Emergency Response Team

 ERT District Coordinator Randy Virgin

24-Hour Hotline Assistance:  1-866-562-3480

When members’ lives are at stake, our first responsibility is to respond, and when safety may be compromised, our first duty is to make all those affected aware.

The cooperation of local union officers is essential in the efforts of the United Steelworkers to improve worker health and safety, with the goal to reduce both workplace accidents and deaths.

The local union officers are the critical first link to members. Our Emergency Response Team (ERT) relies on the notification from our local unions as quickly as possible following a fatality or catastrophic incident.

History and Function of the ERT Program

The Emergency Response Team originated with the Oil Chemical & Atomic Workers union (OCAW), a predecessor to PACE and became a part of the USW when the two unions merged last year.

ERT coordinator Al McDougall and team member Duronda Pope

Typically, emergencies that cost a life or result in life-altering injuries are reported to an ERT hotline, 866-526-3480, by a local union president or staff representative. The hotline is available 24 hours a day.

As soon as is practical, ERT members are on their way to the accident site, often on the same day. Those on call include program coordinator Al McDougall and team member Duronda Pope.

The team essentially acts a bridge between the company and the family of the injured or deceased worker. Typically, ERT members press the employer for help with immediate family needs and with funeral costs if they are not included in the contract.

If legal assistance is requested by the family, the ERT will help with referrals, said McDougall, a former union miner who became involved with employee assistance programs years ago.

Team members often make follow up visits months later to check up on family members and to offer co-workers counseling and work shops on grief and coping skills.

Sample Emergency Response Team functions:

• Serve as victim advocates
• Coordinate support for victims and families
• Act as liaison between families and the employer and families and the local union
• Help victims and families secure legal representation if necessary
• Provide referrals to local therapists who understand the needs of organized labor and of those dealing with loss and trauma

ERT NEWS:____________

"No Steelworker left behind"                          

2 USW Brothers Die while on Job

Sadly, the USW has lost two more brothers at the workplace. On Oct. 28, USW member Pete Lesmeister, 55, was fatality injured while working at Illinois Cement Co. in LaSalle, Ill. Brother Lesmeister fell 40 feet to his death. Emergency Response Team Coordinator Alan McDougall is assisting the family and ERT District Coordinator Randy Virgin will do a follow up. Health and Safety rep Steve Sallman will investigate.

_______Testimonials on the ERT Program_______

“I didn’t realize that the Union did this sort of counseling.  Keep up the good work.”

- Jim,  Louisiana

“You people are a godsend.”

- Stanley,  Missouri

“I had always disliked my husband paying union dues.  I did not realize then that the USW offered these wonderful services.”

- Shirley,  Indiana

“We are so glad that you came to help us.”

- Local Union Members of Mississippi