Gov. Gregoire Urges Rededication to Workplace Safety in Washington

For Immediate Release: January 5, 2006

Governor Chris Gregoire today expressed her deep sympathy to the families and friends of miners killed in the West Virginia coal mine explosion, and called for renewed dedication to workplace safety in Washington.

�My family and I were deeply moved by this tragic event. Our hearts go out to the loved ones left behind to mourn,� said the Governor. �The West Virginia tragedy is a somber reminder to us all that, sadly, too many workers don�t come home at the end of the day.�

Just last month, six Washington workers were killed while trying to provide for their families. They said goodbye to their loved ones and went off to their jobs, but they didn�t return home at the end of the day.

Workplace injuries and illness claim the lives of about 100 Washington workers each year. In addition, thousands are injured each year, many so serious they may never fully recover.

�The truth is that most workplace deaths are preventable,� Gregoire said. �There�s no greater legacy for the men and women who died at work than for us to increase our efforts to eliminate needless workplace deaths.�

Governor Gregoire challenged the Department of Labor and Industries to further reduce the rate of workplace injuries and illnesses in the state in the next year.

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