Region 10 News Release: 13-1762-SEA (SF-134)
Aug. 30, 2013
Contact: Deanne Amaden Jose A. Carnevali
Phone: 415-625-2630 415-625-2631
Email: amaden.deanne@dol.gov carnevali.jose@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA forms alliance in Seattle with
consulate general of Mexico to promote workers' rights

SEATTLE – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has forged an alliance in Seattle with the consulate general of Mexico to promote workplace safety and health standards among Mexican nationals and other Spanish-speaking workers living in Washington.

OSHA and the consulate will provide workers with guidance and access to education and training resources in Spanish about their rights in the workplace and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, including the OSHA complaint process. Members of the alliance will promote safety and health during speaking engagements and with appearances at each other's outreach events, including mobile consulate activities.

"Great things happen when we work together toward achieving safety and health in the workplace," said David Mahlum, OSHA's acting regional administrator in Seattle. "This alliance will help prevent injuries, save lives, and foster an enduring understanding of workers' rights and the responsibilities employers have to ensure occupational safety and health."

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 to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA programmed inspections. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

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 262-693-7828 or TTY 262-693-7755.