Lynn C. Woolsey: “This past Monday was Workers Memorial Day. Workers Memorial Day is the day when we remember those who have lost their…”

“This past Monday was Workers Memorial Day. Workers Memorial Day is the day when we remember those who have lost their lives or have been injured as a result of unsafe health and safety conditions in the workplace. On Workers Memorial Day we also recommit to the fight for safe working conditions for every single worker in America. So, Madam Chairwoman, it's fitting that today we are considering H.R. 5522, the Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosions and Fires Act, which was introduced by Chairman Miller and Representative Barrow, a bill that requires OSHA to develop a standard for combustible dust. I am proud to be a cosponsor of that bill, and I want to commend Chairman Miller and Representative Barrow because they introduced it. Like other Members of Congress, I was absolutely shocked and saddened by the combustible dust explosion at the Imperial Sugar Company in Port Wentworth, Georgia, which resulted in 13 deaths and 60 injuries. My heart goes out to the families of those who died, and my hopes and prayers, all of our hopes and prayers are with those workers who were seriously injured. The survivors have a tough road ahead of them. Unfortunately, Madam Chairwoman, this explosion, like so many other workplace incidents that have occurred lately, could have been prevented. That is the most important part of it. It didn't need to happen. Lives were senselessly lost, and more workers remain in critical condition.”