Safe Workplaces are Sound Businesses

BY DOUG PARKER DEPT OF LABOUR

Every year, more than 5,000 workers are killed on the job, about 14 per day, and more than 3.6 million suffer a serious job-related injury or illness. Many workers face unnecessary workplace hazards because their employer didn’t implement a safety and health management system. These injuries or illnesses don’t just hurt workers and their families, they can hurt business operations as well. That’s why we are collaborating with businesses and organizations nationwide for our annual Safe + Sound Week, Aug. 15-21, to recognize the value of workplace safety and health programs and share ideas on how to keep our nation’s workers safe. Safe + Sound Week is a yearround effort where employers integrate and improve their safety and health management systems. The week provides an opportunity to highlight these efforts and engage with more businesses that want to improve worker safety and health and discuss the importance of identifying and managing workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness to improve sustainability. These programs help organizations: •Prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. •Improve compliance with laws and regulations. •Reduce costs, including workers’ compensation premiums, time away from work, expenses for hiring and training replacement workers, and loss or damage to material, machinery, and property. •Engage workers. •Enhance social responsibility. Increase productivity and boost overall business operations. Through this campaign, our goal is for workplaces to develop best practices to identify and fix hazards and apply worker involvement systems and implement a safety and health system, so that workers go home unharmed to their families at the end of the day. Last year, we had over 5,300 participants. Businesses from all 50 states, five territories and 75 countries participated. For example, EW Howell Construction Group in New York participated in Safe + Sound Week last summer by conducting stand-downs discussing fall protection, silica dust awareness and COVID19. The Regional Hispanic Contractors Association in Dallas – a Susan Harwood grant recipient – also held a virtual and in-person fall protection event offered in English and Spanish as part of the annual observance and highlighted the impact of its successes. Organizations of all sizes in any industry looking for an opportunity to show their commitment to keeping the workplace safe for workers, customers and their community should join us! p Doug Parker is the Assistant Secretary of the Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. DACA & Dreamers/ continued from page 1 an opportunity to reflect on the success and importance of this life-changing program. It’s also a moment of mounting frustration, given the tenuous future facing Dreamers due to Republicans’ continued legal challenges to DACA and the GOP’s legislative obstruction to a permanent solution. Texas Republicans are leading the charge against DACA and Dreamers. Because of this, the full slate of Texas GOP elected officials and candidates on the ballot should define their position toward DACA and a legislative solution for Dreamers. Vague statements of support are insufficient when the Texas GOP is leading the charge to make Dreamers with DACA deportable.

How Texas Republicans are leading charge against DACA and permanent fix for Dreamers As a reminder, the State of Texas is leading the latest legal challenge against DACA, recently heard in front of a conservative panel on the Fifth continued on page 13

