Workers Memorial Day is a day set aside by the unions of the AFL-CIO when we honor those who have passed either on thejob or from a job related injury. The day we also acknowledge the grieving of friends, family and community. On this day we re-evaluate our thoughts regarding safety and recommit to safety on the job.
April 28 is also the same date that OSHA was established as was the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970. Under this Act employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy work environment.
Despite the existence of OSHA, work areas are not alwayssafe. Every day, workers are exposed to many physical, chemical and airborne hazards, which after many years, still include asbestos. Asbestos diseases claim the lives of over 10,000 lives every year. Asbestos is still present on many job sites. Job site fatalities CAN happen many years later from occupational exposures.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation realizes the importance of reducing occupational and take-home exposures through education of the workforce. Through education, we strive to eliminate asbestos exposures, therefore reducing asbestos disease deaths. We work with trades unions to deliver asbestos awareness education on a new level, including the following: anatomy, asbestos, asbestos diseases, other cancers caused by asbestos and proper communication with your health care provider. We help you understand HOW asbestos affects you and your family.
This year, on April 28 Diane Blackburn-Zambetti will be speaking during the Workers Memorial Day ceremony in Pittsburgh, PA.
For more information about asbestos exposure and who is at risk, visit curemeso.org/asbesto.
