Health & Safety Department

Matthew Uptmor – Director, Health and Safety Department

I have the distinct honor of representing the International Union, UAW as the Director of the Health and Safety Department.  I would like to take this opportunity to first thank the leadership of our organization for placing their trust in me with what I feel is the greatest honor and most important pillar of our organization.  I have been involved with Health and Safety for the last 28 years, serving in a variety of roles in our great union.  I served for 30 years in the fire service, and I am also a United States Army Veteran.

Health and Safety is not just a priority; it is a core value that guides every decision we make and every task we perform.  Each day, our goal remains the same, ensure that every employee goes home safely, without injury or illness at the end of their shift.

We have made many positive strides in strengthening our safety culture.  These improvements are the result of your awareness, accountability, and commitment to looking out not only for your safety but the safety of your co-workers.  We have also been successful in bargaining for stronger health and safety language in our collective bargaining agreements, performing safety walks and audits, conducting a variety of safety training courses and offering technical assistance when needed.  I want to personally thank you all for taking safety to the next level, by following procedures, wearing and using the appropriate personal protective equipment and most importantly speaking up when something does not look right.

That said, health and safety is an ongoing effort.  Complacency can be one of our greatest risks; however, hazards can change daily. With the introduction of new technology and alternative means of protection, we must continually train, conduct risk assessments, and validate the processes to ensure the correct protective measures are taken.  We also must be engaged in consensus standards where we as a labor organization have a voice in setting standards that promote worker safety and engage in promoting and securing legislation at the local, state and federal levels that protect all workers.

Staying focused, taking the time to assess hazards, and never taking shortcuts are essential to preventing incidents and injuries.

I encourage everyone to:

• Stop work if conditions are unsafe
• Report hazards, near misses and injuries immediately
• Follow established procedures every time
• Hold each other accountable for safety in a respectful way

Remember, all incidents are predictable, preventable, and avoidable.  Each of us plays a vital role in maintaining a safe workplace, and your actions truly matter.

Let us continue building a culture where safety is embedded in how we work, every task, every shift, every day.

Stay Safe,

Matthew S. Uptmor
Director of Health and Safety