Workers Memorial Day 2011


Workers Memorial Day 2011


Each year, more than two million women and men die as a result of work-related accidents and diseases. Workers suffer approximately 270 million occupational accidents each year, and fall victim to some 160 million incidents of work-related illnesses. Hazardous substances kill 440,000 workers annually while asbestos claims 100,000 lives. Worldwide we lose one worker dies every 15 seconds and in the US 14 workers die every day do to preventable incidents.

Workers Memorial Day is so much more than a day to honor and remember our loved ones. Families from across out nation have learned that it is not enough to just morn our loss.

During the February 15, Subcommittee on Workforce Protections hearing on Investigating OSHA's Regulatory Agenda and Its Impact on Job Creation Ms. Holmes stated in her testimony, "If it ain't broke don't fix it" and we agree with the wisdom of this saying. However, there are clearly some workplace issues that DO need to be fixed.

Over the years, our country has enacted laws to protect and ensure the safety of our citizens and their families in a variety of ways. We have enacted increasingly stringent seatbelt and child seat laws and fines for non-compliance. We protect our air travelers, skies, and country with increased airport security measures. We protect our citizens against criminal acts through increased criminal penalties, especially against the habitual and/or most egregious offenders. We protect the victims of crimes through victim rights legislation, registries, release notifications and even protection programs. We protect our citizens against financial fraud through both the criminal and regulatory systems. We protect our citizens where and how they live through effective zoning, safe water, clean air, and manufacturing standards for housing, appliances, furniture, clothing, and seek retribution against those who jeopardize the safety and well-being of others. We protect our citizens at play also, from infant toy standards, special licenses and education, rules, regulations, manufacturing standards and increased safety equipment. We even protect the rights of those who do us harm. Should we not protect our workers at their jobs and their families in comparable ways? Is not investing in our workers, investing in the greatest asset of our country?

During this Workers Memorial Day we need to not only remember the fallen but we must call attention to preventable incidents and combine the efforts of all to gain reasonable and effective health and safety solutions for workers, employers and families.

Every year USMWF puts together a list of Workers Memorial Day Events. Do you know of any events or activities that should be shared with our readers?



WMD Events Held By Families Just Like You

(NV) Worker's Memorial Day Event - Las Vegas, NV
Thursday, April 28
Location 2540 Marco St, Las Vegas, NV-Sheet Metal Workers Training Facilit

We are honored to have Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Deputy Assistant Secretary Jordan Barab with us here in Las Vegas. We welcome everyone who wants to hear them speak and also remember and honor those workers who have died on their jobs.

11:00 Workers Memorial Day Event
Speakers
Danny Thompson  Nevada AFL-CIO
Steve Coffield Nevada OSHA
Deb Koehler-Fergen  USMWF
Secretary Hilda Solis DOL
Rep. Shelley Berkley  U.S. House of Representatives
12:00 noon WMD Event Ends
6:15 meet in Lobby, go to grave site and have balloon release.



(NE)WMD With Tonya Ford
State Capital (Northside), Lincoln, NE


April 28, 2011 is a day that is honored around the United States, a day to honor and remember the men and women that were killed in a preventable work related accident and or were injured. This year we would like to honor those in the 2nd Annual Worker Memorial Day Candlelight Vigil. We invite families that have lost loved ones due to a preventable work related accident, or those that have been injured. Please join families, friends, OSHA Representative, and other speakers and honor those that helped make the United States what it is today!

(SC) WMD With Tina South Williamson


Palmetto Land Baptist Church
114 Tomaka Drive
Summerville, SC

On Workers Memorial Day we pay tribute to those who have died as a result of job related hazards. We honor their memories and will never forget them. Key note Speaker is Rep. Tim Scott and Guest Speaker is Tom O' Conner Executive Director at National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.  For additional information http://www.carolinaworkersmemorial.com/

WMD Events Held By Friends


(NY) Long Island Federation of LaborThursday, April 28, 2011
7:00 PM

NYS Office Bldg Lobby
Veterans Memorial Blvd Hauppauge, NY

For more info contact LI FED
(631) 348-1170



NYC
Thursday, April 28, 2011
2:45 pm

Hardhat procession into the Cathedral
3:00 pm

Memorial Service
Saint Patrick's Cathedral

460 Fifth Ave NY, NY 10022

A memorial service for construction workers

For more info, contact:
Father Brian Jordan (646) 473-0413
Kristy Martinelli, BTEA (212) 704-9745
Linda Camacho, BCTC (212) 647-0700 ext. 4



