State lawmakers and DAs support campaign
Survivor speaks at press conference on workplace violence

By DARCY WELLS
The human face of workplace violence was the focal point at a May 8 press conference in Albany to unveil the Stop Workplace Violence Campaign to the public.

PEF member Jill Dangler spoke to the press about the brutal attack she endured while working as a registered nurse at Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center in November 1996.

“It was another patient who saved my life,” Dangler said. “If it wasn’t for this other patient, I have no doubt in my mind I would be dead.”

Dangler described her injuries which included broken facial bones, lost teeth and multiple bruises over her entire body. Her words were powerful and resonated with those in attendance.

“I hope by the fact Jill is here and talking about it, the governor hears the message that he did not hear last year,” said Assembly Member Susan John, sponsor of two of PEF’s bills including, The Workplace Violence Prevention Bill S.6441/A.9691 which requires public employee workplace violence prevention programs. It passed both houses last year but was vetoed by the governor.

“The bill was amended,” said Senate sponsor Nicholas Spano. “We hope the governor will see it differently this year.”
“I think the best part of this legislation is that it’s a prevention program,” Rensselaer County District Attorney Patricia DeAngelis told reporters. “So much of what we do as district attorneys is reactive, but it’s nice to see proactive measures.”

“Our members are told too often work-related assaults are part of the job and not treated as a crime,” said PEF President Roger Benson. “That needs to be changed and these bills are key to doing that, which is why we are delighted to also have the support of the three capital region district attorneys. Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney and Albany County District Attorney David Soares also support PEF’s bills.”

“Our members provide vital services to the taxpayers of this state,” said PEF Vice President Pat Baker. “It’s time these bills are passed to ensure public employees get the protections they deserve.”

Reporters viewed print ads from the campaign and were given copies of the Stop Workplace Violence DVD and booklets entitled, “The Human Face of Workplace Violence.” Both feature stories from PEF members who have endured the pain and suffering caused by workplace violence.

The two other campaign bills are The Workplace Injury Disclosure and Accountability Bill, S.6480/A.9692, which provides through the Department of Civil Service an annual report on state employees’ injuries and related costs to help agencies create prevention strategies. This bill passed both houses. The Senate has until the end of the year to give the bill to the governor.

The Judi Scanlon Bill, S.207/A.2570, provides safeguards for mental health workers doing home visits.

For more campaign information, call PEF’s Department of Health and Safety at 800 342-4306 ext. 254 or email Jrosen@pef.org

The Communicator June 2006

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