In 2013, 4,400 workers were killed on the job in the United States alone. Understandably, this is down significantly from the 14,000 fatally injured in 1970, the year in which the Occupational Health and Safety Act passed; but it still means that the equivalent of a town doesn’t come home each year.
However, this number doesn’t paint the entire picture. 50,000 more die each year from other work-related diseases—silent killers—caused by exposure to toxic chemicals and other health hazards on the job.
To raise awareness about this frightening statistic, entities across the world—businesses, unions, and government agencies—unite to commemorate International Workers Memorial Day every year on April 28.
From Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez:
Workers’ Memorial Day Activities in Illinois on April 28
Chicago, Ill.
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: outside OSHA Region 5 Office
230 S Dearborn St.
Chicago, Il
Chicago, Ill.
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: outside OSHA Region 5 Office
230 S Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL
Galesburg, Ill.
Time:5:30 PM
Location: Galesburg, IL
Peoria, Ill.
Date: April 28, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Peoria City Hall
Aurora, Ill.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location:City Hall
44 E. Downer Place, Second floor-Council Chambers
Aurora, IL 60505
Alton, Ill.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Gordon Moore Park
Alton, IL
Protecting Workers Today, Tomorrow, Every Day
Just because there is a holiday to do something doesn’t mean that you should only look at an issue once. Employers should take strides to protect employees every day from all dangers, both visible and invisible.
Fatalities can be prevented in the workplace—days and nights, weekends and holidays. As stated by President Obama, “We must never accept that injury, illness, or death is a cost of doing business.”
By creating a culture of safety, you provide your organization the opportunity to not only prevent injuries, both fatal and nonfatal, but also recognize your true Return on Safety.
What is a Return on Safety? By reducing injuries, you can not only reduce your risk of citations from OSHA, but you can increase capital by reducing your EMR and increase productivity through your commitment to proper training and minimized time lost.
Optimum Safety Management can help you to realize your Return on Safety. Learn more by signing up for our safety newsletter and contacting us for more information.
Need help now? Call our Safety Helpline at 888-70-Safety (888-707-2338)
