Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

Workers’ Memorial Day

On Workers' Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who have lost their lives on the job - let's make workplace safety a priority.
Weekly And Monthly Reports - Techcloud X Webflow Template
When it is?
April 28
Growth - Techcloud X Webflow Template
Category
Appreciation
Location Icon
Country
International
Introduction

On April 28, we come together to honor and remember those who have lost their lives while on the job for Workers' Memorial Day. This day has been observed since 1989, as a way to raise awareness about workplace safety and advocate for better working conditions. It's also a time to recognize the sacrifices made by workers in all industries and professions. Let's take this opportunity to thank and support the hardworking individuals who keep our society running smoothly every day.

History of Workers’ Memorial Day

Workers’ Memorial Day Dates

Workers’ Memorial Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>OSHA Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed in the United States, establishing OSHA to regulate and enforce workplace safety standards.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Canadian Remembrance Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Canada inaugurated a day of remembrance for workers killed or injured on the job, after an extensive mine disaster.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Workers’ Memorial Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States, declared April 28 as Workers' Memorial Day, marking the OSHA establishment anniversary.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition by United Nations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Labour Organization, an agency of the United Nations, officially recognized Workers’ Memorial Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>The day was observed in nearly 100 countries, reflecting the global effort to improve working conditions and remember workers who have suffered on the job.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>The global pandemic put a spotlight on workplace safe conditions, especially for essential workers, marking a crucial point in the observance of Workers’ Memorial Day.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Workers’ Memorial Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hold a candlelight vigil</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather with coworkers and community members to hold a candlelight vigil in honor of workers who have lost their lives on the job. This can be a powerful and meaningful way to remember and honor those who have passed.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a memorial display</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Set up a display in a public space, such as a park or community center, with photos and stories of workers who have died on the job. This can serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of workplace safety.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser for families of fallen workers</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Partner with local businesses to organize a fundraising event, such as a charity walk or run, to support the families of workers who have been killed on the job. This is a great way to show support and give back to those affected by workplace tragedies.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hold a moment of silence</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>At your workplace or in a public setting, take a moment of silence to honor and remember those who have lost their lives while working. This can be a simple yet powerful way to pay tribute.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Advocate for workplace safety</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use Workers’ Memorial Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety and advocate for better working conditions and protections for workers. This can include contacting lawmakers, writing letters to the editor, or participating in a protest or rally.</p></div></div>

Why Workers’ Memorial Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To honor and remember workers who have lost their lives</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Workers' Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who have died while on the job. It is an opportunity to remember their contributions to society and to honor their memory.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To raise awareness about workplace safety</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Workers' Memorial Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety. It is a call to action for employers and employees alike to prioritize safety measures and ensure that no more lives are lost due to preventable accidents.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To advocate for better working conditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only does Workers' Memorial Day bring attention to workplace safety, but it also highlights the need for better working conditions. This day serves as a platform for advocacy and pushes for improvements in labor laws and regulations to protect workers' rights and well-being.</p></div></div>

5 Shocking Facts for Workers' Memorial Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Workplace fatalities are alarmingly frequent</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a worker is killed on the job every 99 minutes from a work-related injury.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Construction industry is particularly hazardous</h3><p class='facts-content'>The construction industry reports the highest number of fatal work injuries compared with other industries. The "Fatal Four" (Falls, Struck by Object, Electrocution, Caught-in/between) accidents are responsible for more than half of construction worker deaths.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many accidents are preventable</h3><p class='facts-content'>OSHA estimates that eliminating the "Fatal Four" would save 591 workers' lives every year. This highlights the critical importance of safety protocols and training.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Workplace accidents are costly</h3><p class='facts-content'>Beyond the human toll, workplace accidents have a significant economic impact as well. The cost of workers’ compensation insurance paid by employers in 2019 was $96 billion.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Personal Protective Equipment can save lives</h3><p class='facts-content'>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and safety shoes, play a vital role in preventing work-related injuries and fatalities. OSHA estimates that safety helmets could prevent nearly 2900 serious head injuries each year.</p></div></div>

Workers’ Memorial Day FAQs

When is Workers’ Memorial Day?

Workers' Memorial Day is celebrated on April 28th every year. In 2024, Workers' Memorial Day will fall on a Sunday.

Workers’ Memorial Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Apr 28

Friday

2024

Apr 28

Sunday

2025

Apr 28

Monday

2026

Apr 28

Tuesday

2027

Apr 28

Wednesday

Appreciation Holidays