Prevention Of Jobsite Fatalities, Accidents Focus Of Construction Safety Summit

Hispanic Contractors Association de Tejas Announces OSHA Speakers, Agenda

Mesquite, TX /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Current industry safety statistics indicate that the construction industry is plagued by three deaths in the workplace every day, with Hispanic workers accounting for two thirds of those fatalities. In a concerted effort to increase awareness of this problem and to spur efforts aimed at decreasing jobsite fatalities and accidents, the Hispanic Contractors Association de Tejas (HCAT), in partnership with OSHA Region VI, will host the "The Construction Safety and Health Summit," a regional event structured to train, educate and promote best safety practices and an understanding of issues facing Latino workers. The event will take place September 15–17, 2011 at the Mesquite Convention Center / Hampton Inn & Suites in Mesquite, Texas.

In addition to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Region VI major support, the Summit is presented in partnership with Occupational Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), OSHA Institute Southwest Education Center, Richland College/ DCCCD, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) OSHA Education Center, Compacion Foundation and the U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association (USHCA). The HCAT summit objective is to offer an exceptional opportunity for men and women employed in the construction industry to receive comprehensive training critical to their safety and survival on the daily job site.

Summit speakers slated for the seminar on Friday, September 16, include Keynote Speaker John Hermanson, OSHA Regional Administrator Region VI; William Burke, OSHA Deputy Regional Administrator Region VI; Dr. James W. Planter, Ph.D., Associate Director Science and Technology, CPWR and Victor Bretting, VP of Operations, TAS Commercial Concrete Construction of Dallas. Each of the experienced Industry safety professionals will provide insight on tools necessary to a safe workplace environment by addressing current deficiencies, discussing solutions for best safety practices and advocating construction accident avoidance, as well as discussions regarding current fatalities data. In addition, the summit will present educational workshops and forums to discuss overall safety issues relevant to Latino workers including language, education and culture.

A major component of the Construction Safety and Health Summit agenda are the two (2) 8-hour accredited course offerings scheduled on Thursday, September 15. The OSHA Education Center at UTA will provide "Introduction to Safety and Health Management" (OSHA 7500) and TEEX will provide "Fall Hazard Awareness in Construction" (OSHA 7405). Courses are included as part of the summit registration.

On Saturday, the Summit will present an introduction and tour of the HCAT/OSHA 10-hour Marathon Training Seminar at Richland College.

For Summit registration and information, call HCAT 972-557-4186, or online at www.construction-summit.com

About HCA de Tejas:
HCAT is a non-profit organization based in Balch Springs, Texas. The organization's mission is to promote and support the advancement and economic growth of Hispanic contractors in Texas and to provide advocacy of best safety practices in the construction industry with the goal to reduce accidents and fatalities.

SOURCE Hispanic Contractors Association de Tejas