Region 2 News Release: 13-769-NEW/BOS 2013-067
May 15, 2013
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald Andre Bowser
Email: fitzgerald.edmund@dol.gov bowser.andre.j@dol.gov
Phone: 617-565-2075 617-565-2074

US Labor Department's OSHA forms alliance with Consulate General of
Dominican Republic in New York to inform, assist workers in 4 states
Alliance will benefit workers in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania

NEW YORK — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in New York have forged an alliance to promote workplace safety and health standards for Dominican nationals and others in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

The alliance will provide information, guidance and access to education and training resources for these workers and their employers. Efforts will include safety and health guidance on the prevention of falls, electrical shock, chemical, noise and silica hazards in the workplace. The alliance also will alert workers and employers to their rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, including the OSHA complaint process.

"This alliance will provide workers with valuable information to protect their health and well-being, as well as their rights in the workplace," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York. "It will equip workers and employers with the knowledge and ability to recognize and correct workplace hazards, and inform them of the steps they can take to ensure a safe and healthful workplace. We look forward to partnering with the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic on this vital endeavor."

The alliance was signed at the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in New York by Kulick and Consul General Felix Antonio Martinez. Additional signatories are OSHA Regional Administrators Marthe Kent from Boston and MaryAnne Garrahan from Philadelphia, and OSHA Regional Diverse Workforce Coordinator Diana Cortez.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with businesses, trade associations, unions, consulates, professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

More information about this alliance can be obtained from OSHA's regional offices in Boston, 617-565-9860; New York, 212-337-2378; and Philadelphia 215-861-4900.

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 ensure 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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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.