Workers’ Memorial Day is observed on April 28th each year to remember and honor workers who have lost their lives on the job. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 5,333 workers were killed in the United States in 2019, and another 3.5 million workers suffered nonfatal injuries or illnesses.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the construction industry has the highest rate of fatal workplace injuries of any industry, with 1 in 5 worker deaths occurring in the construction sector. In addition, transportation-related incidents are the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries across all industries.
To honor and remember workers who have lost their lives on the job, employers can take steps to improve workplace safety and prevent accidents. This includes training workers on how to work safely, conducting regular safety inspections, and implementing safety protocols and procedures.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends the following steps for improving workplace safety:
- Identify and assess hazards: Conduct a thorough workplace hazard assessment to identify potential risks and hazards.
- Implement controls: Once hazards are identified, implement controls to mitigate risks, such as engineering controls, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Train workers on hazard recognition, control methods, and safe work practices.
- Evaluate and improve: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of safety programs and procedures and make improvements as necessary.
Workers’ Memorial Day is an important reminder of workplace safety and the need to prevent accidents and protect workers. By implementing safety policies and procedures, providing training to workers, and regularly evaluating and improving safety programs, employers can help prevent accidents and protect their workers.
Workers’ Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember and honor workers who have lost their lives on the job. By taking steps to improve workplace safety and prevent accidents, employers can help protect their workers and prevent future tragedies.
