Workers Memorial Day and Resources to Protect Workers in Puerto Rico

Workers Memorial Day is observed each April 28^th in Puerto Rico and across the rest of the United States. The annual day of recognition was established to acknowledge workers who have died, been injured, or have suffered from exposure to hazards on the job.

Protecting the health and safety of workers is a critical function as there were 5,283 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2023, a decrease from the 5,486 in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS also reports that private industry employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023, down 8.4% from 2022.

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970 requires employers to provide employees with an environment free from recognized hazards such as exposure to toxic chemicals and infectious agents, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress, and conditions that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.

“In Puerto Rico, there were 23 fatal occupational injuries as recently as 2023, which is 5 more than what occurred in 2022 and 4 more than 2021,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “The number of work-related injuries and illnesses on the islands is exponentially higher. These are all reasons why Zimmetry Environmental is dedicated to helping businesses and institutions in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean prevent accidents, injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Our industrial hygiene, safety, environmental, and infection control experts offer consulting, training, testing, and monitoring resources to identify and mitigate a wide range of occupational hazards. These services not only help to protect workers and the public, they are also instrumental in keeping companies and institutions in regulatory compliance.”

Several years ago, Zimmetry sponsored an educational video about Workers Memorial Day that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/ksB6drQOY88

To learn more about Zimmetry and their industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, infection control, and compliance services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com.

About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail