Heartland Workers Center establishes alliance with OSHA to educate immigrant workers on workplace safety and health

OMAHA, Neb. — An alliance is being formed between the Heartland Workers Center of Omaha and the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration to provide HWC staff, immigrant workers and others with education, guidance and access to training resources on protecting the health and safety of workers. The alliance is also designed to promote better understanding of workers' rights, including the use of the OSHA complaint process, and employers' responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Safety and health training will also be provided in Spanish when the need arises.

Founded in 2009, the HWC is a self-sustaining immigrant and worker advocacy organization that provides leadership training with the goal of improving working and living conditions for all families across the Midwest.

"This alliance reflects a commitment to the safety of all employees in the Omaha area, including vulnerable populations like immigrant workers," said Bonita Winingham, OSHA's area director in Omaha. "We must keep in mind that every worker in this country deserves a safe work environment."

HWC and OSHA intend to speak, present or appear at conferences, local meetings or other community-based events and work with participants on specific issues and projects related to immigrant worker rights that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.

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 to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

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.