DACA & Dreamers/ continued from page 12 Circuit. Meanwhile, the Texas Republican Party platform makes clear its hostility to Dreamers, calling for Texas to strip instate tuition eligibility for Dreamers who graduated from Texas high schools and the platform declares the Republican Party’s blanket opposition to “any form of amnesty … including the granting of legal status to persons in the country illegally.” In Congress, Texas lawmakers are among the leading obstacles to a long overdue legislative fix for Dreamers, with Senator John Cornyn up to his usual “Cornyn Con” tricks and trotting out the ageold “border security first” excuse to try and justify inaction on legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers. And the GOP members of the Texas delegation are in overdrive trying to fearmonger about the border, including the continued conflation of recordhigh apprehensions and border encounters with an “open border” and support for Trump era policies like Title 42 that make border enforcement more difficult, as well as advancing white nationalist conspiracy rhetoric about an “invasion.” The Texas Republican Party issued a “declaration” of an “invasion” and is aggressively raising money on it. This despite the reality that Texas voters overwhelmingly support DACA and Dreamers. A new poll from the Dallas Morning News/UT Tyler shows that while public sentiment on border security questions is largely divided along partisan lines, protections for Dreamers is broadly popular among Texas voters. The poll asked, “Do you support or oppose granting permanent legal status to immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally when they were children?” Overall, Texas likely voters support legal status for Dreamers 61-27%, with a plurality of 31% saying they “strongly support.” This support extends across party lines, with Democrats backing 80-11%, Independents 59-27%, and Republicans 48%40. Texas GOP candidates and elected officials, especially those representing districts with lots of DACA recipients, should detail where they stand. The America’s Voice bilingual campaign, “Show Me Your Friends,” includes a focus on four Texas House Republican candidates in districts that run along parts of the U.S./Mexico border: Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Rep. Mayra Flores (TX-34), Cassy Garcia (TX-28) and Rep. Tony Gonzalez (TX-23). Each of these candidates should detail their views on DACA and Dreamers. For example: Rep. Mayra Flores has stayed vague, telling Newsweek: “I support Dreamers, I support immigration reform, but it must include border security.” She should detail if she would hold out against legislative progress for Dreamers until unrelated border measures were attached, knowing that the “secure the border first” claim is an excuse for perpetual inaction. Meanwhile, Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-TX) voted against the “Dream and Promise Act,” which would provide citizenship for Dreamers. Relatedly, with House GOP Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy pledging no amnesty under a potential Republican Congress, any vague support for Dreamers rhetorically should be followed up with questions about their views toward McCarthy’s. If elected, one of the first acts of these Republican House Members would be to vote for or against McCarthy as GOP Leader or potentially, as Speaker of the House. According to Mario Carrillo, Texas-based Campaigns Director for America’s Voice: “The Texas GOP not only doesn’t care about the fate of young immigrants and their families’ countless contributions to our state, they’d rather drive us out of Texas. I know this from first hand experience. My family is one of thousands that are mixed-status in Texas, who have relied on DACA throughout the last decade, with my wife being a longtime DACA recipient. We’ve married, purchased a home, started a family all while DACA has remained a constant, albeit an uncertain aspect in our life. We’re far from alone. Just think how much the lives of DACA recipients have changed in a decade. People have grown up under a shadow of uncertainty, in a frail sense of security that can change at any time. We need certainty, but our state’s leaders are unfortunately leading the charge against Dreamers. How can any Texas Republican candidates defend the antiimmigrant nativism and governing philosophy of the Republican Party and its hostility toward families like mine? DACA and the stories of its recipients demolishes the lies that Republicans use to justify their hostility to immigrants and every single Texas candidate should detail where they stand on these important questions.”p

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

What Services Can a Paralegal Provide?

BY THE CHAMBER COALITION

The legal profession includes many individuals who are not actually lawyers. This, however, doesn't mean that they cannot do any legal work. There are plenty of services that can be provided by a paralegal, and these services can make all the difference in your case. Paralegals can perform substantive legal work that has been delegated to them by a lawyer. They often have a mix of work experience, education, and professional training that qualifies them for this job. Below are some of the services that you can request from a paralegal.

Preparation of Documents Have you ever wondered how a lawyer is able to show up to different court cases on the same day and still have all the documents they need? This is usually because they have a team of paralegals to whom they delegate this work. Individuals in this profession are very good at preparing legal documents. From briefs and contracts to agreements, paralegals have the knowledge and experience to get these documents ready in a short amount of time. Providing Legal Information to a General Audience Paralegals can't offer legal advice to someone. However, they can provide legal information to a general audience. There are many individuals around the country who are unaware of their legal rights in various situations. Employees, tenants, and other parties might be forced to endure certain conditions simply because they are unaware that the law is on their side. A paralegal can be brought in to provide some legal information to such an audience so they are more aware of where the law stands when it comes to certain issues or how they can go about getting legal aid if they need it. Explaining Procedural Issues of Law Many people who have never been to court before will be surprised at how certain things are handled. You could spend a day getting ready to argue your case only for proceedings to be postponed. One reason for this is court procedures. There are many procedures that courts are required to follow and paralegals can explain these to you. Representing Parties in Administrative Law Hearings An administrative agency can allow a paralegal to represent you at an administrative hearing. However, if the case is appealed to a court, you'll have to find a lawyer to represent you.

Rising Prestige As paralegals perform more complex and challenging work, paralegal prestige is rising. Paralegals are no longer simply lawyer's assistants; they assume corporate management roles, leadership roles in law firms, and entrepreneurial roles in independent paralegal businesses. Over the years, paralegals have transcended the image of glorified legal secretaries to become respected legal team members.

