Solis to Visit Oil Spill Site in Louisiana

At the direction of President Obama, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis will travel to Houma, La., June 9 to receive briefings from Unified Command officials about the administration’s ongoing response to the BP oil spill and to inspect efforts to ensure the health, safety and well-being of workers affected by the spill and engaged in the spill response.

Laura Walter

June 9, 2010

2 min read

Solis’ actions on scene will be coordinated by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, who is leading the administration-wide response and directing all interagency activities.

In the Gulf region, Solis will join Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels to meet with OSHA staff about safety efforts underway for workers during cleanup activities. She also will conduct an aerial tour of the affected area and meet with beach cleanup workers to discuss the administration’s efforts to ensure their safety.

Solis will conclude her trip in Houma on June 9 with a tour and visit of the Terrebonne Career Solutions Center, where she will meet with Vietnamese workers who have been impacted by the oil spill. The Department of Labor has been providing resources for oil spill workers translated into Vietnamese as well as Spanish.

On June 10, Solis will visit the Zion Travelers Cooperative Center in Phoenix, La., to assess the programs that are being offered for workers in the area. She also will meet with fishermen and tour the Jefferson Business and Career Solutions Center in Gretna, La., where she will meet with representatives from shrimp and oyster associations in Louisiana. She will conclude her meetings with nonprofit organizations that have been assisting various affected workers.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.