The U.S. Department of Labor shared its commitment to safeguarding workers’ wages by announcing new compliance assistance materials and a website during National Construction Safety Week, held May 2-6.
A toolkit produced in both English and Spanish will help construction workers understand their rights and educate employers about their legal obligations, according to a May 2 release.
“During National Construction Safety Week, we recognize that the safety and health of workers includes ensuring economic security for them and their families,” Jessica Looman, acting administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, said, according to the release.
The Department of Labor depends on construction industry workers to help realize the promise and benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Looman said, the release reported. Construction workers have long hours in difficult conditions, and the department needs to ensure they have good jobs and are paid fair wages, she said.
“As the number of jobs grows in the coming decade, employers who deny workers their full wages and benefits either intentionally or not may find it more difficult to attract and keep the people they need to make their businesses successful,” she said in the release.
Looman said the Wage and Hour Division is committed to working with state and local agencies, employers and other industry stakeholders to help employers avoid the consequences of safety violations, according to the release.
