John Christiansen urges action for workplace safety ahead of Workers Memorial Day

John Christiansen, president of the Eastern Panhandle Central Labor Council, delivered a powerful message at the Berkeley County Commission meeting, urging local leaders to prioritize workplace safety ahead of Workers Memorial Day on April 28. Christiansen highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding workplace fatalities, revealing that a worker dies every 99 minutes in the United States, with West Virginia facing one of the highest fatality rates in the nation.

In his address, Christiansen emphasized the need for action, stating, "It's a call to action to do everything in our power to make sure no one else has to make the ultimate sacrifice just for doing their job." He pointed out that in 2023, West Virginia recorded 58 workplace deaths, with public sector employees facing nearly double the fatality rate of their private sector counterparts.

Drawing on Martinsburg's historical significance in the labor movement, Christiansen called for a renewed commitment to worker safety, urging local and state governments to enforce best practices and provide necessary training and equipment. He stressed that safety should be a fundamental expectation, not an option.

As the meeting concluded, the commission observed a moment of silence for fallen workers, reinforcing the community's commitment to honoring those who have lost their lives on the job. Christiansen's passionate plea serves as a reminder that workplace safety remains a critical issue, and it is up to leaders to ensure that every worker returns home safely to their families.