Ready to Take the Leap? A career as a paralegal can be rewarding professionally and personally and offers a unique opportunity to help others; options vary, depending on the paralegal's practice area. Paralegals in the public interest sector help poor and disadvantaged segments of the population with legal issues ranging from protection from domestic abuse to assistance preparing wills. Ready to take the leap, the next step? Call us at 718-722-9217 or visit www.freeparalegal.org to complete your registration which includes payment.p

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August 2022 15 Love, Health & Travel Rise in Interracial Marriages a Counter Narrative to Hate and Division

BY JENNY MANRIQUE ETHNIC MEDIA SERVICES

She identifies as African American, Mexican, and Puerto Rican. He is Korean American but didn’t speak English until he was school age. They met and got married in Los Angeles and had four children who they are “raising intentionally” in a multicultural, multiracial, and multilingual home. At a time of increased political polarization and racial tension, Sonia and Richard Kang’s story offers an alternative narrative that is increasingly becoming the norm in the United States. “I met Richard and we have children who are multiracial and I'm thinking: how are we going to make this better for them,” said Sonia, whose father is African American and whose mother is Mexican. “Growing up I just always knew I didn't fit in very well,” she recalled of her upbringing in the 80s in Hawaii and LA, a time when blond hair, blue eyes, and big waves were the standard. “I was darker skinned and had tight curly hair. I had the surname Smith in a predominantly Latino area in school but spoke Spanish. So I always stuck out.” It was the same for Richard, Sonia’s husband. “I could tell there was something different about our family,” he says of his childhood growing up as a Korean speaker in a predominantly white neighborhood. The couple shared their experience during an August 5 media briefing organized by Ethnic Media Services looking at the rise in inter racial marriages amid a backdrop of increasing hate crimes and deepening political polarization. Data from the 2020 census shows that “mixed race” is the fastest growing category under racial identity, and according the increasing “separation, polarization and some of the violence that we're seeing in our country.” Gest, author of the 2022 book “Majority Minority,” which looks at societies where dominant religious or racial groups lost their numerical advantage, says families like the Kangs are a “powerful way for people to overcome the divisive politics that take place in societies undergoing a lot of demographic change.” That includes the US, where demographers predict that by 2045 non-Hispanic whites will no longer be the majority. “When people are intermarrying, it basically disarms the politics of polarization and division,” Gest notes. “These relationships blur those boundaries. They don't allow politicians and others to use fear mongering to divide us.” Interracial marriages were prohibited in the US until the 1967 Supreme Court decision Loving vs. Virginia. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of interracial unions jumped threefold, according to census data. The most common unions are white and Asian, and white and Latino, with only 20% of all interracial couples being between two nonwhite partners. California is the leader when it comes to the number of interracial marriages, with Hawaii a close second.

Sonia and Richard Kang. Photo courtesy: The Kangs

to the Pew Research Center, about 17% of new marriages are interracial couples. All of that comes as cities nationwide saw a significant surge in racially motivated attacks during the Covid 19 pandemic, rattling communities and contributing to growing tensions. According to Justin Gest, associate professor at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, the rise in interracial marriages offers a counter to continued on page 16

Simple Hacks to Avoid Travel Sickness this Summer

BY HARRY JOHNSON ETURBONEWS.COM

Travelers are being advised on how to avoid travel sickness when they hit the roads this summer. Travel experts have researched eight easy solutions to prevent people from experiencing travel sickness. Travel sickness is caused by consistent movements during traveling and is found to be most common among children and and pregnant women. One of the biggest fears for travelers is getting travel sickness which could lead to a trip being ruined. Simple tips such as sitting at the front of the car and rolling down the windows can make a big difference to anyone who develops symptoms of headaches and dizziness. Following this essential advice can make all the difference for passengers and allow them to get to their destination with a peace of mind. Here are eight helpful tips to prevent travel sickness:

Roll down the windows Taking in the fresh air is vital when a passenger is experiencing sickness. Breathing in the fresh air can ease nausea symptoms. When travelling by plane, turn on the air conditioning to relax the sickness feeling.

Stay hydrated Water is key to reducing the severity of a headache caused by travel sickness. Drink plenty and avoid the temptation of a glass of prosecco or fizzy drinks.

Pack the gum Having chewing gum can relax your stomach, as the coolness can relax stomach muscles and takes your mind off the pain. Bring both peppermint and ginger flavored gum to help the sickness.

