Incorporating Occupational Health Training into a Sustainable Labor Model in the Garment Industry in the Dominican Republic

International apparel brands rountinely contract with substandard suppliers, or "sweatshops", in developing countries. These factories are commonly fraught with serious known health hazards, resulting in tragedies ranging from silicosis to devasting fires killing hundreds of workers at a time. These brands have employed Corporate Social Responsibility programs, primarily focused on management systems, to correct/prevent such conditions, but have had limited success. An alternative exists. The Labor Occupational Health Program, Worker Rights Consortium, and the Maquiladora Health and Saftey Support Network collaborated to promote a worker-driven health and safety program in the Alta Gracia garment factory in the Domincan Republic. Over 180 US-based universities contract with this "sweat-free" factory. Alta Gracia pays twice the industry prevailing wage, has an active trade union, and prioritizes OHS.The LOHP, WRC, and MHSSN partnership conducted site visits, consultation, training, and follow-up that helped establish a strong OHS base program. Plant management made nearly immediate improvements in response to this program, and the worker health and safety committee also agreed to take on multiple responsibilities. This project explores the potential of this labor model to effectively support the health of workers globally.