Steve Sallman Discusses Ongoing Covid-19 Workplace Hazards on The Leslie Marshall Show

USW Director of Health, Safety and Environment Steve Sallman appeared on the Leslie Marshall Show this week to discuss Workers Memorial Day and the pandemic safety standards workers still need.

Workers Memorial Day occurs every year on April 28 to honor those who have suffered workplace-related deaths, injuries and illnesses.

“We are far from out of the woods, you know, just watching some of this potential for a fourth wave. And yet, we're seeing rollbacks of some of the basic protections,” said Sallman.

Sallman discussed the particular challenge health care workers faced and the more than 3,600 known deaths in the sector as a result Covid-19. Sallman said health care workers and other Steelworkers who work in emergency and correctional systems need the necessary controls to protect them in the workplace.

“If they're heroes, then let's treat them like heroes and make sure that they're set up for success and not failure,” said Sallman.

The USW has over the last year worked with many employers to negotiate sickness and accident benefits for workers. Steelworkers have also participated in efforts to establish emergency temporary standards in workplaces, work in which Sallman says he takes pride.

“We were successful in getting an emergency temporary standard in Virginia that actually became a permanent rule,” said Sallman. “Had that work not been done, I would hate to think where things would be now.”

Sallman expressed optimism about the pending federal emergency temporary standard expected to come from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“We shouldn't be saying just because we got vaccines that there's no need for an emergency temporary standard. Vaccines don’t mean you're bulletproof,” said Sallman.

“Workers have suffered long enough, and they need and deserve those protections.”

To listen to the full interview with Steve Sallman, click below:

USW New Media · 04.21.2021 Steve Sallman Discusses Ongoing Covid-19 Workplace Hazards on The Leslie Marshall Show

Press Inquiries

Media Contacts

Communications Director:
Jess Kamm at 412-562-2446

USW@WORK (USW magazine)
Editor R.J. Hufnagel

For industry specific inquiries,
Call USW Communications at 412-562-2442

Mailing Address

United Steelworkers
Communications Department
60 Blvd. of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15222