Every year more than 4,800 workers go to work and never return home as a result of entirely preventable workplace incidents and another 50,000 workers die from preventable work-related diseases. To remember and honor these workers, OSHA, unions, family members, workers and employers come together each year on April 28 to commemorate Workers Memorial Day.
"Tomorrow and every day thereafter, in honor of those we have lost, we will fight to make sure that every American worker is protected against the myriad of hazards out there affecting their safety, their health, their lives and the security of their families," said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels.
Workers Memorial Day was recognized by President Obama in a presidential proclamation issued April 28 and OSHA hosted an event marking the occasion at the U.S. Department of Labor headquarters in Washington, D.C. The program included remarks from Deputy Secretary Chris Lu, OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels, MSHA Assistant Secretary Joe Main, AFL-CIO Safety and Health Director Peg Seminario, United Steelworkers Safety and Health Director Mike Wright, and Duronda Pope from the United Steelworkers' Emergency Response Team.
This was just one of the many events commemorating Workers Memorial Day held across the country throughout the week, where participants rededicated themselves to the mission of preventing workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths. To learn more, visit the Workers Memorial Day webpage.
