April 28th is Workers’ Memorial Day, an annual event to honor and remember workers who have been injured, made ill, or suffered a fatality while on the job. Ceremonies are being held in Washington, DC and in many locations across the county to recognize this day of remembrance.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, work-related injuries claim the lives of approximately 15 people each day in the US, with 5,486 work-related fatalities being reported in 2022. This is an increase of 5.7 percent from the previous year.
In an April 17, 2024 Workers’ Memorial Day news release, Assistant Secretary for OSHA, Doug Parker encourages us to “remember that behind each workplace fatality there are loved ones enduring unimaginable grief.” He also reminds us that “It is for the lost workers and those left behind that we continue to fight for every worker’s right to a safe working environment.”
Workers’ Memorial Day is a time to remember our role in promoting the importance of strong health and safety programs in the workplace to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
Please join all of us at Safety Partners in our remembrance of those injured or lost from workplace incidents or illnesses, and in our commitment to the goal of safer and healthier workplaces.
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Safety Partners’ Director of Quality, Research and Training
