OSHA, NIOSH to Hold 'Action Summit' on Latino Worker Health, Safety
Making good on DOL Secretary Hilda Solis's announcement last Labor Day, OSHA will convene a National Action Summit for Latino Worker Health and Safety on April 14-15 at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston.
The conference, co-sponsored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, will be designed to bring together workers and representatives from employer associations, labor unions, the faith community, community organizations, the medical community, safety and health professionals, educators, government officials, consulates, the entertainment community, and other non-traditional partners.
Construction will be the primary industry targeted. OSHA noted that Latino immigrant workers comprise almost one quarter of the construction industry workforce and suffer the highest rate of construction-related deaths. The conference also will target other high-risk industries that employ large numbers of Latino workers, the agency said.
"Far too many Latino workers have needlessly lost their lives just trying to earn a living and it must stop," said OSHA chief David Michaels. "At the summit, we will shine a spotlight on the hazards and challenges faced by this vulnerable sector of the nation's workforce so that we can begin crafting new, badly needed strategies to prevent thousands of injuries and deaths every year."
OSHA added that the conference also will showcase innovative partnerships, demonstrate successful education and training strategies, and develop effective enforcement and communication strategies. Those interested in attending can register online at www.osha.gov.