E-mails 2002 M. Gilsenan

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

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applying to FEMA for reimbursement. It isn’t true.

FEMA has a program that is designed to assist Lower Manhattan residents who need to purchase equipment to improve air quality, but eligibility for the program is determined on a case-by-case basis. If an individual is found to be eligible, FEMA will issue a voucher to be applied to a purchase. “We do not reimburse anyone for a purchase they have already made,” said FEMA spokesman James McIntyre. “If someone would like FEMA assistance, they must register first, and apply for a voucher,” McIntyre explained. The number to call to register is 800-462-9029.

Is FEMA concerned about the scam? “We have vendors who take advantage of people when there is a disaster, and there isn’t much we can do about it if they don’t commit fraud,” McIntyre told NYCOSH. “We put out press releases in New York to let people know it isn’t a FEMA program in November and February and we investigate any complaints that we receive,” he added.

New York State Firefighters Win Safety Protection in Court

In an important ruling that is expected to promote safer working conditions for the 17,000 firefighters in New York State, the appellate division of the State Supreme Court ruled last week that a local government is financially liable if a firefighter is injured as a result of a condition that is a violation of OSHA safety and health regulations.

“In this case, McGovern v. The City of New York, the firefighter was burned because his personal protective equipment did not meet OSHA standards,” explained attorney Michael Barasch. “The city argued and the lower court ruled that OSHA standards were irrelevant to deciding whether the employer is liable, which meant that employers could violate the standards without fear of significant financial consequences. This ruling finally makes it clear that fire departments in New York must comply with OSHA standards, and I’m hopeful that will result in better equipment and safer working conditions for firefighters throughout the state.”

NYCOSH Job Opening: Community Outreach & Liaison/Safety and Health Specialist

The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health is seeking a community outreach & liaison/safety and health specialist to develop, coordinate and conduct safety and health programs for entry level workers, immigrants, migrants, non-English speaking workers, illiterate workers and recently employed inner city youth. The job includes outreach to community-based organizations and institutions, and production and distribution of appropriate safety and health materials. Candidate must be a self-starter, able to work independently and have a demonstrated record of organizing activity.

The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health is a coalition of over 200 local unions and 350 individual safety and health activists in the New York metropolitan area. NYCOSH provides training and education about workplace safety and health hazards to its membership, community organizations and the public at large.

Qualifications: • Fluency in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Haitian Creole, and/or Russian desirable • Health and Safety background

3/7/2003

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