Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have taken decisive action to curb the spread of COVID-19, support health care providers and facilities, and mitigate the impact on Minnesota families. On this page you will find the latest press releases, statements, and other information on COVID-19.
4/28/2021 11:45:08 AM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – On Worker Memorial Day, a day to bring attention to workplace safety and remember workers who have died on the job, Governor Tim Walz is pushing for additional measures to ensure all Minnesotans have a safe and healthy work environment.
“Over the past year, workplace safety has taken on new meaning as essential workers put their lives on the line to support Minnesota through COVID-19 ,” said Governor Walz. “ Today we recommit ourselves to the hard work of ensuring that workplaces across Minnesota are safe, because every worker deserves to know that they will return safely at the end of every day. To those who have lost families and friends over the past year, Gwen and I offer our deepest condolences.”
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, our health care professionals and frontline workers have put their lives on the line each and every day to deliver the essential goods and services Minnesotans depend on,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “On Worker Memorial Day we remember those who were sickened, injured, or died as a result of just going to work, and we renew our commitment to protecting Minneosta workers and their families. Let’s get Minnesotans home safe.”
Governor Walz has proposed additional funding for the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) to be able to hire additional safety inspectors. He is also pushing for changes to state law that would make OSHA citation data public and increased MNOSHA penalties to conform to federal requirements.
“Today, as we remember and mourn those who have lost their lives on the job, we reaffirm that every worker is entitled to a safe and healthy workplace that is free of hazards. A safe workplace isn’t a privilege, it’s every workers’ right,” said Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Roslyn Robertson. “As the pandemic has highlighted, OSHA’s mission is as important now as it has ever been in the agency’s 50-year history.”
Since 1989, April 28 has been recognized locally and nationally as Worker Memorial Day by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Building Trades Unions, and the AFL-CIO in remembrance of workers who were injured or killed on the job. Governor Walz has declared April 28, 2021, as Worker Memorial Day in the State of Minnesota in honor and remembrance of those who have been injured or lost their lives on the job. You can read the full proclamation here .
