USW: Homeland Security Chemical Plant Rules Fall Short

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/node/5746

USW: Homeland Security Chemical Plant Rules Fall Short - 04/20/07

By Doug Cunningham

New U.S. Homeland Security rules on anti-terrorism standards at the nation’s chemical plants falls far short of what’s needed. That’s the assessment of the United Steelworkers union after an analysis of the 200 pages of regulations that were issued earlier this month. The USW says the rules fail to protect workers and communities, don’t protect whistle-blowers and don’t require companies to use less hazardous chemicals. The new rules also allow companies to avoid fully disclosing to workers the kinds of chemicals they’re handling.