Governor declares Worker’s Memorial Week

“During this week we reflect on and remember those who have been killed or injured on the job and salute those who help to make workplaces safe and healthy,” Blunt said in a news release. “This is also a time to renew our commitment to workplace safety so that we continue to protect those working in our state.”

In Missouri last year, 119 workplace fatality cases were reported and more than 142,000 workers were injured in the workplace, according to data released by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

“It is important to not only honor workers who have lost their lives or been injured on the job, but to look ahead to prevent future tragedies,” said Katharine Barondeau, acting director of the department, in the release. “Missouri is one of a few states that provides not one, but three safety and health programs to assist employers in developing, implementing and maintaining safer workplaces.”

The three programs:

• On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program, where consultants identify and recommend to small businesses corrections for serious safety and health hazards;

• Missouri Workers’ Safety Program, which offers ways to reduce workers’ compensation insurance costs; and

• Mine and Cave Safety and Health Program, which provides training and consultation to mine owners and workers, as well as contractors.