CHEYENNE, WY — The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) will observe Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28, honoring workers who have lost their lives on the job and reaffirming the state’s commitment to workplace safety.
Established by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, Workers’ Memorial Day is observed each year to remember workers who have died, been injured, or become ill due to workplace hazards. The day is also recognized internationally as the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
Across Wyoming, occupational fatalities occur in a wide range of industries, from transportation and construction to agriculture and energy. Each loss represents more than a statistic; it represents a life, a family, and a community affected by tragedy.
“Workers’ Memorial Day is an opportunity to pause and remember those who did not return home from work,” said Christian Graham, Wyoming OSHA Program Manager. “It also reminds us of the importance of continuing our efforts to make every workplace in Wyoming as safe as possible.”
DWS encourages employers and employees throughout the state to reflect on the importance of workplace safety and to recommit to practices that prevent injuries and fatalities. Strong safety programs, training, and hazard awareness can significantly reduce workplace risks.
The department provides resources to support safe workplaces through its Safety and Risk Management programs and Wyoming OSHA. These services offer consultation, compliance assistance, and training opportunities to help employers and workers identify hazards and strengthen safety practices.
Wyoming State AFL-CIO and the Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association will host the Annual Workers Memorial Day Ceremony on Tuesday, Apr. 28, at 5:30 p.m. on the Capitol steps in Cheyenne, with the Capitol Rotunda serving as an alternate location in case of inclement weather.
Preventing workplace tragedies is a shared responsibility. Employers, workers, and communities all play a role in recognizing hazards, speaking up about unsafe conditions, and promoting a culture of safety.
On April 28, DWS joins organizations and communities across Wyoming and around the world in remembering those who lost their lives at work and renewing the commitment to protecting the health and safety of all workers.
For more information about workplace safety resources, visit dws.wyo.gov.