Mesothelioma deaths recognized at Workers Memorial Day

May 1, 2009

Among the many causes of occupational injury, on this Workers Memorial Day, mesothelioma was recognized as a cause of occupational death among workers. At the annual ceremony by Minnesota’s Building Trades union, officials read the name of three workers who died in the last year. Two were pipefitters who died of the most common asbestos-related cancers: mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Across the country, workers recognized Workers Memorial Day this week to honor those who have died in the past year from workplace accidents or occupational illnesses.

Workplace accidents have gone down over recent years, but because of the long latency period of many occupational cancers, even if conditions improve, cancer rates remain high for some time. The rate of new mesothelioma diagnoses is predicted by the Centers for Disease Control to peak in the next future, but new cases will continue to be diagnosed at a high rate for many years.

Concerns were also raised this Workers Memorial Day that, as the recession goes on, employers will cut corners with worker health and safety to save money.

For the full story, go to Workday Minnesota and Birmingham Post.

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