Region 6 News Release: DOL-OSHA-10-939-DAL
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Contact: Elizabeth Todd
Phone: 972-850-4710
Email: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA, Workers Defense Project and Construction
Safety and Health Inc. form alliance in Austin, Texas

AUSTIN, Texas - Enhanced workplace safety for Spanish speaking workers in the construction industry is the goal of an alliance signed today by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Worker's Defense Project and Construction Safety and Health Inc.

"OSHA welcomes the opportunity to join the Worker's Defense Project and Construction Safety and Health in emphasizing awareness of hazardous working conditions in the construction industry," said William Burke, OSHA's acting regional administrator in Dallas. "All partners of this alliance will work diligently toward achieving a safe and healthy workplace as well as provide information on the hazards commonly encountered in the construction industry."

The Workers Defense Project was founded in August 2002 by employees and volunteers of Casa Marianella, a local shelter, to address the problem of unpaid wages for Austin's low-wage workers. WDP is part of a national movement of organizations that seeks to provide low-wage workers with the resources they need to eradicate hazardous and unsafe working conditions. WDP provides a source of power and hope for many low-wage workers who have access to few resources to improve their living and working conditions and is one of the few organizations in Texas working to address workplace abuse faced by low-wage workers.

"We are very pleased to be part of this alliance between OSHA and the Workers Defense Project" said CSHI President Greg Smith, "Educating workers about their rights and responsibilities relative to safety and health in a manner where they fully understand the concepts is a key component in preventing workplace accidents, illnesses and injuries."

CSHI, which is a non-profit safety training and safety services center in Austin, conducts multi-lingual training on both general Industry and construction topics.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to safety and health, including businesses, trade and professional organizations, unions and educational instituions, to leverage resources and expertise to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and share information with employers and employees to help prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the workplace. OSHA and the organization sign a formal agreement with goals that address training and education, outreach and communication, and promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health.

Employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA alliances or partnerships may call the OSHA's Austin Area Office at 512-374-0271. 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 assure 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 releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.