April 28 each year marks Workers Memorial Day, when people around the world honor the thousands killed each year on the job and the millions more who suffer serious occupational injuries and illnesses. The number of workplace fatalities and injuries remains unacceptably high: in construction alone, approximately 1,000 workers die on job sites each year.
Workers Memorial Day offers people and organizations two important opportunities: to remember those who have died and to strengthen their commitment to make sure every worker comes home safely every day.
There are many ways to reduce hazards on construction sites. This year we encourage people across our industry to pay particular attention to two areas:
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Infrastructure. Worker safety and health must be at the heart of every project funded by the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. CPWR is providing expertise, knowledge, and tools to employers, employees, government agencies, and others involved with infrastructure projects, including a new briefing paper and a special section of cpwr.com that offers easy access to materials to improve safety.
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Falls. One in three work-related deaths in construction is caused by a fall. The Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction brings together people from across the industry to raise awareness of this hazard and to show how to prevent these incidents. Participate in next week’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction as part of making a year-round commitment to eliminating this hazard.
Remember that workers alone cannot create safe job sites -- it also takes the dedication of owners, contractors, managers, government officials, and many others.
Let's honor those who have died by protecting today's workers.
Chris Trahan Cain
Executive Director
