US Labor Department orders Texas companies to pay more than $200K in back wages, damages to workers fired after raising asbestos concerns

US Labor Department orders Texas companies to pay more than $200K in back wages, damages to workers fired after raising asbestos concerns HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered two Houston-based construction companies and their owners to reinstate and compensate two workers who were fired for raising asbestos concerns during repair of a hotel after Hurricane Beryl.The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated a whistleblower complaint by the terminated employees of Rise Construction LLC, owned by Jivar Foty, and Niko Group LLC, owned by Jessica Foty. The two employees alleged they were fired after raising concerns to the owners about lack of training, asbestos certification, personal protective equipment, and illegal dumping of asbestos. OSHA found that the terminations were in retaliation for making protected complaints under the Clean Air Act, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, and Toxic Substances Control Act, and ordered reinstatement of th...

US Department of Labor North Florida non-profit initiative align to safeguard agriculture construction industries workers

US Department of Labor, North Florida non-profit initiative align to safeguard agriculture, construction industries’ workers
Who:  U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration            The Migrants & Minorities Alliance Inc. What:  Safety and health alliance Background: OSHA and Migrants & Minorities Alliance Inc. are allying to protect agricultural and construction industry workers by reducing and preventing exposure to workplace hazards. The alliance will focus on educating employers and workers on OSHA’s Focus Four, which involves education on preventing falls, caught-in, struck-by and electrical hazards. 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 and more. OSHA and their partners develop compliance assistance tools and resources to share with workers and employers. The program also centers on educating workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Quote: “Our coalition with the Migrants & Minorities Alliance reflects OSHA’s shared interest in making sure workers have the best opportunity to return home safely to their families and friends at the end of every workday,” said OSHA Area Office Director Scott Tisdale in Jacksonville, Florida. “Relationships with community organizations are essential, especially in reaching vulnerable worker populations.”

Published at June 15, 2023 at 05:00PM
Read more at https://dol.gov

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