2024 House Resolution 230

Whereas, Both federal and Michigan law promise every worker the right to a safe workplace. Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health Act declares that all employees shall be provided safe and healthful work environments free of recognized hazards; and

Whereas, Still, workplace hazards kill and disable approximately 125,000 workers each year – approximately 5,000 from traumatic injuries and an estimated 120,000 from occupational disease. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that there were 5,486 workplace fatalities in 2022, meaning a worker died every 96 minutes from an occupational injury; and

Whereas, The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 139 Michigan workers lost their lives in workplace accidents in 2022. Untold more suffered disabling injuries and illnesses. As recently as March 21, 2024, a young Michigander - only 22 years old - was fatally crushed during a workplace accident; and

Whereas, Michigan’s workforce is the backbone of this state’s economic growth. Workers should not have to suffer workplace catastrophes, occupational-related diseases, or injuries due to dangerous work conditions. 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 compensations; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the United States Department of Labor - 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 injuries and deaths and make worksites safer for all hardworking Michiganders; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the Director of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health of the United States Department of Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Administration.