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WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY

various images of workers

Workers Memorial Day, April 28, was established to recognize workers who died or were injured on the job. It also encourages us to think of ways in which we all can help to achieve the goal of safer and healthier workplaces.

On average, 16 workers in the United States die each day from injuries sustained at work , and 134 are estimated to die from work-related diseases. Daily, an estimated 11,200 private-sector workers have a nonfatal work-related injury or illness, and as a result, more than half require a job transfer, work restrictions, or time away from their jobs. An estimated 9,000 workers are treated in emergency departments each day because of occupational injuries, and approximately 200 of these workers are hospitalized. In 2005, workers' compensation costs for employers totaled an estimated $89 billion.

While significant progress has occurred since the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, much more remains to be made. Even as we continue efforts to eliminate the legacy hazards of the 20th Century, we are also called to address the emerging challenges of the 21st Century economy.

On Workers Memorial Day 2012, we look forward to a future in which every job is a safe job, and no one comes to harm at work. Additional information on workplace safety and health is available online or by telephone, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

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USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - cdcinfo@cdc.gov