Sánchez Calls for Workplace Safety, Introduces Workers Memorial Day Resolution

Washington, DC – Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA), worked with colleagues in the House of Representatives today to honor those who have died on the job and draw attention to the need for better enforcement of workplace health and safety laws.  Sánchez, along with Reps. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Bruce Braley (D-IA), introduced the resolution honoring Workers' Memorial Day, which is celebrated each year on April 28.

"Sixteen workers are killed on the job each day in America," said Rep. Linda Sánchez, Co-Chair of the Congressional Labor and Working Families Caucus.  "In my home, Los Angeles County, that means that, on average, one worker dies every three days.  Every three days, one of our neighbors doesn't come home from work to their families." 

Tomorrow, millions of workers worldwide will recognize Workers' Memorial Day in order to commemorate those who have been injured or killed on the job, and to remind us of the need to strive for better worker safety and health protections.

"Now more than ever, we are reminded of those who put their lives on the line trying to earn an honest living for their families," Sánchez said. "As we remember the miners who lost their lives in West Virginia, let's continue to fight for the living.  This resolution reminds us all to redouble our efforts to make it safe to go to work in America."

Rep. Sánchez also commended President Obama's Labor Department, which has raised the profile of this issue and empowered the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to do much more than ask for compliance with voluntary standards.  Just this week, OSHA implemented a new Severe Violator Enforcement Program which puts higher penalties on employers as a deterrent to get them to furnish safe and healthy workplaces for their employees.