Posted on March 28, 2023
On April 28, 2023, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will once again join individuals, trade unions, and organizations around the world for International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD), to honor those who have been injured or killed on the job. Over fifty years ago, on April 28, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) went into effect, guaranteeing all workers the fundamental right to a safe job. This law was made possible through the tireless efforts of labor movement activists who organized for safer working conditions and forced the government to act. As we come together for IWMD, it is crucial to remember that there is no safe or controlled use of asbestos. While suffering, disease, and deaths continue, ADAO remains committed to preventing asbestos exposure to eliminate all asbestos-related diseases.
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) stated that this day is meant to “remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to organize the fight for safe jobs. We will come together this year to call for action on hazards that cause unnecessary injury, illness, and death. We will stand united to strengthen workers’ rights and protections and demand resources and actions needed for job safety enforcement. We will fight for the fundamental right of every worker to a safe job until that promise is fulfilled.”
According to the World Health Organization, “125 million people in the world are exposed to asbestos at the workplace.” With this knowledge, we know that collective action and knowledge are stronger than the threat of asbestos. Through our ongoing efforts to prevent asbestos exposure, including our recent Asbestos Awareness Week (April 1-7) and the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN), we hope to prevent the needless deaths of individuals both in and out of the workplace.
We know that asbestos is still a serious risk for far too many. It is a known carcinogen, and there is no safe level of exposure. Recent research and investigative reporting show that workers, their families, and communities are still impacted by asbestos imports and continued use. The data shows that there is no way to control or regulate its use. Therefore, on IWMD, we again call on Congress to quickly and efficiently ban asbestos in all forms and prevent worker deaths.
To join the conversation online, use the hashtag #IWMD23. You can also signing the petition to ban asbestos in the U.S. without any loopholes or exemptions and send your own #BanAsbestos letter to Congress in less than 60 seconds here. Hundreds of people have already written to their Congressional representatives, urging them to protect workers and public health and keep workers safe from the dangers of asbestos.
In solidarity,
Linda Reinstein