Most of us can feel assured that after any given workday we’ll return safely to our homes and families. Yet for too many men and women, the workday will bring a serious injury and even death on the job. That’s why this April 28, known as Workers Memorial Day in the United States and National Day of Mourning in Canada, is so important.

While jobsite safety programs have improved and helped curb the rise of death and injuries, the fact remains that in the U.S. and Canada 5,688 workers died on the job in 2015, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. The 1,110 recorded worker fatalities in the construction industry alone show that construction work is particularly dangerous. That is too many lives cut short and too many lost loved ones.

We know that, in addition to safety training programs, having a strong union such as LIUNA is one of the most effective ways to reduce safety incidents. When we have a voice, we are more free to speak out against jobsite hazards. Studies show that construction fatality rates are significantly lower where unions are strong.

We still have work to do – death or injury should never be the price of going to work for any worker. So on this April 28, let us honor those who have fallen or been maimed while building our great countries. Let us spread the word about the need for safer jobsites and workplaces by participating in April 28 commemoration events or by sharing information, which you can find on LIUNA’s social media sites.

And let’s continue to make our strong union even stronger so that the day will come when no one pays the ultimate price simply for going to work.

Resources:

Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
US Bureau of Labor Statistics