OSHA Aligns with the Delmarva Safety Association to Protect Hispanic Workers

WILMINGTON, Del. -- Reducing workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths among Spanish-speaking workers is the focus of a new alliance between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Delmarva Safety Association (DSA).  The two organizations recently formalized the alliance at the 27^th Annual Safety Expo in Ocean City, Md.

OSHA Health and Safety alliances are part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao’s ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of workers through cooperative partnerships with trade associations, labor organizations and employers.  The DSA is a safety and health education organization representing 125 members throughout the Mid-Atlantic States, including regional businesses, industries and government agencies.

“Too often, language and cultural barriers contribute to workplace accidents involving Spanish-speaking workers,” says Leonard J. Renner, area director in the Wilmington, Del., OSHA office.  “We look forward to working with the Delmarva Safety Association to reduce workplace injuries or illnesses”

Under the OSHA-DSA Alliance, the two organizations will develop training and education programs on occupational safety and health issues specifically targeted to employers of Hispanic workers; develop information on safety and health training for supervisors that address important cultural considerations and sensitivities; and deliver safety and health training.

In addition, OSHA and DSA will cooperatively develop and disseminate safety and health information and share information on best practices for reducing injuries, illnesses and fatalities for Hispanic workers.  OSHA personnel, DSA members and other industry professionals will receive cross-training on safety and outreach, and the alliance will encourage DSA members to take part in OSHA’s cooperative programs and build relationships with OSHA regional and area offices to address safety and health issues.

The alliance will remain in effect for two years, with an opportunity to continue.

Since 2001, the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has created more than 150 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.  OSHA is dedicated to assuring worker safety and health.  For more information, visit www.osha.gov and the Labor Department’s compliance assistance Web site at www.dol.gov/compliance.