LANSING – State Representative Henry Yanez (D-Sterling Heights) introduced House Resolution 343 to designate April 28 as Workers’ Memorial Day in Michigan to honor Michigan workers who have sustained an injury or disability and those who have died as a result of a workplace accident. In 2012, the most recent year for which there are statistics, 127 Michigan workers lost their lives on the job, and an additional 105,000 job-related injuries and illnesses were reported.
“By focusing attention on workers who have been injured or killed on the job, I hope our state and our employers will recommit to safer worksites and better working conditions,” said Yanez. “Accidents can happen in what can appear to be the safest worksite, and that is why we all have to stay vigilant and make sure every day that our worksites are free of hazards and that employers and workers know and adhere to safety protocols.”
Every year on April 28, communities and worksites around the world honor friends, family members and colleagues who have been killed or injured on the job. Across the nation, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4,383 workers were killed on the job and an estimated 50,000-60,000 died from occupational diseases in 2012.
“Michigan has the best and hardest working workers – not just in this country, but in the world – and we owe them our gratitude and our commitment to keeping them safe on the job,” said Yanez. “I am proud to sponsor this resolution that honors those who have been injured or killed, and I promise that I will continue to fight on behalf of Michigan workers to ensure their safety.”