Scott Heckmann (IAM LL 1728) right, reads from a list of Iowans who
died on the job last year. Kristi Cave, left, rings a bell after
each name is read. They were accompanied by Tom Moritz.
GREG BROWN / Courier Staff Photographer
|
|
Fallen Workers Recognized
By CHARLES EMERICK, Courier Staff Writer
WATERLOO --- Dozens of laborers packed the
basement of the Black Hawk Union Council Wednesday evening to remember
those killed or injured on the job last year.
More than 6,000 across the nation died last year, including 31 in Iowa,
as a result of injuries suffered at work.
Wednesday marked the 16-year anniversary of Workers' Memorial Day, and
those in attendance were joined in remembrance by Iowa Lt. Gov. Sally
Pederson, Iowa Secretary of State Chet Culver, Waterloo Mayor Tim Hurley
and Cedar Falls Mayor Jon Crews.
Each name of the 31 fallen Iowa workers was read
aloud followed by the playing of taps by Iowa bugler Garf Stych.
"We know that every day people are killed and injured due to
workplace conditions," Hurley said. "The numbers are
startling.
"It's for this reason that we come together and remember those
who've been killed and injured on their jobs, but also to create
awareness of job safety," the first-term mayor added.
Crews said there isn't enough awareness about the memorial day. He said
word needs to be spread in order to fully remember those who have lost
their lives.
Workers' Memorial Day is observed on April 28 because the date marks the
anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or OSHA, created
in 1970 to establish greater safety in the workplace.
Pederson said hundreds of thousands of workers' lives have been saved in
the United States since the creation of OSHA.
"It (OSHA) is of substantial importance and makes a
difference," she said.
Pederson said more needs to be done. She cited an International Labor
Organization report that states work-related illnesses and injuries kill
approximately 6,000 people every day around the globe.
"Work-related accidents and illnesses worldwide cause more deaths
than war," she read from the report. "That is
astounding."
Culver agreed the fight for a safer work environment is far from over.
"Every day I think it's important for us to remember the men and
women that are out there working on the front lines in very dangerous
conditions," Culver said. "We need to fight to give them
protection in the workplace."
|
