Region 6 News Release: 13-1668-DAL
Sept. 6, 2013
Contact: Diana Petterson Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 972-850-4710 972-850-4709
Email: petterson.diana@dol.gov rodriguez.juan@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA forms alliance with Mexican Consulate in
Louisiana to promote safety and health in the construction industry

NEW ORLEANS – In its ongoing and persistent efforts to protect workers, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Consulate General of Mexico in New Orleans signed an alliance today to provide safety and health training to Mexican nationals working in the Louisiana construction industry.

This voluntary alliance provides workers with assistance and outreach materials in Spanish on workers' rights and OSHA standards. Some of the safety and health issues that will be covered include falls from elevated work surfaces, electrocution, heat illness, exposure to hazardous chemicals, struck-by and caught-in or -between hazards.

"This alliance reflects the steadfast commitment to strengthen collaborative efforts in promoting safety and health for workers," said Dorinda Folse, OSHA's area director in Baton Rouge. "We are delighted that by joining together we will help save lives, prevent injuries and raise awareness within the Spanish-speaking community in Louisiana."

The signing ceremony was held at the OSHA area Office in Baton Rouge. The alliance was signed by Dorinda Folse and Consul General of Mexico Ramón González Jameson.

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. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

More information about this alliance or forming an alliance or partnership can be obtained from OSHA's Baton Rouge Area Office, 225-298-5458.

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 292-693-7828 or TTY 292-693-7755.