In 1989, April 28th was designated Workers Memorial Day to direct attention to workers who have been killed or injured on the job. This day was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). The first Worker Memorial Day was observed in Canada also on April 28th. Today, labor unions, employers, community groups and others around the world now mark April 28th as an International Day of Mourning.The goal of Worker Memorial Day is to remember those who have suffered and died on the job. As we remember those who have died in workplace catastrophes, suffered diseases due to exposure to toxic substances or been injured because of dangerous conditions, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the need to rededicate ourselves to improving health and safety in the workplace.For this reason, the day has special significance to those who are involved in occupational health and safety issues. Despite the difficulties and challenges we face in achieving the goal of reducing and eliminating workplace hazards, we must remain ever vigilant.There are signs that we are making progress in achieving this goal. According to the National Safety Council and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job fatality rate has been cut by 70 percent since 1970. More than 271,704 lives have been saved since the passage of OSHA.However, too many workers remain at risk. In 2003, more than 4.3 million workers were injured and 5,559 were killed as a result of job hazards. Another 60,000 died due to occupational disease. Spanish-speaking workers are at special risk. Even as overall workforce fatalities have fallen, deaths among Hispanic workers have increased, up 12% in 2000 and 9% in 2001.

That is why workers, employers, unions, community leaders, city council, state legislative representatives and others commemorate and publicize this important day. OSHA’s past efforts have demonstrated that worker safety and health is directly linked to the existence and effectiveness of a safety and health program in a workplace. Join OSHA this year in reflecting on the successes we’ve had in addressing workplace hazards as well as the challenges that we face ahead.