The House Resolution proposes to officially designate April 28, 2025, as Workers Memorial Day in Michigan. This date is significant as it commemorates the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) on April 28, 1971, which aimed to ensure safe working conditions for all employees. The resolution highlights the importance of remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injuries in the workplace, citing statistics from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) that reported 112 workplace fatalities from 2022 to 2024, as well as over 16,000 workplace deaths nationwide between 2021 and 2023.
The resolution emphasizes the need to honor the contributions of Michigan's labor force and the critical importance of workplace safety. It calls for continued efforts to prevent workplace accidents and protect workers, recognizing the sacrifices made by those who have been injured, disabled, or killed due to unsafe working conditions. By declaring Workers Memorial Day, the Michigan House of Representatives aims to pay tribute to these individuals and promote awareness of the ongoing need for vigilance in workplace safety standards.