Press Release (Portuguese): Organização para a consciencialização sobre as doenças do amianto lança a 14ª “Semana da Consciencialização Global do Amianto”, de 1 a 7 de abril de 2018

Featured Video: “Amianto: O assassino que você não pode”

Featured Story: “Staying Positive” – Day Five Ambassador: Mike Mattmuller, Maryland, US

Featured on April 5, 2018

Each year, ADAO dedicates April 1-7 to increasing awareness of asbestos and preventing exposure by bringing together experts and victims from around the world to share, learn, and take action.  To view all 7 days of Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) contributors and content on our landing page, please click here.  Also, be sure to follow the conversation with our GAAW hashtag: #2018GAAW.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and there is no safe level of exposure. Since the 19th century, asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and the automotive industry. Without a ban, asbestos remains legal and lethal in the USA and nearly 70% of countries around the world today.

Today, we are sharing Mike Mattmuller’s story, “Staying Positive.” Mike was diagnosed when he was just 29 years old and a newlywed. Mike and his wife Jessica, had a daughter — their first — in the summer of 2016, so staying positive throughout his battle with mesothelioma has been a must. Mike and Jessica have become strong ambassadors for awareness, actively volunteering, sharing their story, and even testifying at Congress on multiple occasions. We thank the Mattmullers for dedicating so much time and energy to forwarding our collective goal of a safer, asbestos-free world.

In addition to Mike’s story, we are also highlighting the work of AFL-CIO, one of the strongest labor unions in the world.

AFL-CIO on Workers’ Memorial Day

This year, AFLCIO will focus on the fight against the Trump administration and Congress’ building attacks on regulations that are crucial to protecting workers’ health and safety. Read their statement below, or go more in-depth into their positions on their website. 

“On April 28, the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe jobs. This year we will come together to defend hard-won victories by working people from attacks by right-wing Republicans and business groups. We will commit to fighting until all workers have safe jobs and the freedom to form unions to seek a better future.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act and Mine Safety and Health Act promise workers the right to a safe job. Unions and our allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality—winning protections that have made jobs safer, saved hundreds of thousands of lives and prevented millions of workplace injuries and illnesses.

But our work is not done. Each year thousands of workers are killed and millions more injured or diseased because of their jobs.

The safety and health gains we have won are now threatened. The Trump administration has launched an all-out assault on regulations. The president has ordered that for every new protection, two existing safeguards must be removed from the books. At the same time Republicans in Congress have moved quickly to overturn new rules issued by the Obama administration. Agency budgets and enforcement programs are on the chopping block. The safety and health of workers and the public are in danger.

Graphic Courtesy of Hazards Campaigns http://28april.org

We must fight back. We cannot and will not let them turn back the clock and destroy the progress we have made to make jobs safer and save lives.

Please join us on Workers Memorial Day as we continue the fight for safe jobs.”

AFL-CIO has provided some Workers’ Memorial Day fact sheets and graphics for you to study and share. Read more about their Workers’ Memorial Day plans and other important projects on their website

2018 AFL-CIO Workers’ Memorial Day Materials

Safety regulations are written in the blood of workers and their families who have for generations suffered at the hands of greedy business leaders. Unions are at the front lines, defending these hard-fought, lifesaving regulations. ADAO applauds the AFL-CIO, as well as global labor leaders like Hazards and International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), for their ongoing efforts and commitment to health and safety education and advocacy.

Special thanks to our 2018 Platinum Sponsor Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP.

 

Together, we make change happen.

Linda Reinstein

Social Networks

Special thanks to our 2018 Platinum Sponsor: