OSHA, The Builders’ Association to honor fallen colleagues during 2021 Workers’ Memorial Day event

This year’s event will take place virtually, and the public is invited to attend and help honor those who died on the job in the past year.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — April 28 is the anniversary of the date the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 went into effect, and when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was formed (April 28, 1971). For more than three decades, the date has also been marked as an international day of remembrance to honor those killed or injured on the job.

In the Midwest, The Builders’ Association, in partnership with the OSHA Region VII Office and OSHA Kansas City Area Office, will host a virtual event to honor the more than 150 individuals who died on the job in recent years.

Speakers will include Matt Dierking, Builders’ safety, health and environmental services director; Don Greenwell, Builders’ president; Missouri Governor Michael Parson; Pat “Duke” Dujakovich, Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO president; and Kim Stille, OSHA Kansas City Area Office regional administrator.

“Safety is the cornerstone of our work in the construction industry, and we work every day to ensure not one person is killed or injured on the job site,” Dierking said. “But until that number is zero, this event is an important part of the grieving process and a way for us to reassure the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen that we remember their loved ones.”

In addition to the speakers, country music artist Matt Snook, born and raised in Edgerton, Missouri, will conclude the program with a tribute performance to those lost in the past year. Snook, an alumnus of Team Blake on NBC’s The Voice, has given his time to be part of this event for many years.

“’Solid Ground’ is a song I wrote to express to my family and friends what I might want after passing unexpectedly,” Snook said.

The event is free to attend, and the public is invited to register by visiting The Builders’ website. The event is virtual and will begin at 1 p.m. CDT. Direct links to the event will be sent out to registrants in advance. Questions about the event may be directed to Elizabeth Morales with OSHA.

About The Builders’ Association

The Builders’ Association is a nonprofit commercial construction trade association serving hundreds of member companies that employ over 25,000 people in mid-America. Since 1887, The Builders’ Association has advanced the construction industry and served as a catalyst for collaboration by connecting passionate people and businesses, with a vision of improving lives through construction.

About the Kansas City Chapter, Associated General Contractors of America

The association’s sister organization, the Kansas City Chapter, Associated General Contractors of America, currently represents more than 100 firms in the heartland region and is part of the AGC of America, the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States.

Visit The Builders’ Association online at www.buildersassociation.com and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

With the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.