Region 10 News Release: 13-1763-SEA (SF-135)
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 with the consulate general of
Mexico in Boise, Idaho, to promote workers' rights
Alliance will promote worker safety and health in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration today forged an alliance in Boise with the consulate general of Mexico to promote workplace safety and health standards among Mexican nationals and other Spanish-speaking workers living in Idaho. David Kearns, director of OSHA's Boise Area Office, and Guillermo Ordorica, consul general of Mexico, formalized the alliance at the Mexico Consulate.

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. Alliance members will promote safety and health during speaking engagements and with appearances at each other's outreach events, including mobile consulate activities.

"This alliance mirrors the growing diversity of our nation's workforce, reflects our firm commitment to reach out and highlights the need for collaboration to achieve the ultimate goal of occupational safety and health," said David Mahlum, OSHA's acting regional administrator in Seattle. "Since OSHA was established in 1970, we have made a great deal of progress here in Idaho and nationwide by reducing workplace injuries and fatalities. However, much remains to be done in providing all workers access to critical information and education about job hazards."

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 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.