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MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2006
Governor Blunt Remembers Workers that Lost Their Lives in Workplace Accidents
Jefferson City – Governor Blunt has proclaimed April 23 through April 29, 2006 as Worker’s Memorial Week and encourages all Missourians to remember and pay tribute to those workers who have lost their lives or were injured on the job.
“During this week we reflect on and remember those who have been killed or injured on the job and salute those who help to make workplaces safe and healthy,” said Gov. Blunt. “This is also a time to renew our commitment to workplace safety so that we continue to protect those working in our state.”
Unfortunately, each year there are thousands of workplace fatalities and injuries that occur throughout the United States. In Missouri, 119 workplace fatality cases were reported and more than 142,000 workers were injured in the workplace in 2005, according to data released by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
“It is important to not only honor workers who have lost their lives or been injured on the job, but to look ahead to prevent future tragedies,” said Katharine Barondeau, acting director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “Missouri is one of a few states that provides not one, but three safety and health programs to assist employers in developing, implementing and maintaining safer workplaces.”
The Department offers three no-cost and confidential safety programs that help employers identify and eliminate workplace safety hazards. The first safety program offered is the On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program. Professional trained consultants will visit a small business employer to identify and recommend corrections for serious safety and health hazards. They also conduct chemical and noise surveys at no cost. The second safety program available to employers is the Missouri Workers’ Safety Program. This program also assists in reducing workplace accidents and provides advice on ways to reduce workers’ compensation insurance costs. In addition, the program certifies safety programs available from insurance carriers and self-insured employers and safety consultants and engineers available for hire. The third safety program is the Mine and Cave Safety and Health Program. This program provides training and consultation to mine owners and workers, as well as contractors. Consultation provides services in the areas of training and training plan development, mine rescue, hazard awareness and abatement, risk assessment and alternative solutions to mine hazard abatement.
For more information on Missouri’s no-cost and confidential safety consultations, please visit our website at www.dolir.mo.gov or contact Tammy Cavender at 573-751-7500.
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Information and Planning · 421 East Dunklin
· P.O. Box 504 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-0504
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) 1-800-735-2466 (Voice)