Region 5 News Release: 10-653-CHI
May 11, 2010
Contact: Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allenscott@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA forms alliance with Mexican Consulate in Chicago to promote worker safety in Illinois and Wisconsin

CHICAGO. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration today signed an alliance with the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago as part of an effort to establish a collaborative relationship to provide Mexican nationals in Illinois and Wisconsin with access to education and training resources that promote workers' rights and protect health and safety in the workplace.

"The purpose of this alliance is to provide Mexican and other Latino workers in Illinois and Wisconsin with information and resources that will help them recognize and challenge unsafe and improper working conditions," said OSHA Regional Administrator Michael Connors in Chicago. "I am extremely confident this partnership is going to raise awareness within the Latino community and make the workplace safer."

Alliance participants will work collaboratively to develop training and education programs for Mexican nationals in Illinois and Wisconsin regarding safety and health issues in general industry and construction, including unguarded or inadequately guarded machinery; the unexpected energizing of machinery during maintenance; exposure to hazardous chemicals; and falls from elevated work surfaces. Under the alliance, participants will communicate such information to constituent employers and workers.

The alliance was signed at the Mexican consulate by OSHA Regional Administrator Michael Connors and Consul General of Mexico Manuel Rodrguez Arriaga.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to safety and health, including businesses, trade or professional organizations, unions and educational institutions to leverage resources and expertise to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and share information with employers and employees to help prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the workplace. OSHA and the organization sign a formal agreement with goals that address training and education, outreach and communication, and promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health.

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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