On April 28, 2010, for the first time, a Presidential Proclamation was issued proclaiming the day as Workers Memorial Day. How fitting seeing as this year marks the 40th anniversary of both the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act.

The proposal stated “NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2010, as Workers Memorial Day. I call upon all Americans to participate in ceremonies and activities in memory of those who have been killed due to unsafe working conditions.”

To read the proposal in full please visit www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-workers-memorial-day

I would like to add that it is important that we not just remember these workers on the April 28, but every day. Let’s keep in mind those who have lost their lives on the job and let it be a reminder to us all to act safely in the workplace and be proactive when it comes to workplace safety.

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