“We celebrate
the pride and dedication of our working men and women. Two hundred years ago,
those qualities in the American work force propelled the growth of our young
nation’s trans-Atlantic trade economy. In the last century, they were
indispensable in the success of our manufacturing economy. In today’s global
marketplace, American ingenuity and perseverance drive the growth of advanced
information and production technologies… We in the occupational safety and
health community have a unique opportunity to honor the labor of our fellow
Americans. We develop, disseminate and help others to use the tools and
strategies that prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. By helping to
prevent pain, impairment and death on the job, we help working parents to
provide for their families and plan for a secure future. With a roster of
healthy, capable workers, an innovative small business has a better chance of
survival in a fiercely competitive global market. That same small business may
be the next leader in a transformational technology that earns admiration and
customers around the world, as the recent Pew survey suggests. On Labor Day
2012, I invite you to join us in recognizing the essential contributions of
American workers and renewing our national commitment to safe and healthful
workplaces for all.”