2.8 million nonfatal workplace accidents and injuries occur every year in the United States according to 2022 data compiled by Zippia. USA Facts reported that in 2021 alone there were 5,190 fatal workplace accidents, which is an 8.9% increase from the previous year.

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. In fact, Zippia found that the United States spends about 250 billion dollars annually on workplace injuries and illnesses. That’s why we sponsor the non-profit organization Kids’ Chance, and would like to encourage our readers to support their cause.

Kids’ Chance Scholarships

Kids’ Chance provides college scholarships for children who lost a parent due to a workplace accident.

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.  We support Kids’ Chance of Missouri annually with donations, and Scott Wilson is proud to serve on the Board of Directors of Kids’ Chance of Missouri.

You can help make a difference in the lives of students too by attending Kids’ Chance events and by donating to the cause, or by spreading the word to those who may know someone who lost a relative in a work accident.

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
  • 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.

Unfortunately, OSHA has been crippled by defunding and is not able to enforce its regulations, and often has to compromise on fines which are appealed by the corporations who violate the rules.

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. OSHA reported that faulty fall protection, hazard communication, and respiratory protection are the most common workplace safety violations.
  • When lifting heavy objects, lift with your knees rather than your back to prevent a back or shoulder injury.
  • Slip and fall accidents and overexertion account for 84% of non-fatal workplace injuries. Take breaks, and wear shoes with proper support and traction to lower your risk.
  • Be aware of emergency exits and protocols.
  • Keep your workspace sanitized and tidy to avoid an occupational illness.
  • Always report potential safety hazards to your supervisor right away.
  • Report any injury at work immediately, and request medical treatment.
  • Suggest ways your Employer could make your workplace safer.

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.