NYCOSH 38th Awards Gala Honors: Henry Garrido, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME; the National Center for Law and Economic Justice; and Jordan Barab, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA

NEW YORK, May 5 -- The New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health issued the following news release:

On Thursday, May 4, The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health held its 38th Awards Gala, highlighting the theme of Dignity at Work. NYCOSH is a membership organization that collaborates with workers, unions, community-based organizations, workers' rights activists, and health and safety professionals to improve health and safety conditions in workplaces, communities, and the environment.

The event was hosted by NYCOSH's Board Chair, Lee Clarke, who said, "NYCOSH's honoree and award recipients embody our gala theme of 'Dignity at Work,' as they have courageously fought for safety, health, and dignity in the workplace as threats to occupational safety and health create unprecedented risks for workers everywhere."

NYCOSH honored Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37, AFSCME; National Council for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ), and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor Jordan Barab.

Garrido's history of protecting and strengthening unions and championing the rights, health and safety of frontline public sector workers in New York City and beyond was emphasized at the event.

"I accept this award on behalf of the dedicated, hardworking members of DC 37," he said. "I'd like to thank NYCOSH for this honor and for the organization's on-going commitment to the safety and health of all working New Yorkers. During these difficult times, when workers' rights are under fire, NYCOSH's mission to ensure a safe workplace remains as pertinent as ever. DC 37 shares that commitment and we are proud to stand with you in the struggle," said Garrido.

NCLEJ's advocacy for language justice and improved benefits to ensure that injured immigrant workers can equitably access the New York State Workers' Compensation System was celebrated. Leah Lotto and Katie Deabler, NCLEJ staff attorneys who led the work, accepted the award.

"NCLEJ has fought side by side with workers and communities organizing for their rights for more than 50 years, and we continue that tradition in advocating with NYCOSH for New York's injured workers," said Lotto.

Deabler added, "Economic and language justice are fundamental rights for workers. NCLEJ is proud to accept this award from NYCOSH that honors our long commitment to workers' rights."

NYCOSH's Karen Silkwood Award was presented to Jordan Barab for his work as a tireless advocate, educator, and policymaker and for his contributions in building the field of occupational safety and health in New York and nationwide.

"I want to thank NYCOSH for honoring me with the Karen Silkwood Award," said Barab. "Throughout my career, NYCOSH has been my model for empowering workers with the knowledge and tools they need to fight for safer working conditions. I have no doubt that there are countless workers alive and healthy today because of the important work that NYCOSH does every day."

NYCOSH counts on funds raised from its gala to do vital work. In the past year, NYCOSH has fought to extend and defend workers' safety and health, centering the dignity of all workers. Since the organization's last gala, NYCOSH has: trained more than 10,000 workers in dozens of industries; made technical interventions and recommendations that have reduced, eliminated, and in many cases, prevented hazards on job sites; released a report and advocated for construction safety, propelling job training and criminal negligence legislation at the City and State levels.

NYCOSH Gala Sponsors:

Health Hero

Greater New York Laborers & Employers Cooperation and Education Trust

Kennedy, Jennik & Murray, P.C.

Grey & Grey, LLC

Metal Lathers & Reinforcing Ironworkers, Local 46

New York State Laborers Employer Health & Safety Trust Fund

Justice Warrior

AFT, United Federation of Teachers

New York State Nurses Association

Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union

COSH Defender

Workers United NY/NJ Regional Joint Board

Worker Rights Activist

Amalgamated Bank

Amalgamated Life Insurance Company

Amalgamated Transit Union

Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York

Civil Service Employees Association, Local 1000

District Council 9, IUPAT

District Council 37, AFSCME, AFL-CIO

Mirer Mazzocchi Schalet Julien & Chickedantz, PLLC

New York City District Council of Carpenters

New York State United Teachers

Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP

Rosado, Apat & Dudley LLP

Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo, P.C.

Transport Workers Union, Local 100