Region 6 News Release: OSHA-09-101-DAL
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009
Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd
Phone: 972-850-4709 972-850-4710
GRETNA, La. -- Enhancing workplace safety and health for Vietnamese-American workers in Louisiana is the goal of a new alliance formed between the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Gretna, La., branch office of Boat People SOS. The signing ceremony was held today at OSHA's area office in Baton Rouge.
"This agreement provides an opportunity for partners involved to join together in promoting safety and health in the workplace," said Dorinda Folse, OSHA's area director in Baton Rouge. "We are hopeful that the cooperative effort to maximize worker safety will prevent potential injuries."
Training and education programs will be developed for Vietnamese-American workers, including at least six educational workshops annually. The training will focus on reducing and preventing workers' exposure to chemical hazards, falls, struck-by, caught-between and electrical hazards that may be encountered.
Founded in 1980, Boat People SOS, a community-based organization, provides safety and health information, training programs and resources throughout Vietnamese-American communities. The organization has about 15 branch offices nationwide.
OSHA alliances are a means for participating organizations to network with others committed to workplace safety and health, and exchange information about hazards. The agency currently has more than 470 alliances throughout the nation with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.
Employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA partnerships or alliances may call the agency's Baton Rouge Area Office at 225-298-5458.
OSHA has improved workplace safety and health over the past 38 years. This success is reflected in the latest data (2007) showing the lowest national injury and illness incidence rate that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has ever recorded. OSHA continues to work diligently to focus its resources where they will have the most impact in assuring that every working man and woman returns home safely every day.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthy workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information visit www.osha.gov.
U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.