Encouraging Telecom Members to Participate in Lead Exposure Testing

Dear Local Sisters and Brothers,

After recent news reports that highlighted concerns around lead in telecommunications the major employers have raised awareness about their voluntary blood lead testing programs. CWA has been following up with employers about their programs and initial reports from three of the major employers indicate that very few members have chosen to undergo blood lead level (BLL) testing.

We strongly encourage all members currently engaged in telecommunications work involving lead to participate in their employer’s voluntary blood lead testing program. It is free. If members go for a blood lead test on their own through their healthcare providers, their insurance may not cover the cost of testing.

Please share the following materials to promote this program among your telecom members.

• Letter from President Cummings Encouraging Testing
• Worksite Flyer Encouraging Testing
• Social Media Graphic Encouraging Testing
• Preventing Exposures to Lead in Telecommunications: What Every Member Should Know

The health and safety of every one of our members matters. Increased participation in the blood lead testing program not only allows individual members to receive information that can positively impact their health, it also provides information to employers so that they can better assess the effectiveness of their lead management programs and implement necessary safeguards.

If you have questions about blood lead testing or any other lead-related concern, please contact CWA’s Deputy Director for Occupational Safety and Health, Micki Siegel de Hernández, at safetyandhealth@cwa-union.org.

In Unity,

Claude Cummings Jr.
President