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Region 7 News Release: 12-609-KAN
April 5, 2012
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 on April 27 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, April 27, with an event held from 10 a.m.-noon CDT at the Builders' Association Education and Training Center, which is located at 105 W. 12th Ave. in North Kansas City, Mo. 64116. 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," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "Forty-one years of 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, OSHA Regional Administrator Charles Adkins will speak about the history of OSHA and Ron Hayes, founder of the F.I.G.H.T. Project (Families in Grief Hold Together) will discuss how fatalities in the workplace affect the victims' families and friends.

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, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.