Q&A
DCWP's concerns about expanding beyond their core mission
0:06:52
·
88 sec
Commissioner Carlos Ortiz expresses concerns about DCWP expanding into public health surveillance and reporting. Council Member Julie Menin argues that workplace safety is a key worker protection issue that falls within DCWP's mission.
- Concerns about duplicating efforts of other agencies involved in public health and fatality reporting
- DCWP's focus on enforcing key workplace laws like paid safe and sick leave, fair work week, and minimum pay rate
- Menin's argument that providing safety information to prevent future fatalities is a critical worker protection role for DCWP
Carlos Ortiz
0:06:52
So what are the specific concerns you have about that.
0:07:03
Well, I think I think, generally, I think given that there are other agencies involved, both of this federal state local level that to currently take in original data on on public health on fatalities.
0:07:15
I think I mentioned that the Bureau of Vital Assist Vital Statistics Excuse me.
0:07:18
For example, they're they're required to receive all information on on deaths that occur in New York City.
0:07:24
I think one concern that we have is being another another participant in that field.
0:07:29
Again, for public health surveillance, reporting and analysis, I don't think that's something that is our core work.
0:07:34
I think we want to make sure that our resources capacity is dedicated to enforcement of key workplace laws, paid safe and sick leave, fair work week, the minimum pay rate.
0:07:43
So I think that's the nuance that I'm trying to achieve.
0:07:45
I mean, don't be wrong.
0:07:47
Workplace workplace safety is is a key issue, and we certainly commend the accounts on the member on that.
Julie Menin
0:07:52
I mean, I guess what I would argue is that and I was commissioner when this agency changed from its core mission of consumer affairs to then work or protection.
0:08:01
This is a key worker protection issue that is gonna really provide a valuable resource in terms of safety information, and hopefully then we'll be able to prevent future fatalities from happening.
0:08:15
So having DCWP perform this key role, I think, is of critical importance.
