Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring Workers Memorial Day

Published:

PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

The workers who grow our food, catch our fish, transport our goods, maintain our roads and extract raw materials from the earth risk their lives every day. While we fittingly set aside a number of special days each year to honor those who have fallen while defending our country or protecting our communities, today is a day to remember those who have lost life or health as a result of their work in any occupation.

Worldwide, an estimated two million people die each year from work-related accidents and illnesses. In California, 302 workers lost their lives in 2010. While that number is still far too high, our fatality rate is much lower than the global average, which represents countries where hazards are not regulated, and legal protections for workers are unknown. Today, let us express our gratitude to the workers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and rededicate ourselves to the cause of establishing and maintaining safeguards against workplace illness and injury.

NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2012, as “Workers Memorial Day.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 19th day of April 2012.

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EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California

ATTEST:

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DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State

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