Workers’ Memorial Day Emphasizes the Importance of Healthy & Safety in the Workplace

LANSING, Mich. - April 28, 2014 - PRLog -- According to results from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries that was conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 4,383 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2012.  These fatalities were grouped in the census by transportation incidents; violence; contact with objects and equipment; falls, slips and trips; exposure to harmful substances or environments; and fires and explosions. In addition to the tragic loose of life, the BLS also reported nearly 3 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2012 and another 793,000 by state and local government workers.

To recognize those who have lost their lives due to work related incidents or suffered from exposures to hazards at work, April 28^th is observed as Workers’ Memorial Day.  The day of recognition was begun in Canada and was later adopted in the United States in 1989.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their workers.  Helping private employers and government agencies achieve this responsibility are thousands of Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs).  A CIH is an individual who has met the requirements for education and experience, and through examination, has demonstrated a level of knowledge and skills in the following subject matter areas:

Air Sampling & Instrumentation
Analytical Chemistry
Basic Science
Biohazards
Biostatistics & Epidemiology
Community Exposure
Engineering Controls/Ventilation
Ergonomics
Health Risk Analysis & Hazard Communication
Industrial Hygiene Program Management
Noise
Non-Engineering Controls
Radiation – Ionizing and Non-ionizing
Thermal Stressors
Toxicology
Work Environments & Industrial Processes

“Workers’ Memorial Day is a time for all of us to recognize those who have lost their lives and that there are inherent risks and hazards associated with the workplace,” said Lynn O’Donnell, CIH, Executive Director for the American Board of Industrial Hygiene. “Certified Industrial Hygienists are trained and experienced to recognize and eliminate or minimize many of these potential hazards to help provide a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.”

To learn more about the ABIH, CIH program or to locate a CIH in a specific geographical region, please visit www.ABIH.org, email abih@ABIH.org or call (517) 321-2638.

About the American Board of Industrial Hygiene

Since 1960, ABIH, a not-for-profit corporation, has been the world's largest, premier organization for certifying professionals in the practice of industrial hygiene. ABIH is responsible for ensuring high-quality certification including education, experience, examination, certification maintenance and ethics enforcement. Currently, more than 6700 people are certified to use the CIH designation.