Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has designated April 28 as Occupational Safety and Health Day, aligning the city with the internationally recognized World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The proclamation underscores the importance of preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases while honoring the individuals and families affected by unsafe work conditions.
The designation also acknowledges the ongoing efforts of the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program, which operates within the USF College of Public Health. As Florida’s official occupational safety and health consultation program, USF SafetyFlorida provides free, confidential services to small- and medium-sized businesses to help them identify hazards, comply with OSHA standards and develop effective safety and health programs.
“We believe this is an excellent opportunity to emphasize the importance of workplace safety and to acknowledge the efforts of our team in fostering a culture of safety and health,” said Thalia Barber, USF SafetyFlorida communications and marketing officer.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor proclamation that designated April 28 as Occupational Safety and Health Day.
Each year, the program conducts hundreds of onsite visits, offering expert guidance on workplace hazards and helping employers strengthen their safety management systems. These efforts not only reduce the risk of injury and illness, but also improve productivity and employee morale across Florida’s workforce.
To further amplify the message of safety, USF SafetyFlorida will co-host a Workers’ Memorial Day event on April 29 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in partnership with the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center. The event will feature virtual instructor led training focused on the core elements of an effective safety and health management system.
Observed annually by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) since 1970, Workers’ Memorial Day commemorates those who have been injured, fallen ill or lost their lives due to hazardous working conditions. In 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 4,764 fatal work injuries in the United States—an ongoing reminder of the critical need for occupational safety and health initiatives.
By aligning Occupational Safety and Health Day with Workers’ Memorial Day, the city and USF SafetyFlorida aim to strengthen awareness, honor fallen workers and promote a safer, healthier future for all.