The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mexican Consulate in Dallas have formed a strategic alliance to enhance workplace safety for Spanish-speaking workers in North Texas. Signed on June 14, 2023, this two-year alliance aims to provide crucial resources and training to both employees and employers within the region.
The collaboration between the OSHA Dallas and Fort Worth Area Offices and the Mexican Consulate in Dallas is specifically designed to bridge the gap in workplace safety information for the area’s significant Spanish-speaking workforce. This initiative will focus on delivering essential information, guidance, and access to resources regarding worker’s rights. These resources will be available in Spanish, ensuring accessibility and understanding for Mexican nationals working in North Texas, particularly in the construction and general industry sectors.
This alliance emphasizes the importance of worker rights and employer responsibilities as outlined under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. By providing targeted outreach and training materials, the partnership seeks to empower Spanish-speaking employees with the knowledge to protect themselves from workplace hazards and ensure they are aware of their entitlements under U.S. law, regardless of immigration status.
Basil Singh, OSHA Area Director in Dallas, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “OSHA’s alliance with the Mexican Consulate in Dallas will prevent many Spanish-speaking people working in North Texas from needless injuries or worse. Every U.S. worker, regardless of their immigration status, has the right to a safe workplace and to receive information in their own language.”
Echoing this sentiment, Timothy Minor, OSHA Area Director in Fort Worth, emphasized the importance of overcoming language barriers. “Working with the Mexican Consulate in Dallas will help us reach out to many workers who we might not otherwise have access to,” Minor explained. “By breaking down the language barrier, we can help these workers understand the rights to be protected from needless harm.”
OSHA’s Alliance Program has a proven track record of fostering safer work environments by collaborating with diverse organizations committed to worker well-being. This partnership with the Mexican Consulate in Dallas is a vital step in extending these protections to Spanish-speaking workers, ensuring they have equal access to safety information and resources.