Westchester-Putnam CLB
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Reception: 6:30 PM
Dinner: 7:30 PM

The Colonial Mansion Caterers
139 North Broadway North White Plains, NY

For more info contact: Carol Craft, WPCLB
(914) 698-7988





Hudson Valley ALF

Thursday, April 28, 2011 5:30 PM

Walkway Over the Hudson Poughkeepsie, NY

For more info contact the Hudson Valley ALF (845) 567-7760




Central NY ALF
Syracuse CLC

Thursday, April 28, 2011
11:30 AM

Pensabene's Restaurant
135 State Fair Blvd Syracuse, NY 13204

If you are interested in attending, contact
CNYCOSH (315) 471-6187



Cayuga CLC
Thursday, April 28, 2011
10:00 AM

Hoopes Park Auburn, NY



Tri-County CLC
Thursday, April 28, 2011
SUNY Oneonta Teach-In
7:00 PM Craven Lounge

Sponsored by UUP Oneonta & Oneonta TA

For more info contact CNYALF
(315) 422-3363 Ext. 12






Broome-Tioga Fed of Labor
April 30, 2011
1:00 PM

Special commemorations of the victims of the American Civic Assoc tragedy of 2009 The 1913 Binghamton factory fire.
American Civic Assoc Memorial Park Site (Corner of Front Clinton Sts) Binghamton, NY
Rochester






Genesee ALF Rochester Vicinity Labor Council
Thursday, April 28, 2011 5:00 PM
Highland Park @ Workers' Memorial Site (near South Highland) Rochester, NY



Finger Lakes Labor Assembly

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 5:30 PM

Yates County Social Services
417 Liberty Street @ Memorial Tree

 


Steuben/Livingston CLC

Thursday, April 28, 2011 5:30 PM

Memorial Park, Hornell, NY (at end of Broad St)

Chemung/Schuyler Labor Assembly

Saturday, April 30, 2011 10:30 AM
Wisner Park, Elmira, NY

For more info on these events, contact the RGV ALF at 585-263-2650.

 
WNY ALF

Annual Dinner
Thursday, April 28, 2011
7:00 PM (6:00 PM cocktail hour)

Hearthstone Manor
333 Dick Rd Depew, NY 14043

Guest Speaker: Assemblyman Rory Lancman, Chairman of the NYS Subcommittee on Workplace Safety
For more info contact the WNY ALF (716) 852-0375










(WA) LI will hold ceremony April 28 to mark Worker Memorial Day



TUMWATER – Parents, spouses, children and other relatives of those who died from a job-related illness or injury last year have all been invited to the Department of Labor & Industries' (L&I) annual Worker Memorial Day ceremony, being held April 28.
The 92 fallen workers being honored will include the seven killed in the Tesoro petroleum refinery explosion as well as many workers in hazardous jobs, such as logging, construction and fishing. But the list of names also includes a surgeon, a school teacher and a minister.


"A workplace death can happen to anyone in any job, changing families forever, and traumatizing co-workers and colleagues," said L&I Director Judy Schurke. "This ceremony allows us to honor the memories of these fallen workers and is a reminder that more needs to be done to prevent future workplace tragedies."
The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. at L&I's central building in Tumwater, 7273 Linderson Way S.W. The agency has hosted a ceremony for Worker Memorial Day for 18 years.


Gov. Chris Gregoire is scheduled to attend, as well as representatives from the Association of Washington Business, the Washington State Labor Council, and the Washington Self-Insurers Association.
While the relatives of all the workers who died in 2010 have been invited, the observance is open to their friends, colleagues, and the public at large.
The centerpiece of the ceremony is a reading of the names of the workers, accompanied by bell ringers from the Tumwater Fire Department.
Following the ceremony, the families will be invited to participate in ringing the brass bell that makes up the Worker Memorial sculpture on the grounds of the L&I building.


###


For media information: Hector Castro, L&I, 360-902-6043.
Broadcast version: The Department of Labor & Industries will host its annual Worker Memorial Day ceremony on Thursday, April 28, at the agency's building in Tumwater, south of Olympia. The service will honor the 92 Washington State residents who died in 2010 due to work-related accidents or illnesses. The service begins at 2 p.m. and includes a formal reading of the names of the fallen workers. A number of families of the deceased are expected to attend.



