Every year on April 28th, the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those workers killed, injured or made ill on the job. Since Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970, workplace safety and health have improved, but far too many workers remain at risk of injury, illness or death.

In 2012, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4,383 workers were killed on the job, an average of 12 workers every day, and an estimated 50,000 died from occupational diseases. Workers suffer an additional 7.6 million to 11.4 million work injuries and illnesses each year. The cost of work injuries and illnesses is enormous, estimated at $250 billion to $300 billion a year.

This problem is particularly acute in Wyoming where the rate of worker deaths (35 on the job deaths in 2012) is more than triple the national average of 3.2 per 100,000 workers.

The Southwestern Wyoming Central Labor Council wants to remind ALL workers to work safely. Follow the safety rules in your work place; don’t take shortcuts; wear your personal protective equipment and don’t let anyone pressure you into doing something that puts you at risk. Your loved ones are counting on you to come home in one piece.

Remember: Safe Jobs Save Lives.