A message from PEF Health & Safety Director Joshua Kemp on the 115th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire:

115 Years. Never Forget. Never Stop Fighting.

On March 25, 1911, 146 garment workers,  mostly young immigrant women, lost their lives in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City. Locked doors. No fire escapes. No way out. Their deaths were not an accident. They were the predictable result of ignored hazards, exploited workers, and the absence of anyone willing to stand between them and danger.

Their tragedy didn’t just become a footnote in history. It became the foundation of the American labor movement’s most sacred promise: that workers deserve to go home alive.

Today, as members of the New York State Public Employees Federation, we carry that promise forward. PEF represents tens of thousands of public employees across New York – who serve our communities every day, in every corner of this state. Our work in health and safety isn’t just about compliance;  it’s a continuation of what those 146 workers died demanding.
The Triangle Shirtwaist fire taught us that safety doesn’t happen by accident. It requires vigilance, advocacy, and people who refuse to look away. It requires unions.
115 years later, the work is not done. Hazards still exist. Workers still need voices. And PEF will keep being that voice – in the field, at the bargaining table, and in the halls of government.
To the 146: we remember you and we will continue to keep fighting because of you.

“Mourn for the dead and fight for the living.”

   – Mother Jones

Our comprehensive programs are designed to benefit PEF members in every agency. We provide information and technical assistance in a variety of ways. Programs include:

    • On-site training, workshops and conferences, including Train- the- Trainer models of instruction to broaden our reach. We train on the topics that affect members the most, such as violence in the workplace, ergonomics, workplace stress, indoor air quality, worker’s compensation, chemical hazards and much more.
    • Formation and support of workplace and agency joint health and safety committees.
    • Technical assistance such as worksite inspections and policy review; workers’ compensation assistance; PESH enforcement; fact sheets; information on standards & regulations; and “Right to Know” information.
    • Advocate for stronger health and safety regulations at the agency, state, and federal levels.

Health and Safety Staff

Joshua Kemp is the Director of the Health and Safety Department for the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), bringing more than 20 years of experience in occupational health, safety, and regulatory compliance across public-sector workplaces. He joined PEF in 2024 and works closely with union leadership and members to advance strong, worker-centered health and safety programs, support effective labor-management collaboration, and ensure that employee voices are represented in addressing workplace hazards and systemic concerns. Joshua is credentialed through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, is an OSHA Authorized Trainer, has completed the Cornell University ILR School’s Labor Relations program, and is a certified New York State Code Enforcement Official. He is a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights and for safe, healthy working conditions for all public employees. Outside of his professional role, he is very active in his local community and values time with his family.

Paige Saakyan is a Health and Safety Specialist with a background in Health and Physical Therapy.  She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica University and her B.S. in Health Studies from Syracuse University, College of Utica.  Paige has completed clinical research on falls within the diabetic population, in relation to sensory loss. She works with members on a variety of health and safety issues, provides recommendations for controls, and delivers various health and safety trainings across the state. In addition, Paige is the lead trainer for PEF’s ergonomics program and provides technical assistance to ergonomic assessors statewide.

Jazmine Nova Morales joined PEF in July 2023 as a Health & Safety Specialist in the Capital Region. Jazmine graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and minors in psychology and public health. She also obtained her master’s degree in public health with a concentration in health promotion and a certificate in global Health. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) as well as an HSI (Health & Safety Institute) authorized Active Violence Emergency Response Training (AVERT) trainer. Prior to PEF, her most recent position was in New York City with the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene as a Public Health Sanitarian II. Jazmine is excited to broaden her health & safety background and dive into her new position with PEF.

Michael Marquez is a Health and Safety Trainer II, and is based in the NYC PEF office. He provides technical assistance to members, agencies, staff, and local health and safety committees on identifying potential and existing occupational safety and health issues and providing recommendations for corrective actions and technical assistance. Mike was previously a Shop Steward, Local Health and Safety Committee Chair, Vice President of the Hispanic Committee, a member of the Civil Service Committee, and Convention Delegate as a PEF member. From 2004 to 2024, he was a Senior Safety and Health Inspector with the NYS DOL PESH Bureau. Michael has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. He is also an HIS certified AVERT Instructor and OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer.

Annamarie Malik is a Health & Safety Specialist based in Western New York. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public health with a minor in nutrition. Annamarie also earned her master’s degree in public health with a concentration in community health and health behavior. Previously, she has worked at non-profit organizations in various roles including communications and population health. Annamarie is excited to use her public health experience in the occupational health and safety space and continue to diversify her skill set.

Niki Grabo, Health & Safety Assistant

Kelly Lockwood, Part Time Office Assistant

For more information please contact Health and Safety at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 254

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