TRADE NEWS RELEASE
January 5, 2001
CONTACT: Lydia Kleiner
PHONE: (202) 693-1999

OSHA INTRODUCES 'PLAIN LANGUAGE' WORKPLACE POSTER IN SPANISH

The Spanish language version of the new 'plain language' OSHA poster is now available. The poster, which is free, may be downloaded from the Internet or ordered from OSHA. "Lo Establece La Ley" or "It's the Law" describes workers' rights to a safe and healthful workplace.

"Workers need information about how to protect themselves if there are unsafe or unhealthful conditions in the workplace,"said OSHA Administrator Charles Jeffress. "Offering clear descriptions of employees' rights in Spanish as well as in English is an important step in reaching out to ensure that every worker understands the protections provided by OSHA."

The previous edition of the OSHA poster is still valid: employers are not required to replace it with the new version, although they are required to post an OSHA notice of employee rights in a prominent location. The poster is written in plain language, in keeping with the goals of the National Partnership for Reinventing Government, and explains how workers may file a complaint, report an emergency, or seek OSHA advice, all with the right of confidentiality.

Copies of the Spanish language poster may be downloaded from the Web site at http://www.osha-slc.gov/Publications/poster2.html or obtained by writing to the OSHA publications office, Rm. N3101, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210; or by calling any OSHA office, usually listed under Federal Government in local telephone directories.

Editor's Note: Employers in states operating OSHA-approved state plans should obtain and post the state's equivalent poster if there is one.

This news release text is on the Internet World Wide Web at www.osha.gov. Information on this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Phone: (202) 693-1999.