Every year, about 4,000 people are killed while working in the U.S. and about 4 million suffer injuries. To honor those who have died in workplace accidents and to underscore the need for workplace safety, the AFL-CIO established Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28, 1970. Every year since then, April 28 has been designated as a day of remembrance in the U.S., and the practice has spread to at least 17 countries. By coincidence, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was established exactly one year later.
Denver Workers’ Memorial Day Service
On April 28, 2017, at 10 am, a remembrance service will be held at:
IBEW Local #68 Union Hall
5660 Logan Street
Denver, CO 80216
At this service, the Regional Administrator of OSHA and other people speakers will speak. Then, the names of Colorado workers who have been killed on the job will be read aloud.
On-the-job deaths can happen anywhere
While certain jobs are inherently dangerous, on-the-job deaths can happen in any type of workplace, on the road, or in other locations. Dependents of people who have been killed on-the-job are eligible for death benefits to make up for the financial support that the deceased had been providing. They may also be able to obtain benefits to pay for funeral costs.
When the death was the result of a safety violation or caused by the negligence of a party other than the employer or a co-worker, family members may be able to claim additional compensation above that which is provided by the workers’ compensation system. Family members of workers who have been killed while on-the-job should speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.