California Governor Schwarzenegger Proclaims April 28, 2008 Workers’ Memorial Day

San Francisco, CA  (CompNewsNetwork) - The California Department of Industrial Relations reminds California employers and workers that today—April 28, 2008—is being proclaimed Workers' Memorial Day by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“Today is a reminder to us all of the courage and integrity California's workers display every day,” said DIR Director John Duncan. “We want to honor those hard working men and women who keep the wheels of our economy moving, and we want to ensure that all employees return home from work safely each evening.”

DIR recognizes the great contributions of California workers and is committed to strengthening workplace safety and health by working with employers to make sure they are in full compliance with safety and health standards.

"We encourage business owners and workers on this Workers' Memorial Day to identify and correct any health or safety hazards at their job sites and ensure that their Injury and Illness Prevention Plans are in place," added Duncan.

Under California law, all employees are required to have an Injury and Illness Prevention Program to safeguard their employees from getting hurt in the workplace. Key features of the programs are cooperation among employers and employees, who together design the actions they will take to protect workers in every area of the workplace.

Workers' Memorial Day was established in 1992.  It was codified in Labor Code and is designed to be a remembrance day to reflect upon the courage and integrity of American workers and requires that the day be observed in an appropriate manner.

Prevention is the key component to workplace safety, and training is the best preventative measure. DIR, through its Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), is committed to working with employers to make sure they meet all safety and health standards. The DOSH Consultation Unit provides free assistance to employers and workers about workplace safety and health issues through on-site visits and evaluations, high hazard consultation and special emphasis programs. It also provides a wide variety of educational materials on workplace safety and health topics.

The Consultation Unit can be reached by calling (800) 963-9424. Or, for more information, please visit our website at www.dir.ca.gov/dosh.

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