CNMI-OSHA on-site consultation project manager Reynaldo C. Deleon Guerrero, who was yesterday’s guest at the Saipan Rotary Club meeting at Hyatt’s Giovanni’s Restaurant, said the big drop in number was the result of the exodus of guest workers and the hard economic situation on island.
Deleon Guerrero said work-related injuries that were reported to OSHA mostly involved construction companies.
Deleon Guerrero said the now defunct-garment industry was the most compliant of all industries on island.
“We had very few injuries reported from the garment industry when they were still here because they worked with us ,” he added.
“We value all our guest workers, and we want all of them to go back to their families safely,” Deleon Guerrero said.
He said there was only one work-related fatality reported last year.
According to Deleon Guerrero, whenever they visit workplaces they are not there to give citations but to ensure that everything is safe for workers.
He is urging all employers to file the Form 300 to report any work-related injuries so OSHA can come in and provide the necessary training to make the workplace safe.
Deleon Guerrero said they prefer to work with companies and not impose fines.
He said they do not interfere in any of the operations at the workplace they visit except if there is an imminent danger, there is a fatality or when there is a complaint.
They provide employers with an overview of OSHA enforcement in the CNMI and information on how to identify and address potential health and safety concerns in the workplace before a complaint is filed.
The U.S. Congress created OSHA as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for employees by enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education and assistance.
Deleon Guerrero said he has already conducted outreach programs on Tinian and Rota.
They have also started moving to a new office on Capital Hill and are looking to finish the move in a couple of weeks so they can start serving constituents from there, he added.
“Please don’t hesitate to call us anytime and we will be happy to assist you to make your workplaces better and safe,” he said.
For more information, call 236-0913/0988/9 or fax 664-3158.
