OSHA Commemorates Workers Memorial Day With American Rescue Plan

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) commemorated 2021 Workers Memorial Day yesterday by announcing US$100 million in funds to the American Rescue Plan.

OSHA will use the funds to hire more than 160 new critical personnel, including compliance safety and health officers to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The administration will set aside an additional $10 million for Susan Harwood Training grants to support organizations delivering vital training to prevent vulnerable workers from exposure to the coronavirus and infectious disease.

More than 5,000 people suffer fatal injuries at work each year, and thousands more are hurt or sickened. To date, the coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 570,000 people, many of them essential frontline workers.

“Workers Memorial Day reminds us of the sacrifices many workers make to earn their wages and provide for themselves and their families,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “No one should ever have to lose their life, suffer a disabling injury or develop a life-altering illness because they went to work.”