Secretary of Labor to Convene Latino Worker Health, Safety Summit
The Department of Labor recently announced that Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis will convene a National Action Summit for Latino Worker Health and Safety on April 14 and 15 in Houston. Opening day events will include a keynote address by Solis and employees sharing their workplace experiences.
The summit, co-sponsored by the OSHA and NIOSH, will bring together more than 800 people, including workers and representatives from unions, employer associations, community organizations, day labor centers, the interfaith community, the academic community, Latino organizations, health professionals, medical clinics, consulates, federal and state agencies, and others with the goal of reducing injuries and illness among Latino workers by enhancing their knowledge of their rights and their ability to exercise those rights.
In addition to Solis, other speakers include: Dr. David Michaels, OSHA assistant secretary; Dr. John Howard, NIOSH director; Dolores Huerta, Dolores Huerta Foundation; and Voices from the Workplace: a diverse panel of workers who will share their personal stories about safety and health on the job.
The summit will focus on the construction and other high-risk industries with large numbers of Latino workers. It will showcase innovative partnerships, demonstrate successful education and training strategies, and develop effective enforcement and communication strategies.
The event will take place at the Hilton Americas Hotel's Lanier Grand Ballroom G-L, 1600 Lamar St., Houston, on Wednesday, April 14. For information on workshops, visit www.osha.gov/latinosummit/index.html.