OSHA, Consulate General of Ecuador establish alliance to train Chicago-area Ecuadorian workers, protect them from job hazards

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Consulate General of Ecuador in Chicago have signed a two-year alliance to promote workplace safety and health, and share information on U.S. laws and standards, including those relating to workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Alliance participants will meet at least three times annually to track and share information.

“Together, OSHA and the Ecuadorian Consulate will collaborate to help protect Ecuadorian nationals working in the U.S. from preventable workplace injuries,” said OSHA’s Acting Regional Administrator William J. Donovan in Chicago. “Alliances such as this allow OSHA to provide education and training to improve the safety of workers throughout Chicagoland.”

The alliance aims to:

• Develop training and education programs for Ecuadorian workers and employers in the area.
• Provide safety seminars and talks.
• Promote and encourage worker participation in employer safety and health programs.
• Convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, stakeholder meetings and mobile consulate events on issues affecting Ecuadorian nationals working in Chicago.
• Promote understanding of the OSHA-complaint process.

The alliance continues a joint commitment between OSHA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Integration of Ecuador, to protect the well-being of Ecuadorian workers in the U.S.

OSHA’s Alliance Program works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, businesses, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share information with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.

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. Learn more about OSHA.