Snack lightly Avoid heavy and greasy foods on the journey. Choose some lightly salted snacks such as seaweed bites or dry crackers which won’t disturb the stomach pains.

Play some good tunes Distraction is one of the best ways to help your mind forget about the burden of travel sickness. Play your favorite songs on the radio at a low volume to focus your mind on something else other than feeling sick.

Bring a sick bag A last resort option may be needed if you can’t do anything to stop sickness. Having a sick bag on board can make you feel calmer, as you know there is another option available.

Get in the front seat Whether it’s in a family carhire or a road-trip with friends, sitting at the front lets you focus on the road and minimize the likelihood

Stay off the screen As tempting as it can be, scrolling on social media can worsen headaches by straining your eyes from looking at bright screens. It’s best to put the phone away until the end of journey.p Interracial Marriage continued from page 15 And according to Allison Skinner Dorkenooh, assistant professor of Behavioral and Brain Sciences & Social Psychology at the University of Georgia, there has been a “great increase” in media representation of interracial couples, which correlates with data showing 94% of Americans approving of such unions. But, Dorkenooh adds, there is still a lingering bias toward same race marriages in many families, including Richard’s. “I was going to marry Sonia no matter what,” he says, describing his parents’ initial rejection of his soon-to-be wife. It was only after his father fell ill, and then after his parents met their grandchildren, “that they really opened their hearts to us.” The couple decided early on to raise their children in a multi-lingual house. “We've called it ‘culture proofing our home,’ to safeguard their identity,” Sonia said. “We made sure that we brought in products, books, and movies, all that look like our family in an authentic way.”p

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August 2022 17 Love, Health & Travel Unvaccinated New Yorkers Urged to Get Vaccinated Now for Polio

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) on August 12 updated New Yorkers on the detection of poliovirus (the virus that causes paralytic polio) in sewage, suggesting likely local circulation of the virus. Polio can lead to permanent paralysis of the arms and legs and even death in some cases. “For every one case of paralytic polio identified, hundreds more may be undetected,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. “The detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples in New York City is alarming, but not surprising. Already, the State Health Department – working with local and federal partners – is responding urgently, continuing case investigation and aggressively assessing spread. The best way to keep adults and children polio-free is through safe and effective immunization – New Yorkers’ greatest protection against the worst outcomes of polio, including permanent paralysis and even death.” “The risk to New Yorkers is real but the defense is so simple – get vaccinated against polio,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “With polio circulating in our communities there is simply nothing more essential than vaccinating our children to protect them from this virus, and if you’re an unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated adult, please choose now to get the vaccine. Polio is entirely preventable and its reappearance should be a call to action for all of us.” These findings follow the identification of a case of paralytic polio among a Rockland County resident on July 21,and the detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples collected in May, June and July from neighboring New York City counties, Rockland and Orange County – underscoring the urgency of every adult, including pregnant New Yorkers, and children staying up to date with the polio immunization schedule, particularly those in the greater New York metropolitan area. NYSDOH and NYCDOHMH will continue its active, ongoing wastewater surveillance efforts in partnership with CDC and to ensure prevention measures, particularly immunization clinics, are in place as the best way to keep New Yorkers and children polio-free is to maintain high immunity across the population through safe and effective immunization. Vaccine coverage for routinely recommended vaccines has fallen among children in New York City since 2019, putting us at risk for outbreaks and devastating complications of vaccine preventable diseases. Only 86.2% of NYC children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years old have received 3 doses of the polio vaccine – nearly 14% remain not fully protected. Of particular concern are neighborhoods where coverage of children aged six-months to five-yearsold with three doses of polio vaccine is less than 70%, putting these children at risk of contracting polio. Polio can lead to permanent paralysis of the arms and legs and can be fatal due to paralysis in the muscles used to breathe or swallow. Most people infected with the virus do not have any symptoms, though some will have flu-like symptoms, like sore throat, fever, tiredness, nausea and stomach pain. One in 25 people with infection with get viral meningitis and about one in 200 will become paralyzed. While there is no cure for polio, it is preventable through safe and effective immunization. A core component of CDC's NYSDOH for all school-aged children, most children are already vaccinated. According to CDC, inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), which is the only polio immunization that has been given in the United States since 2000, protects 99% of children who get all the recommended doses. p