Region 7 News Release: 13-710-KAN
April 24, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA to host Workers' Memorial Day
event April 26 in North Kansas City, Mo.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will commemorate Workers' Memorial Day on April 26 with an event beginning at 10 a.m. CDT at the Builders' Association Education and Training Center, 105 W. 12th Ave., in North Kansas City. The event is open to the public and the media.

"Workers' Memorial Day is held annually to remember those who have lost their lives on the job. Every day in America, 13 people go to work and never come home, and each year nearly 4 million people suffer a workplace injury from which some may never recover," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "Since OSHA's founding, common-sense standards and strong enforcement have saved thousands of lives and prevented countless injuries."

Kansas City Mayor Sly James will read a formal proclamation and OSHA Regional Administrator Charles Adkins will speak about the history of OSHA.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created OSHA, and on April 28, 1971, the new agency opened its doors with a mission to protect workers. Four decades ago, if an employee feared injury, illness or death from hazardous equipment or chemicals in the workplace, the choice was often stark¿ignore the dangers and keep working to support your family, or quit and look for another job.

Members of the media planning to cover the event should contact Scott Allen or Rhonda Burke in the Labor Department's Office of Public Affairs using the information above.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.