The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Consulate General of Mexico have signed an alliance to provide Spanish-speaking workers in West Texas with information, guidance and access to workers’ rights. The two-year alliance will provide safety and health outreach and training to Mexican nationals working in the region. This voluntary alliance provides Spanish-speaking workers with outreach materials, workers’ rights, OSHA standards and assistance in Spanish. Some of the safety and health issues that will be covered include falls from elevated work surfaces, electrocution, heat illness, exposure to hazardous chemicals, struck-by and caught-in or -between hazards.
Background: OSHA’s Alliance Program works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, businesses, faith- and community-based organizations and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups collaboratively develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share information with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.
Quote: “Working with the Mexican Consulate, OSHA can reach the underserved Spanish-speaking community better to provide safety training and outreach, and help keep them safe at work,” said OSHA Area Director Diego Alvarado Jr. in El Paso, Texas. “Providing Spanish-speaking workers with information they can more clearly understand increases the likelihood that we can prevent workplace injuries and fatalities, so that all workers end their shifts safe and healthy.”