(OR) Annual Workers Memorial Day observance set for April 28



The Oregon AFL-CIO will host its annual observance of Workers Memorial Day on April 28. The event will take place at the Fallen Workers Memorial on the state capitol mall in Salem, located just outside the main entrance of the Bureau of Labor and Industries Building.
Activities will begin at 12-noon and will feature remarks from elected officials, union leaders and safety and health advocates. The memorial service traditionally includes a reading of the names of Oregon workers that suffered fatalities on the job and Oregonians killed in military service the preceding year.
Workers Memorial Day is so designated on April 28 each year to commemorate passage of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act. Congress passed OSHA in 1971, making this year the 40th anniversary of the landmark legislation. But despite OSHA and many parallel state acts, American workers continue to face inordinately high rates of employment-caused injuries, diseases and death. Every working day American workers are killed, while thousands are injured on the job. In addition, workers also die each day from occupationally caused diseases.
The Oregon Fallen Workers Memorial was donated to the state by the Oregon AFL-CIO in 2009.


MOURN for the dead
FIGHT for the Living
WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY
Worker Memorial Day
Commemoration and Rally
Start: Apr 28 2011 - 12:15pm
End: Apr 28 2011 - 1:15pm
Join us to honor our brothers and sisters who were killed, injured or suffered from illness on the job last year
•Demand strong workplace health and safety protections for all workers
•Visit a legislator to voice your support for State Safety and Health legislation
The 2010 Workers’ Memorial Day Report will be released that day. Contact Jeff Newton at (617)825-7233 x14 or jeff.newton@masscosh.org for more Workers’ Memorial Day information or other resources about health and safety in the workplace. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH), Massachusetts AFL-CIO, and Greater Boston Labor Council


(VA) VDOT Honors Fallen Workers in Sunset Vigil



Worker's Memorial Day to be observed Worker Memorial Day Commemoration and Rally
The Virginia Department of Transportation held a vigil Monday evening to honor its 132 workers who have been killed in work zone crashes.
Monday marked the first day of National Work Zone Awareness Week.
The Virginia Department of Transportation held a vigil Monday evening at the VDOT Workers Memorial on Afton Mountain off of Interstate 64 in Albemarle County to honor its 132 workers who have been killed in work zone crashes.
The memorial is the site of a monument that lists the names of the 132 workers who have died between 1928 and 2005.


One of the 132 names on the memorial is Howard C. Shifflett Sr. His son, Howard C. Shifflett Jr., remembered him at the vigil Monday.
"He was always looking forward to going in the morning and come back. And we always looked for him back. But he didn't come back one day," says Shifflett.
He explains that his father was killed when a dump truck carrying two and a half tons of tar and gravel fell across his head and shoulders.
VDOT Maintenance Superintendent George "Robin" Coleman works in the construction zones on a daily basis where the thought of an accident happening is always on his mind.
"It scares you. It scares me everyday. I think about it everyday. I've got 15 guys out there who are under my charge," explains Coleman.
Coleman has some advice for how the public can help protect the workers.
He says, "Make it a point to read that orange and black sign we put up. Make it a point to heed that orange and black sign we put up. And most importantly put the phone down and slow down when passing through a work zone."
Coleman says those simple steps could prevent another name from ever being added to the monument.
"The hard lessons learned from these accidents are not lost," comments Coleman. "They are applied to what we do today to help ensure our crew members go home to their families at the end of the day, just like these fine people wanted to do."
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton also spoke at the vigil.
He said it will be especially important for drivers to be attentive over the next two years as Virginia prepares to implement billions of dollars in new construction projects approved by the General Assembly in January.





(OH) Veterans' Glass City Skyway Tribute memorial


Toledo,


OH - Construction on a tribute memorial for the 5 men who lost their lives building the Veterans Glass City Skyway is about to get underway.
Friday afternoon, crews are set to pour the concrete base for the memorial, which will be in Tribute Park in east Toledo. Construction will continue through the spring.
We're told the centerpiece, a kinetic sculpture by artist Evan Lewis, will be put up the week of April 11. A dedication ceremony is set for April 28 -- national workers' Memorial Day.

