Release Number: 10-1221-SAN (SF-267)
Sept. 2, 2010
Contact: Jose A. Carnevali
E-mail: carnevali.jose@dol.gov
Phone: 415-625-2631

US Department of Labor's OSHA announces opening of area office in Oakland, Calif.

SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is announcing the opening of a new area office at 1301 Clay St., Suite 1080 N. in Oakland, Calif. The opening of this office will support OSHA's increased activity, strengthened enforcement and enhanced state plan oversight.

"With the brand new area office in Oakland, we will improve service to workers and employers in California and enhance our coordination and oversight with the state plan," said Ken Nishiyama Atha, OSHA's regional administrator in San Francisco. "This presence ultimately will ensure workers are better protected."

The new area director of OSHA's Oakland office is Van Howell, a certified safety professional with 23 years of experience within the agency. Prior to his selection for this position, Howell served as the regional auditor and team leader for enforcement programs in OSHA's San Francisco-based regional office.

Employers and workers with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call OSHA's Oakland Area Office at 510-637-3800 or the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742 to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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