According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), over 2 million men and women die annually due to workplace accidents and occupational illnesses. That’s about 6 thousand deaths every day.

Workers’ Memorial Day, observed every year on April 28th, is a day intended to both honor and remember the men and women who lost their lives on the job.

Not only are victims’ families left with grief, but often financial burden as well. That’s why we sponsor the non-profit organization Kids’ Chance, and would like to encourage our readers to support their cause.

Kids’ Chance

Kids’ Chance provides college scholarships to children that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford higher education due to the loss of a parent to a workplace accident. Their Planning for the Future initiative is designed to help the organization find eligible applicants, and help them achieve their academic dreams.

So far, Kids’ Chance has awarded over 8,700 scholarships, which adds up to over 30 million scholarship dollars. In 2020, the average annual student scholarship was about 4,200 dollars.

Kids’ Chance of Missouri issued nearly 500,000 dollars in scholarships over the course of the last three school years alone.

You can help make a difference in the lives of students too by attending Kids’ Chance events and by donating to the cause.

 Workplace Safety

In addition to honoring the memory of those who have passed away, Workers’ Memorial Day is also a day to spread awareness and information about workplace safety. In an effort to do our part to prevent workplace accidents, we’d like to share information about employee rights, and safe practices for the work environment.

 OSHA

 According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, all employees of the United States have the following rights.

  • All workers have the right to speak up about and report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation from your employer.
  • New employees have the right to workplace health and safety training in a language that they understand.
  • Employees have the right to use safe machinery.
  • Employees have the right to safety and health equipment.
  • Employees have the right to be protected from dangerous chemicals.
  • Any employee can request an OSHA inspection, and has the right to speak to the inspector and see the results of the inspection.
  • In the event of an accident, injury, and or occupational illness, employees have the right to report it and get copies of their medical records.
  • Employees have a right to view records of workplace accidents at their job.

 

Safe Workplace Practices

 Follow the safety tips listed below to help prevent workplace accidents and consequential injuries.

  • Always use necessary safety gear such as gloves, goggles, masks, harnesses, and life lines.
  • Follow all workplace safety protocols.
  • When lifting heavy objects, lift with your knees rather than your back.
  • Wear shoes with proper support and good traction.
  • Take breaks and stay hydrated to avoid overexertion.
  • Be aware of emergency exits and protocols.
  • Keep your workspace sanitized and tidy.
  • Always report potential safety hazards to your supervisor.

If you suffer a personal injury from an accident at work, report the incident to your employer right away, or as soon as possible. Unnecessary delays can hurt your claim, and your chances of receiving compensation to cover your injury related expenses. It’s also vital to hire an attorney to help you through the workers’ compensation process, and calculate the value of your injury.

Remember to observe Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28th – they may be gone, but they will never be forgotten.