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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2007
Governor to Issue Proclamation in Remembrance of Workers Who Lost Their Lives in Workplace Accidents
Jefferson City, MO – While the number of workplace fatalities and injuries in Missouri is decreasing, data released by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Division of Workers’ Compensation, shows that more than 100 workplace fatality cases were reported and more than 139,000 workers were injured in the workplace in 2006.
Gov. Matt Blunt, along with the Missouri AFL-CIO and the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, will gather April 26 in the Governor’s Office, beginning at 9:30 a.m. to honor these men and women who have lost their lives or been injured in the workplace. Gov. Blunt will present a proclamation making the week of April 22 through April 28, 2007 Workers’ Memorial Week.
“We want to honor the workers who have lost their lives or been injured on the job,” said Rod Chapel, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “With Gov. Blunt’s leadership, the Department is committed to the establishment and maintenance of safe and healthy workplaces. Missouri is one of few states that have incorporated not one, but three safety and health programs to assist employers in developing, implementing and maintaining safer workplaces.”
In Missouri workplace injuries and fatalities have been declining since 2005. In 2005 there were 145,473 workplace injuries compared to 139,257 in 2006. There was a slight decrease in workplace fatalities since 2005. In 2005 there were 123 workplace fatalities compared to 120 in 2006.
The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations works towards these goals through its Division of Labor Standards’ On-Site Safety and Health Consultation, Mine Safety and the Workers’ Safety programs. These programs devote countless man-hours to assisting Missouri employers with their workplace safety and health needs. For additional information regarding the Department’s safety programs, please visit http://www.dolir.mo.gov/ls/index.asp or call (573) 751-3403.
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