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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Susan (573) 751-1518
April 28, 2009
Labor Department Pays Tribute to Fallen Missouri Workforce
Ceremony Observes National Workers Memorial Day
Jefferson City, Mo- The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations honored Missourians who lost their lives while on the job in 2008 with a Capitol memorial today. Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Larry Rebman, State Representative Tim Meadows and Mark Frerking, a representative from the Department’s safety program, led the event which marks National Workers Memorial Day. Gov. Jay Nixon recently proclaimed April 26 through May 2 to be Workers Memorial Week in Missouri.
“During this week, we ask that everyone take a moment to remember those Missourians who went to work and never came home. We feel for the families and friends they left behind,” says Department Director Larry Rebman.
In 2007, over 5,000 workers were killed due to job hazards in the United States. During that same time, a total of 155 fatal work injuries were recorded in Missouri. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation incidents, which include highways, roads, air, and water, were the leading event or exposure of fatal work injuries in 2006 and 2007.
“We understand that certain fatalities could not have been prevented by additional safety measures. But that shouldn’t stop employers and employees from taking advantage of all of the safety programs and resources offered through the Department of Labor. These programs do save lives,” says Rep. Tim Meadows.
The Department’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) assists and motivates employers with 250 employees or fewer to provide a safe and healthy work environment. Once qualified, program participants benefit by paying reduced workers’ compensation premiums, increasing worker productivity, reducing hazards in the workplace, and improving morale.
To further ensure safety at the workplace, a new law, effective August 28th, 2009, will require all contractors and subcontractors who work on public works projects to train their on-site employees on potential hazards they many encounter while working on the project by taking a 10 hour OSHA construction safety class. If an on-site employee is found without proper documentation showing the course was completed, a $2,500 fine plus $100 per day will be assessed to the contractor for each noncompliant employee.
“With these preventative measures in place, more Missourians will be able to concentrate on their job when they go to work and worry less about losing their life,” says Rebman.
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