News

Know how to keep your workplace safe
Worker Memorial Day is April 28

April 24, 2008 - Each spring unions remind workers that we have a right to go to work and return home in the same shape we left. So on April 28, Workers Memorial Day, we "Mourn for the Dead; Fight for the Living."

Safe working conditions—detailed in Article 11 of the OCSEA and State of Ohio Contract—are a major priority for OCSEA.

DO YOUR PART

The most important element in making your workplace safe is YOU. Be sure you know what to do if you spot a health and safety hazard: 1. Tell Management. 2. Make sure your union health and safety committee and your co-workers know about the hazard. 3. Make sure your joint labor-management health and safety committee knows about the problem and is taking steps to address the problem. Your efforts can help resolve issues, educate employees, and protect your co-workers. LEARN MORE

This contract language is especially important for public employee union members, who are faced with more different and severe hazards than almost any other worker: chemicals, back injuries, workplace violence, confined spaces, speeding traffic, trench collapses, machinery hazards, infectious diseases and a variety of other workplace hazards kill, injure, sicken and maim thousands of AFSCME members across the nation every year.

AFSCME tracks this data. Check the online list of Ohio AFSCME members who were killed on the job in the last 30 years. Search by year of death, state, industry, or cause of death.

AFSCME's website also provides an online form to report details about members who have been killed on the job.

OCSEA and AFSCME offer a variety of online resources, fact sheets, and guides.

The struggle for a safe workplace takes place 365 days a year, but AFSCME pays special tribute on April 28, Workers Memorial Day, to all the workers who have been killed, injured or made sick at work.

In 1989, AFSCME along with the rest of the AFL-CIO, established April 28 as Workers Memorial Day. On this day each year the labor movement pays special tribute to all the workers who have been killed, injured or made sick at work. This is also a day when the AFSCME family renews its commitment to "fight for the living."

OCSEA Resources

How to move your concerns forward

OCSEA Education Fact Sheet - How to Make a Healthy and Safe Work Environment

More Union Resources

AFSCME Health & Safety Program

AFSCME members killed on the job - Ohio

Facts at Your Fingertips on Health and Safety (AFSCME Publication)

AFL-CIO Health & Safety - Worker Memorial Day