, but still requires safe and healthful working conditions to   the extent possible.

Examples:   remote terrain, extreme temperatures, traffic exposure,   physical confrontations, and unpredictable operational conditions.

KEY DISTINCTION

Inherent   hazards do not make unsafe conditions or unsafe practices acceptable.   Reasonable controls, training, equipment, and timely correction still matter.

FROM REPORT TO CORRECTIVE ACTION

HOW THE NEGOTIATED PROCESS WORKS

1

DOCUMENT

Write down what happened, where it occurred,   when it was observed, who was notified, and what immediate risk exists.

2

REPORT

Send the concern in writing to a Union or   Management representative on the joint Safety and Health Committee.

3

COMMITTEE REVIEW

The committee meets within 7 calendar days   after notification that a safety question has arisen.

4

WRITTEN RECOMMENDATIONS

The committee issues written recommendations   to the designated management official no later than 14 calendar days after   the meeting.

5

AGENCY RESPONSE

Management provides a written decision or   interim response within 14 calendar days after receiving the committee   recommendations.

6

FOLLOW-UP

The Union tracks the response, requests proof   of correction when appropriate, and may pursue additional action if the   matter remains unresolved.

IMPORTANT: PUT IT IN   WRITING

Written   reports create a record, trigger the committee process, and help preserve   dates, photos, witness information, prior notifications, and the requested   correction.

WHAT MEMBERS SHOULD REPORT

COMMON CONCERNS ACROSS THE SECTOR

FACILITIES &   SANITATION

· Water intrusion, mold, pests, sewage,   or poor ventilation

· Broken locks, doors, stairs, lighting,   or blocked exits

· Unsafe parking areas, trip hazards, or   damaged flooring

VEHICLES &   EQUIPMENT

· Vehicles with unsafe mechanical   conditions

· Damaged restraints, lights, tires,   radios, or emergency gear

· Missing, expired, or defective   protective equipment

FIELD &   OPERATIONAL RISKS

· Heat or cold exposure without   reasonable controls

· Fatigue, unsafe staffing, or   inadequate recovery time

· Unsafe routes, checkpoints, work   areas, or traffic exposure

TRAINING & WORK   PRACTICES

· Work assigned without needed training   or safeguards

· Pressure to bypass established safety   procedures

· Repeated unsafe practices that have   already been reported

WHEN YOU CONTACT THE   UNION, INCLUDE

Exact   location | Date and time | Photos or video | Names of witnesses | Who was   notified | Prior reports | Immediate risk | Correction requested

Adel Alvarez | Vice   President, Local 2544

520-539-3761

Sergio Martinez  Vice President , Local 2544

520-226-6600