The bell in L&I's worker memorial garden against a sunset with text reading Worker Memorial Day

Worker Memorial Day 2027

Date to be determined.

About

Every year since 1990, L&I pauses to honor the men and women who have died due to job-related injuries and illnesses.

During our annual ceremony in April, representatives of government, business, and labor join L&I staff to remember the fallen workers, offers condolences to the family and friends, and recommit our efforts to do all we can so every Washington worker comes home at the end of their shift.

Beyond L&I’s event, Worker Memorial Day events also occur in communities and work sites across the country and around the world.

Past Events

Past Worker Memorial Day Events

Since 2010, families have been invited to provide a photo and a few words about their loved one for use in a commemorative pamphlet.

2026

2025

2024

    History

    History of Worker Memorial Day

    A day honoring workers who have died from job-related injuries or illnesses has been observed in the United States since 1989.

    The date, April 28, was set as it is when the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration was created. Today, Worker Memorial Day is observed around the world.

    L&I has observed Worker Memorial Day since 1990 and, in 1993, conducted a special ceremony to mark the day.

    In 1998, Labor & Industries planted a Worker Memorial Garden. A brass bell sculpture, donated by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, was installed in the garden in 2007. Family members are invited to ring the bell at the conclusion of the Worker Memorial Day ceremony in remembrance of their loved one.

    A book is maintained in the lobby of the L&I Tumwater building with the names of all workers who have died from a workplace injury or illness.