Safety Month

WHEREAS, all Alaskans deserve to live in communities that promote safe and healthy living environments, and safe communities require the cooperation of all levels of government, business, and industry employees, as well as the general public; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alaska seeks to prevent accidental injuries and deaths by educating and encouraging Alaskans to adopt and maintain safe and healthy practices in the workplace, on our roads and highways, and in our homes and communities; and

WHEREAS, new technologies, advancements in safety standards and awareness, and legislation have helped to increase safety in Alaska; however, there are still improvements to be made to reduce the number of accidental injury-related deaths; and

WHEREAS, between 2010 and 2014, there were 169 documented workplace fatalities in Alaska, and we remember those who have died and the loved ones they have left behind. Avoidable workplace fatalities have severe negative impacts on Alaska’s families, employers, workers, and economic competitiveness; and

WHEREAS, the beginning of the summer season, traditionally a time of increased accidental injuries and fatalities, is an appropriate time to focus attention on injury risks and preventions; and

WHEREAS, this year’s theme, established through the National Safety Council, promotes reduced accidents by encouraging a commitment to good safety habits: “Safe for Life.”

NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Walker, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim June 2016 as:

Safety Month

in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to establish and maintain safe practices and a healthy lifestyle in their homes and communities and to work together to improve workplace safety and reduce workplace accidents through sharing of best practices to improve workplace safety.

Dated: May 31, 2016