Honoring those lost on the job on Workers Memorial Day

13 workers die in the U.S. every day as a result of workplace injuries, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ/PRESS RELEASE) — The Kentucky Labor Cabinet, U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA and other agencies observe Workers Memorial Day on April 28 every year. It’s a time to honor those whose lives ended too soon, often due to a workplace accident that could have been avoided.

Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentuckians should take a moment to reflect on the lives of those lost to workplace fatalities.

“At the end of the day, every Kentucky worker deserves to make it home safe to his or her family,” said Gov. Beshear. “As we take time today to grieve, we must think about the impact these tragic losses have on families, communities and co-workers, and do much more from an educational standpoint to avoid workplace injuries and deaths on the job.”

On average, 13 workers die in the U.S. every day as a result of workplace injuries, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The latest data shows workplace fatalities more than doubled in Kentucky between fiscal years 2020 and 2021, largely as a result of COVID-19 global health pandemic, according to Kim Perry, commissioner of the cabinet’s Department of Workplace Standards.

According to the cabinet’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health Compliance, 158 workplace fatalities were reported to the cabinet during fiscal year 2021, compared to 72 the previous fiscal year.

As more employees enter the workforce, in many cases in brand new roles, now is a good time for every company that has workplaces and spaces where hazards exist to consider ramping up educational efforts and safety awareness campaigns, Labor Cabinet Secretary Jamie Link said.

“Increasing safety training on the job today can save lives and reduce workplace accidents tomorrow,” Link said. “It is equally important that all state requirements are met and followed pursuant to law.”