The Paper Research Action Project (RAP)

To address the serious safety and health problems in paper, the USW created the Paper Research Action Project to survey conditions in USW-represented paper mills. A project team was chosen, with the task of developing and conducting the survey, analyzing the data, and formulating a plan to help build the union’s collective power to stop these recurring tragedies. The team included rank and file paperworkers; senior International Union leaders; staff from USW Health, Safety and Environment Department and the Tony Mazzocchi Center for Health, Safety and Environmental Education; and consultants from New Perspectives Consulting Group.

This report details the results of the survey – along with recommendations for action – in each of the seven key areas. The findings show an industry that tolerates serious risks to its workers, where the limited safety and health programs that do exist are based on a flawed view of what causes accidents, and are often counterproductive of safety. But there is good news as well. These problems can all be corrected. The survey responses clearly point the way to effective solutions. Paper can be a safe industry. All it will take is commitment and hard work by management, the union and paperworkers themselves.

Click Here to download a copy of this report.

Click Here for a copy of the Appendices