Workers Memorial Day, observed annually on April 28th, is dedicated to remembering and honoring the workers who have tragically lost their lives, suffered debilitating injuries, or fallen ill as a direct result of their work. The day also serves as a powerful and vital moment to reaffirm the ongoing commitment to the fight for safe and healthy working conditions for all people. The preventable nature of many workplace tragedies underscores the importance of this annual observance, which calls for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect workers.

The date commemorates the founding of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 1971.

The day was first established by the AFL-CIO (the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) in 1989, inspired by similar observances in Canada and Europe. The goal was to recognize the human cost of unsafe work environments and to press for stronger safety standards and workers’ rights.

The AFL-CIO released a report on worker deaths ahead of Workers Memorial Day: https://www.ishn.com/articles/114712-new-afl-cio-report-worker-deaths-on-the-job-to-worsen-under-trump-administration-policies

The Department of Labor honored Workers Memorial Day with activities on April 24, 2025: https://www.ishn.com/articles/114711-honors-fallen-workers-on-national-workers-memorial-day

Beyond the United States

The significance of remembering and advocating for worker safety on this date has gained widespread international recognition. April 28 is also observed globally as "International Workers' Memorial Day" or "International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured". 

In Canada, a parallel observance known as the "National Day of Mourning" also takes place annually on April 28. Earlier initiatives in Canada saw the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) establish a day of mourning in 1984, followed by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1985, both choosing April 28.