Unions to honor fallen workers on anniversary of U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Unions will gather to honor fallen workers on the anniversary of U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act Tuesday.

OSHA took effect on April 28, 1971, promising workers the right to a safe job.

In honor of Workers' Memorial Day on Tuesday, Central Labor Councils around Illinois are hosting events to honor fallen workers.

In Springfield, the Illinois AFL-CIO along with the Springfield & Central Illinois Trades & Labor Council, will host a ceremony dedicated to those who lost their lives on the job.

Three names will be added as unions pledge to continue pushing for safe working conditions: Decatur electrician Samuel Ward (IBEW 146), Hillsboro coal miner Jessie Edward Smith, and Springfield golf course superintendent Daniel Crumrine.

The Springfield ceremony will be held at the Illinois AFL-CIO Front Plaza at 534 S. Second St. at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.