Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Spanish language training begins for Kentucky Department of Labor employees

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2007) – In an effort to further Governor Ernie Fletcher’s goal of increased safety in the workplace, Kentucky Department of Labor (DOL) employees are learning a second language. 

The department, which is charged with regulating workplace safety and health through education and enforcement, has arranged for Spanish language training for 20 employees from its offices of Occupational Safety and Health, Workplace Standards and Legal Services.

“For safety in the workplace, clear communication is vital,” said Teresa J. Hill, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, parent agency of DOL. “Learning Spanish gives our employees another tool for effectively communicating with Kentucky’s Hispanic workers, avoiding misunderstanding and decreasing chances of an accident or fatality."

Los Monitos Inc., of Louisville, will conduct 104 hours of the language training – two hours per week for one year, beginning March 2, 2007.  Since 2001, Los Monitos has been providing schools, businesses, hospitals and other organizations customized, on-site Spanish language training to meet a variety of professional goals.

The Kentucky Department of Labor currently has three bilingual employees on staff – a safety compliance officer, a safety consultant and a Hispanic policy adviser.