Department of Labor Joins With Union and Industry Partners to Urge All Marylanders to Put Safety First
Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz, Maryland Registered Apprenticeship sponsors, and industry partners issue open letter on workplace safety
BALTIMORE (June 20, 2018) – Maryland Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz today issued an open letter on workplace safety, urging Maryland employers and workers to put safety first. Co-signed by more than 50 apprenticeship sponsors and partners, the letter advises that in order to create a safe work environment, everyone must understand safety laws and procedures and put that knowledge into practice. Further, employees must be empowered to say “no” when they feel those laws or procedures are not being followed.
“We all share a collective responsibility for workplace safety,” said Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “No family should lose a loved one in a workplace accident. With the resources available through our agency's Maryland Occupational Safety and Health program, and in partnership with private safety training programs, ignorance is no excuse for ineffective and unsafe practices.”
Today’s letter, sent to more than 62,000 recipients and shared broadly with stakeholders, is an example of the Department of Labor’s commitment to Maryland’s workers and employers. Each year, the Division of Labor and Industry conducts over 300 free workshops that cover laws pertaining to wage and hour information, prevailing wage, worker classification, and occupational safety and health.
“Please join us in our commitment to develop a positive safety culture in Maryland for the benefit of employees, their families, and Maryland’s employers,” urged Secretary Schulz. “Our goal will not be met until there are zero workplace accidents in our state.”
About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.
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