The U.S. Department of Labor is set to honor those workers who have lost their lives on the job in a national Workers Memorial Day program scheduled for April 24, 2025. The event will take place at the department's headquarters in Washington at 1 p.m. EDT, and will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
Families of the fallen are expected to travel from across the country for this commemorative program. It pays homage not only to recent victims but also to all workers who have lost their lives over the years. The ceremony also serves as a moment for survivors to come together, grieve, and continue the fight for worker safety.
The statistics highlight the importance of the event: work-related injuries claim approximately 15 lives each day in the U.S. In 2023, a total of 5,283 workers experienced fatal injuries, which was a decrease of 203 from the previous year. The importance of tackling this issue remains evident.
Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, along with Acting Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Amanda Wood Laihow, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy at the Mine Safety and Health Administration, James Paul McHugh, will be speaking at this year's ceremony.
Workers Memorial Day itself is traditionally recognized on April 28. Various local observances will occur across the United States, bringing together workers, families, and unions with a united goal: the prevention of workplace hazards to ensure that all employees can return home safely each day.
April 28 also commemorates the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which has been working to protect worker safety since its establishment in 1971, following the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer stressed that "every worker has the right to a safe and healthy workplace." Achieving this requires cooperation between employers, labor unions, safety professionals, and the workers themselves. Further reinforcement of protections and fostering a culture of safety are pivotal in averting difficulties and building the groundwork for secure and sustainable employment opportunities for all.
For those interested, more information on Workers Memorial Day events nationwide is available.
