US Department of Labor leaders, worker advocates, families to mark Workers Memorial Day, honor people whose jobs claimed their lives

April 25 ceremony to reflect on tragic loss of more than 5K workers each year

The Department of Labor will hold a ceremony on April 25 to honor people whose lives were cut short by workplace injuries, illnesses or diseases, one of many events at its Washington headquarters during the week leading up to the national Workers Memorial Day remembrance on April 28.

The department’s Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker and Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson and other department officials will welcome AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts, Occupational Safety and Health Family Liaison Tonya Ford and Stacy Sebald, whose teenage son Mitchell McDaniel suffered fatal injuries in a tragic 2019 agriculture incident.

In 2022, a reported 5,486 workers suffered fatal injuries, an increase of 296 worker deaths from 2021. On average, about 15 people die in workplace incidents each day in the U.S.

Families from across the country will come together at this year’s Workers Memorial Day program to honor and recognize their loved ones. The event will include remarks from speakers and family members of fallen workers, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

WHO:             Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker

Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler

United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts

Stacy Sebald, mother of Mitchell McDaniel

Occupational Safety and Health Family Liaison Tonya Ford

Families of fallen workers

WHAT:          Workers Memorial Day ceremony

WHERE:       U.S. Department of Labor

200 Constitution Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20210

WHEN:          Thursday, April 25, 2024

1 p.m. EDT

View the Worker Memorial Day ceremony livestream.

RSVP:            Media interested in attending the event, contact alonzo.frances@dol.gov

From 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT, department officials and some family members will be available for interviews in-person, by video call or by teleconference by advance request.