Groups

The membership of the MNA Congress on Health and Safety represents the varied practice areas and interests that characterize MNA members. A strong interest in issues such as health and safety contract language, latex allergy, workplace violence, needlestick injuries and even occupational asthma, are often the driving forces that bring members to put their names up for election to this Congress.

The Congress on Health and Safety meets monthly to discuss issues and develop strategies to effectively address the multitude of health and safety issues that nurses and others in health care face in their daily work lives. Strategies include collectively working to develop position papers, prepare articles for publication, prepare and deliver testimony at Legislative hearings and speak at meetings and conferences within the area of their health and safety interest and expertise. Members become energized by each others enthusiasm. They believe that their efforts are valuable and useful toward increasing the awareness of members and others to unsafe conditions and their ability to change working conditions for the better.

Additional groups that address workplace health and safety at the MNA include the Workplace Violence Task Force and the Emergency Preparedness Task Force. Members may choose to participate in task forces without standing for election. The Workplace Violence Task Force addresses issues of violence against nurses and other health care workers through education, contract language and meeting with law enforcement and court personnel. The Emergency Preparedness Task Force is working to assure that members are informed as to emergency plans in the facilities where they work and are involved as plans develop.

 

Activities