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FOR PRESS INQUIRIES, CONTACT:  Amy Susan (573) 751-1518
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 28, 2011

Dept Honors Missouri’s 2010 Fallen Workforce
Missouri Workers’ Memorial Ceremony: Safe Jobs Save Lives

Jefferson City, Mo—The Missouri Labor Department, along with members of the General Assembly, honored the 95 men and women who lost their lives on the job in 2010 due to work related injuries. More than 250 people from across the state came to the Capitol to commemorate loved ones at the annual Missouri Workers’ Memorial Ceremony: Safe Jobs Save Lives.

“On this day, we remember those who went to work and never returned. Let us not forget what they did for their families, communities, and for their workplace, but honor them with our commitment to do better at protecting workers in the future,” says Department Director Larry Rebman.

More than 120 family members gathered in the Capitol rotunda and each family received a U.S. flag from their state senator, a Missouri flag from their state representative, and a proclamation signed by the Governor.

“When I look at your faces, I remember the loss and sadness I felt when I sat in your seats just one year ago,” says Diane Lillicrap, member of the United Support and Memorial for Worker Fatalities and mother of Steven Lillicrap, a worker who lost his life from a crane accident in 2009. “I learned that events such as this ceremony are part of the healing process and that it is important to connect with others experiencing the same loss.”

Director Rebman presented the Missouri Workers Virtual Memorial, a slideshow featuring photographs of the fallen workers with personal messages from their families. The Boone County Fire Protection Pipes and Drums accompanied the presentation with their bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace”. The department anticipates breaking ground and constructing a physical memorial for Missouri’s fallen workers once enough money accumulates in the Workers Memorial Fund.

The department offers free safety training to Missouri employers and encourages all businesses to incorporate the workers memorial theme in their workplace: Safe Jobs Save Lives. To learn more about the free safety programs, visit www.labor.mo.gov/SAFE or call 573-522-SAFE. The virtual memorial can be viewed by visiting www.labor.mo.gov/rememberworkers.

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