OSHA’s national Workers’ Memorial Day commemoration this year has a specific theme: toxic chemical exposure.
The ceremony, which will take place April 28 from 2-3 p.m. at the Frances Perkins Building Auditorium in Washington, D.C., will include:
- Speeches by OSHA chief Dr. David Michaels and Mine Safety and Health Administration head Joseph Main
- A panel with worker/industry/healthcare representatives about their experiences with chemical exposure in the workplace
- A moment of silence in honor of the workers who died due to occupational hazards
- A ceremony at the site of the American dogwood tree that was planted in 2011 on the lawn in Veterans' Plaza
Starting the activities at the Frances Perkins is particularly fitting. Perkins served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945 (the longest serving in that position) and is credited with helping to reduce workplace accidents and crafting laws against child labor.
In addition to the D.C. gathering, OSHA personnel will take place in events across the country. Click here to locate an event near you.