 


(ME) Workers’ Memorial Day/May Day Dinner

Western Maine Labor Council
Join us to continue the struggle for workers’ rights and to honor Maine workers who have died on the job this year. We’ll have a textile, bricklayer & shoe worker photo exhibit as well as a great dinner with a cash bar, awards presentation and a chance to honor Maine workers.
For more information contact: Don Bilodeau, 754-7258, dbilod1122@aol.com or Joe Mailey, 786-3750, joemailey1964@gmail.com. All proceeds to benefit the Western Maine Labor Council and Museum L/A.
Where: Franco American Heritage Center (46 Cedar Street Lewiston, Maine 04210)
When: Friday, April 29th 2011
Time: Socializing begins at 6:00 P.M. (cash Bar Will be Open) Meals Start at 6:30
Award presentations, speakers, and the naming those who passed away on the job will follow along with music.





(MD) First annual Maryland Workers’ Memorial


5k Run/1 Mile Walk
Kids’ Chance of Maryland, Inc., will hold a, "First annual Maryland Workers’ Memorial 5k Run/1 Mile Walk" on Saturday, April 30 in Hunt Valley, Md.
The event honors Maryland workers who were seriously injured or lost their lives in workplace accidents. Proceeds from this event will help raise funds for Kids’ Chance scholarships. The registration fee is $35. All paid registrants will receive an event T-shirt.
Race Starting Point: McCormick Hunt Valley Plant, 11100 McCormick Rd., Hunt Valley, Md. 21131. Race Day Registration: Begins at 7:00 a.m. Race begins at 8:30 a.m. Event Registration: Register at
www.charmcityrun.com/events.

 


(CA)Worksafe


invites you to commemorate the 100-year anniversary  of one of the nation's worst workplace tragedies - The Triangle Factory Fire.
On March 25, 1911, a fire broke out in the Triangle Waist Company in New York City. In the end, 146 people - mostly Jewish and Italian immigrant women and girls - had perished.
The Triangle fire, along with the strikes and battles that preceded and followed the disaster, sparked a movement for social reform - leading to the first occupational safety and health laws in New York as well as changes in US labor law, advancing women's suffrage, bringing the issue of immigrant rights out of the shadows, and shaping the future of labor unions.
Today, as we stand in solidarity with the brave workers of Wisconsin and others fighting for their rights, we remember the legacy of the Triangle Factory Fire.
2:00 to 5:00 pm
Mini-Summit
Educational forum and discussion of the Worksafe 2011 policy reform agenda
5:30 to 8:00 pm
Reception Program
Honoree - Tom Rankin
Introduced by - Josie Camacho
Keynote Speaker - Hina Shah
Hors D'Oeuvres - No-Host Bar
Click here to register for sponsorship packages, event journal ads, evening reception tickets, and afternoon mini-summit tickets.
Ticket registration will be available online through March 18, 2011.
All ads must be received by the end of the day on Thursday, March 10, 2011. Please contact us if you wish to reserve ad space but will not be able to meet the deadline. Worksafe can design simple ads for you if you provide us with text and/or a logo.
Special rates and volunteer opportunities may be available - call Sophie Noero at 510.302.1027.

 


(CT) 100 Years of Sweat, Sacrifice and Solidarity: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
100-Year Commemoration




March 25, 2011, 4:30pm
Legislative Office Building
1st Floor Atrium
Hartford, CT
*Dramatic presentation by the Colchester Community Theatre
*Scholarship Essay Contest Awards Presentation
*Music and Refreshments
Other commemorative events include:
February 1 - March 8
Scholarship Essay Contest: In the Aftermath of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.
For details contact pamela.ctcosh@snet.net (open to high school age juniors and seniors)
March 21 - 25
100 Years of Sweat, Sacrifice and Solidarity Exhibit- Capitol/Legislative Office Building Concourse
(come early on March 25 to view)
Presented by:
The Connecticut Council on Occupational Safety and Health
And the Injured Workers Unite Coalition





(MO) Workers' Memorial


Every year,


the Missouri Department of Labor pays tribute to the men and women who lost their lives on the job by coming together with families, friends, colleagues and legislators. The Department holds a ceremony at the state capitol to honor the lives of Missouri's lost workforce. Until enough funds are made available to build a physical memorial, a video is made to create a virtual memorial to honor those Missouri workers and their families. A video for the 2011 ceremony will replace the virtual memorial from 2010. The Workers' Memorial Fund has been established to create a permanent memorial for all workers who suffered a job related death or injuries that resulted in a permanent disability while on the job in Missouri. When sufficient funds accumulate, the memorial will be located on the grounds of the state capitol. Requests for information and contributions may be made at any time by visiting State of Missouri Workers' Memorial Trust Fund information. To RSVP



