By The PA. AFL-CIO

– April 28th is designated Workers Memorial Day by the AFL-CIO to remember the victims of unsafe working conditions and to advocate for stronger protections and improved enforcement to protect working families.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Act – which guarantees every American worker a safe and healthful working environment – created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to set and enforce standards and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to conduct research and investigations. It also marks the 41st anniversary of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act

Since 1970, workplace safety and health conditions have improved. More than 410,000 workers can now say that their lives have been saved since the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. But as recently witnessed by the tragic deaths of 29 miners at the Massey Energy West Virginia coal mine disaster; the death of six workers at the Tesoro Refinery explosion in Washington State a few days earlier; and the Kleen Energy explosion in Middletown, Connecticut in February that also claimed six lives; working men and women remain in danger.

The Obama Administration has increased the job safety budget, is stepping up enforcement and moving on much-needed standards, including rules on silica, cranes and derricks, infectious diseases and coal dust. But there are weaknesses in the OSH Act that must be addressed through Congressional action.

The Protecting America’s Workers Act (H.R. 2067, S.1580) would extend OSHA coverage to all workers, strengthen anti-discrimination protections, increase civil and criminal penalties and enhance worker and union rights. In the wake of the Massey mine disaster Congress is examining whether there are deficiencies in the Mine Safety and Health Act that need to be addressed.