February 25, 2020

U.S. Department of Labor and Damage Prevention Council of Texas
Sign Alliance to Address Trenching and Excavation Hazards

DALLAS, TX – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Damage Prevention Council of Texas (DPC) signed an alliance designed to educate employers and employees in all 254 counties in Texas about the hazards associated with trenching and excavation.

DPC is a non-profit organization associated with the One Call Board of Texas and works extensively with those involved in underground utility and pipeline work.

The two-year alliance will address trenching and excavation hazards, such as cave-ins, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres and hazards from mobile equipment. The alliance will provide outreach and training, share information about OSHA’s enforcement initiatives, regulations and efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

The OSHA Alliance Program fosters collaborative relationships with groups committed to worker safety and health. Alliance partners help OSHA reach targeted audiences, such as employers and workers in high-hazard industries, giving them better access to workplace safety and health tools and information.

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 help ensure these conditions for American working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

###

Media Contacts:

Juan J. Rodríguez, 972-850-4709, rodriguez.juan@dol.gov
Chauntra Rideaux, 972-850-4710, rideaux.chauntra.D@dol.gov

Release Number:  20-261-DAL

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).