LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joel Shufro upon the occasion of his
retirement after 34 years of distinguished service to the New York
Committee for Occupational Safety and Health

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those distinguished citizens who demonstrate great courage and diligence
in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communi-
ties and this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their exem-
plary contributions and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joel
Shufro upon the occasion of his retirement after 34 years of distin-
guished service to the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and
Health; and
WHEREAS, Joel Shufro began working for the New York Committee for
Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) in 1980; he quickly became a
leader in occupational safety and health in New York City, New York
State, and nationally through his work with the National Council for
Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH); and
WHEREAS, As Executive Director of NYCOSH, Joel Shufro has been on the
forefront of the health and safety movement both locally and nationally
for more than three decades; he advocated for workers, local unions and
all who struggle for safer and healthier jobs, truly giving a voice to
these workers and their unions; and
WHEREAS, New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health began
with a staff of one in 1976; Joel Shufro has been instrumental in build-
ing NYCOSH into an organization with a significantly larger staff, as
well as a membership of 200 local unions and 300 individuals; and
WHEREAS, Under the direction of Joel Shufro, NYCOSH has spearheaded
initiatives aimed at reaching vulnerable workers including both young
workers and those exposed to toxic chemicals; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he initiated efforts to make occupational safety
and health an integral part of emergency response, continued the fight
to improve New York's workers' compensation system, and launched a major
campaign to inform people suffering health effects from the events of
9/11 of their right to medical benefits; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Joel Shufro has fought tirelessly
against employers who have placed profit before human health, and has
been a true advocate for safer, healthier workplaces for all; and
WHEREAS, An avid volunteer, Joel Shufro has served on the advisory
board at the Mt. Sinai-Irving J. Selikoff Center for Occupational and
Environmental Medicine, the Bellevue/NYU Occupational and Environmental
Medicine Clinic, the World Trade Center Worker and Volunteer Medical
Screening and Treatment Program, and the New Jersey-New York Hazardous
Waste Consortium; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he served as a representative of the New York
City Council on the New York City Right to Know/Hazardous Substance
Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, Joel Shufro has been the proud recipient of several auspi-
cious awards and accolades some of which include, the Stand Up for
Justice Award by the Young Korean American Service and Education Center,
the Lorin Kerr Award by the Occupational Health Section of the American
Public Health Association, and the Man of the Year Award by the Advisory
Board of Mt. Sinai Occupational and Environmental Health Clinic; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demon-
strated by Joel Shufro over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to
others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joel Shufro upon the occasion of his retirement after 34 years of
distinguished service to New York Committee for Occupational Safety and
Health; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joel Shufro.