(PA) Workers Memorial Day


Friday, April 29, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Local 420 Motorcycle Group
This is a union only biker event; only bikers who belong to a labor union can ride in the event.
This event honors deceased union workers who died at work in the past year. There will be a procession down Columbus Blvd, with a memorial service @ Penn's Landing.
Location Workers Memorial Day Sheetmetal Workers Local 19 Union Hall
1301 S. Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia
PENNSYLVANIA
19147
meetup.com/Local420MC







(NY) Workers’ Memorial Day

April 28th is Workers’ Memorial Day and in light of the terrible tragedy of March 15th in the East Side of Manhattan, members both from construction workers unions and construction company management have come together to sponsor a special Construction Workers’ Memorial Mass on that same day. The Mass will begin sharply at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 28th in St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st streets. All construction workers, union members and construction management personnel are most welcome to attend. Not only will we solemnly remember the six construction workers who were called home to God on March 15th, but also the other workers who died on the worksite since last year’s April Workers’ Memorial Day.
We respectfully request that all construction workers who are attending the Mass, as a sign of solidarity among construction workers in New York City, be by St. Patrick’s Cathedral no later than 1:30 p.m. We will have the New York Police Dept. coordinate a procession route on 5ht Avenue and adjoining streets in which participating construction workers WEARING HARDHATS will process into St. Patrick’s Cathedral where you will be seated by the ushers. Please bring your hardhats for this procession. You will take them off after the opening prayer. Management is encouraged to join in the procession wearing hardhats as well. Those not wearing hardhats should not process, but just enter through the side doors of the church. HARDHATS ARE MANDATORY!
All family members of our deceased brethren will be up in the front of the church previously seated. All family members should be in the Cathedral by no later that 1:45 p.m. Please identify yourselves to both the ushers and the union representatives who will greet you and escort you to the front of the church for your assigned seating.
The Memorial Mass will include appropriate music performed by the St. Patrick’s Cathedral Music Ministry, readings and the general intercessions to be read by family members. There will be a special ritual of remembrance in which family members, select union officials and management officials will participate to honor our loved ones. Along with the homily, there will be some brief reflections about the solemnity of Workers’ Memorial Day. The Memorial should conclude between 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Besides the deceased, we will also remember those injured on the worksite this past year.
This Memorial Mass will also serve as a spiritual sign of solidarity among construction workers in our city. This noble profession of construction work poses greater risks than the NYPD or FDNY. Construction workers are more liable to death and injury than most other professions in this great city. THEREFORE, WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT ALL UNION CONSTRUCTION WORKERS MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO BE PRESENT AND PRAY FOR OUR CO-WORKERS AND SHOW SOLIDARITY!




(NY) Good Jobs : Safe JobsWorkers' Memorial Day


April 28, 20115:30 PM VIP Reception and Cocktails
6:00 PM Dinner
On Workers’ Memorial Day, April 28th, workers across our Nation pause to remember those who have died as a result of a workplace injury or illness. Once again, Long Island’s workers failed to escape the tragedy of death as a result of performing their jobs. These workers and their grieving families must not be forgotten. Please join the Long Island Workers’ Memorial Day Committee in honoring these workers at a service dedicated to their memory.
The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 inside the lobby of the New York State Office building located on Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge. Activities will begin at 7 p.m. The memorial service will include comments about those we honor, from family, friends and union brothers and sisters. It will conclude with a candlelight service and the planting of flowers in
Workers Memorial Square. Families are welcome and chairs and light refreshments will be provided.
More Info: Download the flyer [pdf] Adobe Reader needed
We look forward to seeing you on April 28th at 7 PM at the New York State Office Building, Vets Memorial Hwy.Hauppauge.




(CA) Stockton Civic Memorial Auditorium


525 North Center Street
Stockton, CA 95202
Invited Guest SpeakerLieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom
Awards Honoring:Outstanding Political Organizing
United Domestic Workers, UDWA, AFSCME 3930
Outstanding Political Contribution
Operating Engineers Local 3






Workers Memorial Day
AFL-CIO Information



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