Nevada Honors Fallen Workers on Workers’ Memorial Day 2026

On Workers’ Memorial Day 2026, the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Nevada OSHA) and the Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry’s Division of Industrial Relations (DIR), solemnly honor the workers who have lost their lives due to work-related injuries and illnesses in Nevada and across the nation.

Workers’ Memorial Day is observed annually on April 28 to commemorate the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which provides every worker the right to a safe and healthy workplace.

According to currently available data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 5,070 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2024, a 4% decrease from 5,283 in 2023. The fatal work injury rate also declined from 3.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers in 2023 to 3.3 in 2024. In Nevada, there were 33 fatal work injuries in 2024, down from 57 fatal work injuries in 2023.

“Today, we remember the Nevadans who left for work and never returned home,” said Kym Heckman, Chief Administrative Officer for Nevada OSHA. “Every number represents a life lost and a family forever changed. Our commitment is to prevent these tragedies through strong education, proactive outreach, and consistent enforcement. Every worker deserves to come home safe, every single day.”

“SCATS honors the lives lost and stands with the families, coworkers, and communities impacted by workplace tragedies,” said Todd Schultz, Chief Administrative Officer of SCATS. “As we move forward this year, we remain committed to supporting Nevada’s employers and workers through free training and consultation services that identify hazards, strengthen safety programs, and prevent injuries. Together, we can continue building safer, healthier workplaces across Nevada.”

 Support and Resources for Workers and Families

Nevada OSHA and SCATS, through the Division of Industrial Relations, offer a range of resources for workers, employers, and families affected by workplace incidents:

 Kids’ Chance of Nevada

Kids’ Chance provides college and technical school scholarships to children of workers who have been killed or seriously injured on the job in Nevada. Nationally, the organization has awarded over 11,000 scholarships totaling more than $42 million. Learn more at www.kidschance.org.

 Nevada Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS)

SCATS offers no-cost workplace safety services to Nevada employers, including on-site consultations, safety program evaluations, and training workshops. The goal is to prevent injuries and improve workplace safety practices. Learn more at www.4safenv.state.nv.us.

 Nevada OSHA – Worker Protections and Complaint Process

Workers who believe they’ve been exposed to unsafe conditions may report concerns to their employer or file a complaint with Nevada OSHA. Both state law (NRS 618.445) and federal law (Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act) prohibit employer retaliation. Complaints are confidential under NRS 618.341(3)(a).

File a complaint online www.osha.gov/workers/file-complaint or call:

• Southern Nevada: (702) 486-9020
• Northern Nevada: (775) 688-3700

 About the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations

The Nevada Division of Industrial Relations (DIR), an agency of the Department of Business and Industry is the state’s principal regulatory agency for workplace safety and worker protection. DIR consists of five sections: Nevada OSHA, Workers’ Compensation Section, Mechanical Compliance Section, Mine Safety and Training Section, and the Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS). These programs work together to protect Nevada’s workforce through education, enforcement, and support. For more information, visit www.dir.nv.gov.

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