Back in 1989, Dave Kessler worked on workers' compensation issues for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers at Beloit Corp. in Beloit, Wisc. At the time, no union member was dedicated to safety. Kessler dealt with health and safety issues as part of his workers' comp responsibilities. At Beloit, a Harnischfeger Industries Company that manufactures products for the pulp and paper industry, he started a safety committee of union members. He organized plant walk-throughs, suggesting improvements to management. Typically, both union and management were cautious when dealing with one another, says Kessler. Safety problems were resolved over the agreements table.
Kessler also kept up with his safety homework. He went to Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) meetings and learned how other companies had solved their safety problems. He worked on building trust with Beloit's management. His hard work did not go unnoticed.