Region 6 News Release: DOL-OSHA-10-1006-DAL
Aug. 12, 2010
Contact: Elizabeth Todd
Phone: 972-850-4710
Email: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov

US Department of Labor¿s OSHA and Northwest Arkansas Workers
Justice Center in Springdale, Ark., sign safety and health alliance agreement

SPRINGDALE, Ark. - Enhanced workplace safety for high risk/low-wage workers in construction and general industry is the goal of an alliance signed today between the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Northwest Arkansas Workers Justice Center in Springdale.

"OSHA welcomes the opportunity to join with the Northwest Arkansas Workers Justice Center in emphasizing safety and health in high risk industries," said Carlos Reynolds, OSHA's area director in Little Rock, Ark. "This voluntary cooperative relationship also will provide training and outreach to boost employee safety, which ultimately will prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities."

Established in 2002, the NWAWJC represents a diverse demographic of workers. The center's membership has about 270 workers in industries such as construction, poultry processing, manufacturing and restaurants in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The NWAWJC will work closely with OSHA to promote training and educational goals, as well as outreach and communication.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share information with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA programmed inspections.

Employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA alliances or partnerships may call OSHA's Little Rock Area Office at 501-224-1841.

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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