OSHA and regional business association join forces to train Hispanic workers

The following is a press release by OSHA about this training program. Delmarva Safety Association works with Delaware, Maryland and Virginia employers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Delmarva Safety Association (DSA) recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. OSHA and DSA hereby form an Alliance to provide DSA members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees’ health and safety, with a specific focus on reducing workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths among the Spanish-speaking workforce. In developing this Alliance, OSHA and DSA recognize that OSHA’s State Plan and Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.
OSHA and DSA will work together to achieve the following training and education goals:
* Develop training and education programs on occupational safety and health issues specifically targeted to employers of Hispanic workers.
* Deliver information for inclusion in safety and health training for supervisors that addresses important cultural considerations and sensitivities.
* Deliver or arrange for the delivery of safety and health training which address these cultural considerations.
See below for the complete press release:


The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Delmarva Safety Association (DSA) recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. OSHA and DSA hereby form an Alliance to provide DSA members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees’ health and safety, with a specific focus on reducing workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths among the Spanish-speaking workforce. In developing this Alliance, OSHA and DSA recognize that OSHA’s State Plan and Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.
OSHA and DSA will work together to achieve the following training and education goals:
* Develop training and education programs on occupational safety and health issues specifically targeted to employers of Hispanic workers.
* Deliver information for inclusion in safety and health training for supervisors that addresses important cultural considerations and sensitivities.
* Deliver or arrange for the delivery of safety and health training which address these cultural considerations.
OSHA and the DSA will work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals:
* Develop and disseminate information through print and electronic media, including OSHA’s Spanish-translated materials, electronic assistance tools and links from OSHA’s and DSA’s Web sites.
* Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA’s or DSA conferences, local meetings, and training seminars, including the DSA Safety Seminar & Exposition.
* Share information on best practices for reducing injuries, illnesses and deaths for Hispanic workers, as jointly determined by OSHA and DSA, at DSA member’s worksites with others in the industry and publicize the results through outreach by DSA and through OSHA- or DSA-developed training programs and materials.
* Cross-train OSHA personnel, DSA members and other industry safety and health professionals in best practices or effective approaches to reducing workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths to Hispanic workers, as jointly determined by OSHA and DSA.
* Work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects for reducing workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths to Hispanic workers that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.
* Promote and encourage DSA members’ or worksites’ participation in OSHA’s cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program, Consultation, and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
* Encourage DSA member’s worksites to build relationships with OSHA’s Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues.
OSHA and DSA will work together to achieve the following goals related to promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health:
* Raise others’ awareness of and demonstrate their own commitment to workplace safety and health whenever DSA leaders address groups.
* Develop and disseminate case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health and publicize their results.
* Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on issues to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.
OSHA’s Alliances provide parties an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such as training and education, outreach and communication and promoting a national dialogue on workplace safety and health. These Alliances have proved to be valuable tools for both OSHA and its Alliance participants. By entering into an Alliance with a party, OSHA is not endorsing any of that party’s products or services; nor does the Agency enter into an Alliance with the purpose of promoting a particular party’s products or services.
An implementation team will be formed. The team will be made up of representatives of OSHA, DSA, Hispanic groups, businesses employing Hispanic workers, and other stakeholders who have specific expertise and/or a strong interest in enhancing workplace safety and health for Hispanic workers. The implementation team will meet to develop a plan of action. This may include the identification of priority business sector(s) employing a significant population of at risk Hispanic workers and the methods that may be most effective in achieving desired results. In addition, the team will meet at least quarterly to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. OSHA will encourage State Plan States’ and OSHA Consultation Projects’ participation on the team.
This agreement will remain in effect for two years. Either signatory may terminate it for any reason at any time, provided they give 30 days written notice. This agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of both signatories.
Leonard J. Renner
Area Director
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration