Tag Archives: Workers Memorial Day

WORKERS’ MEMORIAL DAY – APRIL 28, 2014

Workers’ Memorial Day, observed on April 28, is also the anniversary of the signing of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, (OSHA), over 4 decades ago, and has been designated as the time to remember fallen workers and surviving families, as well as to emphasize the promise of safe jobs. 

The signing of OSHA was the committment of the right to a safe workplace.  Despite this promise, and the dedication and efforts of both workers and enlightened employers, 12 workers die on-the-job every day in the United States. In fact, a total of 150 U.S. workers die each day, (more than 50, 000 workers each year) as a result of exposure to health and safety hazards on the job. 

Over the next several days there will be thousands of people participating in Workers’ Memorial Day observances throughout the U.S. in remembrance of fallen co-workers, friends, and family as they renew their commitment to making their workplaces safer. Members of the public and the survivors of victims of workplace injuries and death have been invited to attend and participate in observances, which include the reading of names of deceased and injured workers, memorial bells, candlelight vigils, and other memorial services. 

It’s a fact that safety laws and regulations don’t kill jobs – but unsafe jobs do kill workers. Our elected officials should be making sure that all workers are protected, by keeping safety standards and regulations up to date and enforced. They should also be strengthening the voice of workers to advocate on their own behalf for safer jobs, not attacking their rights to advocate effectively for themselves, their families, and all workers. 

The Whistleblower Act was written to protect workers from reporting unsafe working conditions, without repercussion. They have the right to tell their employer of any risks and hazards of their jobs that could be life-threatening, without repercussion. After a company investigation, those workers have the right to protection against discrimination, such as: reduction of pay/hours; prospect of promotion; making threats; blacklisting; demotion; denial of benefits, intimidation; fail to hire/rehire. 

Companies are required to meet all safety standards as set by OSHA. When accidents happen and there are injuries and/or casualties, OSHA will investigate. Depending on their findings, companies may have to pay large penalties for failure to comply with such standards, as well as benefits to the worker’s family. 

This Workers’ Memorial Day, the soldiers at Ft Hood, Texas, should be remembered. Although a service was held for them, they need special thoughts this day.  They were doing their job when shot by a fellow soldier. Investigations are being conducted until a cause for this tragedy is found. Remember those and any others you know or family members of someone who lost their life because of their job. 

Every worker has the right to know they will be safe at their job, and get to return home at the end of their shift.

INTERNATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY – 2012

Saturday, April 28th is International Workers Memorial Day.  It is a day when unions around the world campaign for improvements in workplace health and safety.  Started by the Canadian Union of Public Employees in 1984, and adopted by the Canadian Labour Congress the following year, the day has been officially recognized by more than twenty countries, including the USA and the UK.  The Canadian National Day of Mourning is also observed on this day.   The U.N. adopted the day in 1996. 

The following  information comes from r@w news, in Australia.  This day is one to remember workers who died, were injured or fell ill due to unsafe, unhealthy or unsustainable work and workplaces around the world.  The most updated information shows that there are almost 360,000 fatal occupational accidents in any year, and almost 2 million fatal work-related diseases.  Every day, more than 960,000 workers get hurt because of accidents, and on average 5,330 workers die because of work-related diseases.  April 28th should be commemorated for those who have lost their lives or their health at or because of their work; to raise awareness about the risk of disease, injury or death for workers in all sectors and countries; and to engage all workers and unions in a positive action day for dialogue, transformation, and progress on occupational safety. 

We checked out other announcements from countries that also commemorate this day, such as our own country, the United States.  The IAFF is encouraging its affiliates to observe Workers Memorial Day and National Day of Mourning on April 28, remembering those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe workplaces.  In 1989, April 28 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the day OSHA went into effect.  OSHA protects workers by instituting occupational health and safety standards that cultivate safe working environments and remove recognized hazards that may cause death or serious harm to workers.  The theme for the AFL-CIO for this year is “Safe Jobs Save Lives.” 

UNISON Scotland, Scotland’s biggest and liveliest trade union’s theme is “Cuts Cost Lives – Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living.  In the United Kingdom, IOSH feels that this  is the most important day of occupational safety and health calendar on the horizon.  They are encouraging persons to send in snapshots of themselves and their co-workers and describe “What does Workers’ Memorial Day Mean toYou?”  The images will then be uploaded to IOSH’s Twitter and Flickr accounts to give people around the world an insight into the real meaning of the Day. 

For your information, here are the countries that observe and promote this day around the world: Argentina, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Greece, Luxembourg, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan, U.S.A., Ukraine and the United Kingdom.  In addition to which the Andean Community of countries has adopted this day on behalf of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and their associate member Venezuela. 

Whether you are union or non-union, chances are every one of us has known someone who died on the job.  We must do everything possible to encourage employers to make jobs safer for workers around the world.  Pause and be thankful on this day that is set aside to honor those who lost their lives simply doing their job.