Today is the Worker Memorial day, and for this day we would like to share with you a special poem for this day, and a letter from Lisa Levy the Area Director from OSHA with an important message.
"April 2016 Dear Employer:
Every year, Workers Memorial Day is observed on April 28th. This day serves as a remembrance for workers who have lost their lives or been injured on the job. As we remember those who have died in preventable workplace tragedies, suffered diseases due to exposure to toxic substances or been injured because of dangerous conditions, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the need to renew our commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace. The day has special significance to those who are dedicated to addressing occupational health and safety issues. Every day, 13 workers are killed on the job in the United States. Despite the difficulties and challenges we face in achieving the goal of reducing and eliminating workplace hazards, we must remain ever vigilant. Since the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, over 40 years ago, the number of worker deaths per year has been reduced from approximately 14,000 in 1970 to 4,679 in 2014. This is a substantial achievement given the fact that over the same time period, the workforce has doubled in size. Unfortunately, too many workers remain at risk. According to preliminary Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, fatal work injuries in construction increased to 874 in 2014 from 828 in 2013. And, there were 827 fatal work injuries involving foreign born workers in 2014. These workers came from over 80 different countries, of which the greatest share (40 percent) were born in Mexico. The number of fatal occupational injuries incurred by contractors was 797, which is 6 percent higher than the 749 reported in 2013. These statistics underscore the importance of providing safety and health training in the appropriate language and upon hiring since many temporary workers are killed or injured in their first week at work. A report recently released by OSHA entitled, Year One of OSHA’s Severe Injury Reporting Program: An Impact Evaluation, found that, “every year, tens of thousands of men and women across the United States are severely injured on the job, sometimes with permanent consequences to themselves and their families”. The report notes that most of the hazards that led to these severe injuries are well understood and easily prevented. And, that they also account for a majority of work-related fatal injuries. OSHA’s goal is safer workplaces and its new reporting program is, “guided by the principle that when employers engage with OSHA after a worker suffers a severe injury, whether or not a workplace inspection is launched, they are more likely to take action to prevent future injuries.” As an employer or an organization with which we have had contact over the past year, we invite you to join us in commemorating this day. Nationally, this day is observed in many ways. The Hasbrouck Heights Area Office of OSHA invites you to participate in Workers Memorial Day this year by holding an event or ceremony at your worksite. Some of the events that have been sponsored in the past include: a moment of silence at the workplace, the distribution of black ribbon pins, a tree planting ceremony or simply distributing educational information such as the enclosed fact sheet to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety and health. Over the years, numerous communities have dedicated plaques, sites and monuments to workers who have lost their lives because of dangerous working conditions. There may already be events scheduled in your region that you can attend.
Please feel free to contact us for more information about Workers Memorial Day or if you have any questions. We would appreciate hearing from you on the results of your effort to raise awareness in your workplace regarding occupational health and safety on this Workers Memorial Day, April 28, 2016.
Please contact our designated Workers Memorial Day coordinator, Michael Silva in the Hasbrouck Heights Area Office at: 201.288.1700.
Thank you for working with us this year to emphasize the importance of prevention - rather than after-the-fact enforcement.
Lisa Levy, Area Director OSHA Hasbrouck Heights NJ Area Office"
Para descargar la versión en español de esta carta, haga clic aquí.