LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating April 27 through May 4, 2011, as
Occupational Health Awareness Week

WHEREAS, Each year, millions of United States workers are disabled and
thousands lose their lives as a result of job-related injuries and
illnesses; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate April 27 through May 4, 2011, as Occupational Health Awareness
Week; and
WHEREAS, In New York State alone, annually over 240,000 workers become
ill or injured as a result of their work, and nearly 200 lose their
lives; and
WHEREAS, In understanding that these tragedies are often preventable,
the New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network founded a nation-
wide observance called "Occupational Health Awareness Week," to prevent
death and disability on the job; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network,
created in 1978 with the support of the state legislature and labor
advocates, has expanded its mission to raise awareness about the impor-
tance of workplace health and safety in an effort to increase health and
safety on the job; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network helps
to appropriately diagnose and medically treat workers who find them-
selves ill or injured as a result of their work; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network, oper-
ating in conjunction with local, state, and federal governmental agen-
cies, unions and employers, has been instrumental in providing appropri-
ate response and treatment for a variety of public health challenges
faced by the state, including developing and coordinating the program
that serves as the federal government's primary health response to 9/11;
and serving as advisors to key state legislative task forces on impor-
tant worker and public health policy and reform issues, the New York
State Occupational Health Clinic Network's expertise is frequently
sought beyond the state and even nation; and
WHEREAS, The services of the New York State Occupational Health Clinic
Network have never been more necessary, and we join with them in honor-
ing this year's Annual Occupational Health Awareness Week and Albany
Outreach Day; and
WHEREAS, During Occupational Health Awareness Week, the diverse
membership of the New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network
joins with legislators, health and safety advocates, labor leaders,
government agency representatives and workers from across New York to
help raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of work-related
illnesses and injuries, to promote prevention initiatives through train-
ing and education, and to spotlight the unique work of the New York
State Occupational Health Clinic Network; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
proclaim April 27 through May 4, 2011 as "Occupational Health Awareness
Week" across the State of New York and urge all to take appropriate
recognition of this occasion.