National Safety Council Prepares for Workers’ Memorial Day

ITASCA, IL (April 25, 2013) – The National Safety Council is recognizing Workers’ Memorial Day on Sunday, April 28, by remembering all workers who have died on the job and reaffirming its commitment to collaborative efforts to promote employee safety.

In 2011, nearly 4,000 workplace injury fatalities occurred, according to Injury Facts, 2013 edition. Up until three years ago, these fatalities were improving, but they have since remained flat. Additionally, an estimated 53,000 illness fatalities occur each year from exposure to occupational health hazards.

“The National Safety Council has been dedicated to keeping workplaces safe since its inception a century ago. While progress has been made, our ultimate goal is zero injuries, illnesses and deaths,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “This Workers’ Memorial Day our thoughts go out to the families who’ve lost loved ones. We will remain steadfast in our efforts to save lives and prevent injuries and illnesses.”

Workers’ Memorial Day is observed annually to coincide with the date of the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 1971. The Council has maintained an alliance with OSHA since 2003 to improve workplace safety and health practices and provide American workers with safety information, guidance and access to training resources. The alliance particularly emphasizes helping small businesses and minority and youth workers become aware of information and strategies for staying safe on the job.