2023 House Resolution 85

Whereas, Federal and Michigan law promise every worker the right to a safe job. Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health Act declares that all employees shall be provided safe and healthful work environments free of recognized hazards. The Governor’s commitment to this mandate is evidenced by her proclamation designating April 28, 2023, as Worker’s Memorial Day; and

Whereas, Still, workplace hazards kill and disable approximately 125,000 workers each year – an estimated 5,000 from traumatic injuries and an estimated 120,000 from occupational disease. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that there were 5,190 workplace fatalities in 2021, meaning a worker died every 101 minutes from an occupational injury; an 8.9 percent increase from 2020; and

Whereas, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 140 Michigan workers lost their lives in workplace accidents in 2021. Untold more suffered disabling injury and illness. As recently as April 18, 2023, a young Michigander only 19-years-old was tragically killed in a workplace accident when he was fatally crushed by heavy machinery; and

Whereas, Michigan’s workforce is the backbone of this state’s economic growth. Every effort needs to be made to improve workplace health and safety conditions, to increase workplace safety standards and enforcement, and to provide hardworking Michiganders with fair and just compensation; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we affirm the Governor’s proclamation on workplace safety and call on the Governor, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and all those responsible for the safety of Michigan’s workers to do everything in their power to decrease workplace deaths and make worksites safer for all hardworking Michiganders; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of Michigan, the Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and the Director of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.