Region 6 News Release: 12-1741-DAL
Aug. 23, 2012
Contact: Elizabeth Todd      Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 972-850-4710      972-850-4709
Email: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov      rodriguez.juan@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA and Workers Defense
Project in Austin renew alliance to promote workplace safety

AUSTIN, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Workers Defense Project in Austin have renewed an alliance to enhance workplace safety for non-English-speaking workers in the construction industry. The alliance was initiated in 2010.

"We are pleased to continue efforts with the Workers Defense Project to increase workers' awareness of hazardous conditions and to provide training for safer and healthier workplaces in the construction industry," said John Hermanson, OSHA's regional administrator in Dallas.

The Workers Defense Project empowers low-income workers to achieve fair employment through education, direct services, organizing and strategic partnerships. It is part of a national movement of organizations that seeks to provide low-wage workers with the resources they need to eradicate hazardous working conditions.

"Our alliance with OSHA has helped us amplify our ability to better protect and serve Austin's construction workforce. We have been able to refer cases and provide better safety training to our members who see OSHA as a resource they can go to when faced with dangerous working conditions," said WDP Executive Director Cristina Tzintzún.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses 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.

Employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA alliances or partnerships may call the agency's Dallas Regional Office at 972-850-4145 or its Austin Area Office at 512-374-0271.

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 or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.