Workers’ Memorial Day Pays Tribute Lives Lost on the Job

Despite the promise to a safe and healthful work environment spelled out in the Occupational Safety and Health Act, many workers are still injured every year while performing their job duties. Tomorrow, April 28, is Workers’ Memorial Day, an annual event to remember workers who have lost their lives on the job.

Workers’ Memorial Day is an opportunity to raise awareness regarding the preventable nature of many workplace accidents, encouraging employers to provide the necessary equipment, training and oversight to keep workers safe and to help their employees recognize hazards in the workplace to prevent injuries and fatalities.

Events commemorating victims of work-related accidents and diseases will take place this weekend in Iowa and all around the world to promote safe and healthful work environments for workers across the globe.
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This morning, Iowans, including families and friends of those killed in workplace accidents, gathered to pay tribute at the State Capitol. Labor Commissioner Michael Mauro reflected on the 32 Iowans that died last year in injuries sustained at work saying “Workers Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember Iowans who have died in Iowa’s workplaces and serving in our military in the past year. This is also a day to reflect on the lives that were lost and to renew our commitment to workers safety and health in the workplace.