Region 7 News Release: 13-711-KAN
April 23, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA will participate in
Workers' Memorial Day April 28, Safety Expo April 29 in Lincoln, Neb.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will participate in a Workers' Memorial Day event on April 28 on the north side of the State Capitol Building in Lincoln. The event is organized by United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities and will begin with a public candlelight vigil at 7 p.m, CDT.

OSHA will also participate in Nebraska's Second Annual Safety/Awareness Expo which takes place on April 29, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 265 Union Hall located at 6200 S. 14th St., Lincoln. This event is open to employers, workers and the public. Topics will include CPR and first aid, texting while driving, whistle-blower information, the importance of safety at work and presentations on OSHA injury and illness prevention programs.

"Workers' Memorial Day is held annually to remember those who have lost their lives on the job. Every day in America, 13 people go to work and never come home, and each year nearly 4 million people suffer a workplace injury from which some may never recover," said Bonita Winingham, OSHA's area director in Omaha. "The Safety Expo will discuss safety topics of timely interest in workplaces today."

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 either 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 or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.