Makita partners with Wrangler and Rockstar in Bi-lingual OSHA-certified training

FEBRUARY 13, 2009, La Mirada, CA — Makita U.S.A., Inc. and Wrangler® Western Wear have teamed up to provide free bi-lingual construction safety training in an effort to increase jobsite safety awareness. The classes, in conjunction with local branches of the Hispanic Contractors Association, are taking place in Denver and Dallas and are part of a larger effort by Makita to engage the Hispanic contractor.

The safety training course is free-of-charge and approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The course covers the four major hazards encountered regularly on construction sites: falls, electrical injuries, and caught-in and struck-by hazards. The training focuses on the methods of recognition and prevention of these common hazards. Upon completing the training, students receive the OSHA 10-hour Certification Card.

“Hispanics comprise 25 percent of the construction-industry workforce,” said Helga Grunerud, Executive Director of HCC. “However, Hispanics in this industry are injured at a disproportionately higher rate than non-Hispanics due in part to a lack of proper training,” For Makita, extending OSHA-certified safety training to more contractors is an important opportunity.

“Teaching the safe use of power tools on jobsites is an ongoing initiative for Makita,” said Ken Hefley, senior vice president of marketing at Makita. “Hispanic contractors make up 25 percent of the total U.S. building maintenance and construction workforce, so reaching these contractors with OSHA-certified training is vital.”

The first training course took place on February 13, 2009 at the Denver headquarters of the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado. The second event is co-sponsored by the Hispanic Contractors Association de Tejas and takes place on February 21, 2009 at Richland College in Dallas.

Sponsors Makita and Wrangler are joined by Rockstar, which is donating energy drinks to both events. Makita and Rockstar are currently team sponsor partners in a variety of power sports including Supercross, Motocross, and off-road racing.

Makita’s Focus on the Hispanic Contractor Makita’s sponsorship of the event is consistent with the brand’s focus on the Hispanic Contractor and jobsite safety. Makita is the Official Power Tool Sponsor of Major League Soccer, as well as the Mexican National Soccer Team (FMF). Makita’s sales personnel offer power tool safety training on jobsites. More recently, the company launched a “Build your Dreams” campaign that focuses on the benefits realized by Hispanic contractors who use Makita power tools.

“The Hispanic contractor is a vital part of the U.S. construction industry, and our participation in soccer and our new ‘Build Your Dreams’ campaign allows us to make a connection,” said Raquel Navarrete, marketing specialist, emerging markets at Makita. “Jobsite safety is another top initiative for Makita, so our partnership with Wrangler Western Wear on this important issue is a true win-win for everyone involved.”

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