Behind every workplace injury is a story — a life changed, a family affected. Workers’ Memorial Day reminds us that the fight for safe workplaces is far from over. As we pause to remember those we’ve lost, we also recommit ourselves to protecting workers’ rights and demanding better, safer conditions for everyone.
What is Workers’ Memorial Day?
Every year on April 28, we observe Workers’ Memorial Day to honor the lives of workers who were injured or tragically lost their lives due to unsafe working conditions. First established in 1989 by the AFL-CIO, this important day serves as both a remembrance and a call to action to continue the fight for safer workplaces.
The date of Workers’ Memorial Day holds particular significance; on April 28, 1971, the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 officially went into effect. This pivotal law led to the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards.
The Impact of OSHA
Before OSHA’s founding, American workers had few legal protections against hazardous working conditions. There were no consistent standards and no enforceable rules. Tragically, workers often paid the price with their health or even their lives. OSHA fundamentally changed that reality.
OSHA requires employers in both public and private sectors to provide workplaces free of recognized hazards. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace injuries have dropped dramatically since OSHA’s establishment. In 1972, there were 10.9 injuries or illnesses per 100 workers. By 2018, that number had fallen to 2.8 per 100 workers.
Know Your Rights as a Worker
OSHA continues to hold employers accountable, protecting workers from those who might prioritize profits over people’s safety. Under federal law, every worker has the right to a safe workplace, and employers are legally obligated to maintain environments free from known dangers.
As a worker, you have the right to:
- Receive training in a language you understand
- Work with machinery that is updated, free of defects, and regularly inspected
- Be provided with necessary safety equipment (gloves, harnesses, helmets, etc.)
- Report injuries or illnesses related to workplace conditions
- Obtain results of workplace hazard testing
- Request an OSHA inspection if you believe unsafe conditions exist
Additionally, the law protects you from retaliation. It is illegal for your employer to punish you for reporting unsafe conditions or exercising your rights. If you believe your rights have been violated, OSHA provides complaint forms that allow you to formally report employer misconduct.
Fighting for Injured Workers: Our Commitment
For nearly 50 years, The Carlson Law Firm has stood firmly beside workers, advocating for those injured on the job. Our experienced workplace injury attorneys have handled a wide range of workplace injury cases, including:
- Construction site accidents
- Industrial and manufacturing injuries
- Farm and ranch accidents
- Oilfield disasters (fires, explosions, equipment failures, blowouts)
- Gas explosions
- Healthcare worker injuries
- Warehouse accidents
No matter where or how the injury occurs, workers deserve strong legal support to recover physically, financially, and emotionally.
The Carlson Law Firm Can Help
Every worker deserves to come home safe at the end of the day. Yet every year, thousands of workers are injured or lose their lives due to unsafe working conditions. Workers’ Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the cost of workplace hazards and a call to renew our commitment to protecting workers’ rights and safety.
At The Carlson Law Firm, we care. We can help. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can support you in your recovery.
