US Department of Labor's OSHA commemorates Workers' Memorial Day by signing two alliances to promote worker safety and health in North Texas

DALLAS — To enhance workplace safety and health for workers in North Texas, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration signed two alliance agreements today with the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association and the Workers Defense Project in Dallas to commemorate Workers' Memorial Day.

"We welcome this unique opportunity to join with the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association and the Workers Defense Project in emphasizing workplace safety and health," said Stephen Boyd, OSHA's Dallas Area Director. "The combined resources of these relationships will provide education and training to help protect workers employed in high-risk industries, such as construction."

In addition to signing the alliance agreements, OSHA's Dallas Area Office also commemorated Workers' Memorial Day at a prayer service at the OSHA Education Center, a division of Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service in Mesquite, Texas.

The Regional Hispanic Contractors Association is part of the National Hispanic Contractor's Association and provides administrative and legal assistance to approximately 1,300 Hispanic contractors and their workers in Texas. Under this alliance, the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association personnel will work closely with OSHA's Dallas Area Office to enhance outreach and awareness to improve the understanding of worker's rights regarding workplace safety and health.

The Workers Defense Project is a membership-based organization established in 2002 whose mission is to win better working conditions for Texans. The WDP is a worker center and part of a national movement of organizations that seek to provide low-wage workers with the resources they need to improve their working and living conditions. Under this alliance, Workers Defense Project personnel will work closely with OSHA's Dallas Area Office to enhance outreach and awareness to improve the understanding of worker's rights.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA programmed inspections. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

Employers and employees with questions about workplace safety and health standards, alliances or partnerships can call OSHA's Dallas Area Office at 214-320-2400.

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 ensure 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.