Oregon OSHA to present Spanish-language safety conference informing workers of their safety rights, protections against hazards, and more

Salem, OR - In November, Oregon OSHA will present the fourth Spanish-language conference addressing workplace safety and health, and workers' rights while on the job. Attendees will learn how to assert their rights to a safe and healthy workplace, protect their safety and health at work and home, protect against wage theft, and more.

The free conference, titled "Safety, Health, and Your Rights at Work," will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the Wingspan Event Center, 801 NE 34th Ave. in Hillsboro. Presenters include workplace safety and health professionals and other experts. The event will feature lunch and exhibits.

"This conference underscores Oregon OSHA's deep commitment to connecting with those who are among Oregon's most vulnerable workers by offering a place where crucial workplace safety and health information is provided entirely in the language of many such workers," said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. "We place a high value on community engagement. We look forward to listening to Spanish-speaking Oregonians and providing resources to help them meet their safety and health needs."

Those interested in attending this free conference must preregister by Wednesday, Oct. 30. Registration is available in Spanish and English. For more information, visit the conference webpage, send an email to [email protected], or call 503-947-7413.

Conference topics include:

• Asserting your right to a safe workplace
• Protecting your health at work and at home
• Identifying and addressing common workplace hazards
• Safety and health in:
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Service (landscaping, hospitality, caregiving)
  • Manufacturing
• Role of the supervisor in workplace safety
• Protecting yourself from wage theft
• Whistleblower protection program
• Risk management for small business

The conference highlights Oregon OSHA's ongoing commitment to expanding its outreach efforts, breaking down language barriers, connecting with more workers and employers about free workplace safety and health resources, and advancing on-the-job safety and health for all workers in Oregon.

Visit Oregon OSHA's Spanish-language online training courses and learn about the division's PESO program, a bilingual program that helps English-speaking employers train and talk about workplace safety and health issues with Spanish-speaking workers.

Workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. That includes the right to raise concerns free from retaliation and to file a complaint with Oregon OSHA, which advances safety for all Oregon workers through enforcement, consultation, technical, and public education and training services. The Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers, an independent advocate, offers workers help in understanding their rights within workplace safety and health rules, and their rights within the workers' compensation system. The office's toll-free phone number is 800-927-1271.

Moreover, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) Multicultural Communications Program provides outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. That outreach includes information about on-the-job safety and health. The program includes a toll-free phone number for Spanish-speaking Oregonians at 800-843-8086.

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About Oregon OSHA:

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.