The Senate resolution "commends safety professionals for their work to protect people, property and the environment and encourages industries, organizations, community leaders, employers and employees to support prevention of illness, injury and death in the workplace."

The resolution was promoted by the American Society of Safety Engineers and sponsored by Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, whose staff moved it successfully through the Judiciary Committee and onto the Senate floor.

The idea is to use a national occupational safety and health week to raise awareness of the benefits of investing in workplace safety and health measures, the role of environmental health and safety pros - "unsung heroes" in the words of the Senate - and to specifically focus on the dangers of hazardous materials, particularly in light of today's terrorist threats.

More than 800,000 hazardous materials are shipped every day in the U.S., and more than 3,100,000,000 tons are shipped annually. The Senate expressed concern over hazmats being used as tools of terrorism.

Senators called on President Bush to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe "National Occupational Safety and Health Week" with ceremonies and activities.

No response from the White House yet...