09-837-PHI (osha 09-151)
July 21, 2009
Contact: Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5101

OSHA launches alliance with Morristown Neighborhood House to focus on workplace safety and health

MORRISTOWN, N.J. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today formed an alliance with Morristown Neighborhood House (MNH) to reduce workplace accidents and fatalities among Hispanic workers in construction and general industry.

Through the alliance, OSHA will work with MNH to develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, as well as provide expertise in developing ways of communicating the information bilingually.

"This alliance demonstrates OSHA's commitment to educate and protect Hispanic workers by communicating the importance of workplace safety and their rights as workers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act," said Philip Peist, OSHA's area director in Parsippany, N.J.

Morristown Neighborhood House was founded in 1898 as a settlement house that helped Italian immigrants in becoming acclimated to a new culture. Its core mission is helping new immigrants and families who are confronting economic challenges and fostering cross-cultural acceptance.

OSHA's Parsippany Area Office is participating in the alliance. For more information, call 973-263-1003.

OSHA currently has more than 470 safety and health alliances throughout the nation as part of the agency's ongoing efforts to improve the safety and health of employees through cooperative partnerships with trade associations, labor organizations, employers and government agencies.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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