MAINE — April 28 is nationally recognized as Workers Memorial Day, a day to remember those who have died on, or as a result of, their job.

"In 2024, at least 20 Maine workers died while either on the job, traveling to or from the job, or as a result of an injury or illness connected to their work," said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman, in a news release. “The people who died included farmers, construction workers, mail carriers, shipyard workers, road construction workers, and arborists. They were also veterans, parents, grandparents, siblings, community volunteers, musicians, hunters, fishers, and Patriots fans. Our communities benefited from the gifts they shared, and we mourn their loss.”

Today is also the fifty-fourth anniversary of the federal Occupational Safety & Health Act going into effect, promising every worker the right to a safe job. This was following decades of tragic and preventable losses of American workers lives. In 1970, it is estimated, around 14,000 American workers were killed on the job.

Nationally in 2023, the latest year for which there is a complete record, there were 5,283 fatal work injuries, a 3.7% decrease from the previous year. There were 3.5 fatal injuries per 100,000 FTE workers, or one worker died every 99 minutes.

“Workplace safety starts with good planning, preparation, and collaboration by employers, workers, the Department, and others,” said Bureau of Labor Standards Director Kate Burkhart.

Some steps the Department takes to improve workplace safety and health are:

• Holding classes through the SafetyWorks! Training Institute to help employers and workers learn how to use equipment safely and correctly
• Providing no-cost safety consultations for employers
• Increasing awareness through messaging and publications about workplace hazards
• Collecting data on deaths and injuries in order to see trends
• Administering the Safety and Health Achievement and Recognition Program (SHARP), and Safety and Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE) to promote workplace safety and health
• Collaborating with other agencies, from federal partners such as OSHA to local industry alliances, to provide Maines employers with information, guidance, and access to training resources to protect workers
• Enforcing workplace safety and health laws in Maines public sector, including by issuing penalties for serious violations

The Department encourages any employer or worker who has questions or concerns about workplace safety to reach out to the Workplace Safety and Health Division at 207-623-7900.

For more information on Maines SafetyWorks! Training Institute and how to sign up for no-cost consultations and trainings, visit: https://www.safetyworksmaine.gov/

For more information on Workers Memorial Day events and initiatives happening nationwide, visit: https://www.osha.gov/workers-memorial