Workers’ Memorial Day
Worker’s Memorial Day is a holiday that’s observed worldwide on April 28th. Also known as International Worker’s Memorial Day, this holiday acts as a remembrance for all of those workers who have been maimed, injured, disabled, made sick, or killed by their job.
Gibraltar (Public holiday) It’s a day to highlight the unsafe work conditions that some workers have to endure and to address the need that more workplace safety measures need to be implemented to keep workers safe. Although this holiday is used to raise the public’s attention about the need for better workplace safety improvements, in reality, organizations are pushing for workplace safety all year long.
Gibraltar
In most countries around the world, Worker’s Memorial Day isn’t a public holiday – although it is a holiday that’s widely observed. In Gibraltar, however, it is a public holiday, so it’s a day off for the general population. It’s also a day on which schools and most businesses are closed. If April 28th falls on a weekend, the following Monday will be observed as a public holiday.
The History Of Worker’s Memorial Day
This holiday was first created in 1989 by the AFL-CIO. They created the holiday to honor the thousands of workers killed and injured on the job every year. They placed this holiday on the 28th of April because that’s the date the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 went into effect in 1971. In Canada, this holiday was established in 1985 as the National Day of Mourning.
Workplace Injury And Deaths Facts
Below are some facts about the injuries, illnesses, and fatalities that occurred during 2019.
- In 2019, there were 5,333 fatal work injuries in the U.S. That’s up 2% from 2018.
- Approximately 40% of workplace deaths happened in transportation incidents.
- Approximately 14% of workplace deaths were worker contact with equipment or objects.
Observing Worker’s Memorial Day
On this holiday, people should take the time to learn more about worker safety and then work towards lobbying for better work conditions. People can also use the hashtag #WorkersMemorialDay to spread the word about this holiday and to put pressure on politicians to pass bills that help to better protect workers in certain industries.
Gibraltar (Public holiday) 
