Every year, on April 28, people across the globe pause to honor those who have lost their lives or health just by showing up to work. It’s a day of mourning—but also a call to action. Known as Workers’ Memorial Day in the United States and observed worldwide as the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, this date reminds us of the real cost of unsafe working conditions and the urgent need to protect workers today.
Workers’ Memorial Day started in the United States in 1970, the same year the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) became law. It was based on the idea that no one should die or be seriously hurt just because they went to work. The AFL-CIO officially declared April 28 as Workers’ Memorial Day in 1989, choosing the date to coincide with the day OSHA was founded.
Since then, labor unions, advocacy groups, and health organizations around the world have embraced the date as a day to mourn those lost to workplace injuries and illnesses, and to demand stronger safety protections for workers moving forward.
How many workers are injured or killed on the job annually?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5,283 workers died on the job in 2023, a 3.7% decrease from the year before. That’s still one worker lost every 99 minutes. While any drop is a step in the right direction, the numbers reveal some concerning patterns. Transportation incidents were the leading cause of death and made up nearly 37% of all work-related fatalities. Violence in the workplace resulted in 740 deaths, including 458 homicides. Opioid overdoses also factored into hundreds of workplace deaths.
The construction industry led all sectors in fatalities (1,075), followed by transportation and warehousing (930). Many deaths resulted from falls from ladders or stairs, and roadway collisions. Workers aged 55 to 64 suffered the highest number of deaths overall, while those aged 25 to 34 had the most fatalities from violence.
What are the leading workplace hazards?
Some of the most common hazards include:
- Falls from heights, especially in construction
- Crushing or caught-in machinery injuries
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Electrocutions
- Vehicle crashes in jobs like delivery or transport
However, it’s not just the obvious physical dangers that workers need to worry about. Many workers now face mental health stress, workplace violence, and long-term health conditions from exposure to dangerous substances like asbestos or silica.
What is being done to protect workers?
The motto used every April 28 isn’t just poetic; it’s practical. “Remember the dead” means honoring workers who’ve died or been permanently harmed by unsafe or unfair working conditions. That could be a public vigil, reading names aloud at a memorial, or simply taking a moment of silence at noon. But the second part, “fight for the living," is where the real work begins. It’s a call to stand up for better laws, safer workplaces, and dignity on the job. It means pushing for change so future workers don’t suffer the same fate.
There have been some important wins in workplace safety, thanks to hard-fought efforts by labor unions, lawmakers, and public health advocates. For example, OSHA has helped reduce workplace deaths since its founding, even though its resources and staffing remain limited. Some recent and ongoing efforts include:
- Proposed heat protection rules for outdoor and indoor workers in extreme temperatures
- Mental health initiatives to support workers facing stress, trauma, or burnout
- Expanded whistleblower protections so that employees can report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation
- Union organizing efforts, which often lead to better training, pay, and workplace safety
However, enforcement is still a challenge. As of 2023, OSHA only had around 750 inspectors for the entire country. This is a ratio of one inspector for every 81,000 workers. That’s not enough to keep everyone safe, especially in high-risk jobs.
What should I do if I'm injured on the job in California?
If you suffer an injury or illness at work in California, act quickly to protect your health and your right to workers’ compensation benefits. Start by reporting the injury to your employer right away. You must give notice within 30 days, or you could lose your right to file a claim. Next, your employer should give you a workers’ compensation claim form (DWC-1). Fill it out, return it to your employer, and keep a copy for your records.
You’re entitled to medical treatment, even before your claim is fully approved. If your employer has a medical provider network, you may need to see one of their doctors. Otherwise, you can choose your own provider after a certain period. Once your claim is filed, you may qualify for temporary disability benefits if you can’t work while recovering, or permanent disability benefits if your injury leads to long-term limitations. In some cases, supplemental job displacement benefits and a return-to-work program may also apply.
What if I lost a loved one to a work accident or illness?
If you lost a spouse, parent, or other close family member due to a work-related injury or illness in California, you may be eligible for death benefits through the state’s workers’ compensation system. These benefits help families who depended on the worker’s income. To qualify, you must be a dependent, such as a spouse, child, or, in some cases, another relative who relied on the worker for financial support.
The amount you may receive depends on how many dependents there are and your relationship to the deceased worker. Death benefits can include burial expenses of up to $10,000 and weekly payments based on the worker’s wages at the time of the injury
In most cases, these benefits are paid out over time, similar to how temporary disability benefits work. Children may receive payments until age 18 or longer if they’re disabled. In some cases, you may also be eligible for special benefits if the death involved negligence or unsafe working conditions.
Let a trusted San Diego workers' comp lawyer help you get the benefits you deserve
Robert A. McLaughlin, APC, fights for injured workers and grieving families across San Diego County, including South Bay, North County, East County, and every community in between. Whether you’re dealing with denied benefits, a delayed claim, or the loss of income after a tragedy, our legal team is here to protect your rights and guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and answer all your questions. We’ll help you file your claim properly, challenge denials, and connect you with trusted doctors who put your health first. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
"I want to thank the office of Robert A Mclaughlin for all their support in successfully resolving my injury case ... I totally recommend them." - J.C.,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