Workers' Memorial Day

On Workers' Memorial Day, April 28, 2023, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Commissioner, Roberta Reardon, commemorated the solemn occasion by dedicating a memorial plaque and bench at the Department's fountain in front of its headquarters on the Harriman State Office Campus in Albany.

Workers' Memorial Day honors our dedicated State, County and Municipal public employee colleagues who have lost their lives while serving the people of New York. This permanent memorial stands as a lasting tribute to their invaluable contributions and a constant reminder of the sacrifices they made in the line of duty.

NYSDOL recognizes the inherent risks faced every day by public servants across the state. This memorial serves not only as a place of remembrance, but also as a symbol of our unwavering commitment to preventing future tragedies.

The Department's Public Employee Safety & Health (PESH) bureau plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of all public sector employees. PESH is dedicated to providing comprehensive occupational safety and health protections, fostering a culture of safety in public workplaces, and advocating for continuous improvements in safety regulations and practices. By actively collaborating with public employers, unions, and safety professionals, our PESH team strives to create a safer work environment for all.

“Any single life lost on the job is one too many,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “We must never forget our colleagues who lost their lives while serving the people of New York. The Department of Labor will continue to proactively ensure proper safety measures and practices are in place to protect our public workers while on the job.”

The names of the employees can be viewed below. If you know a public employee that died while working and should be included, please email [email protected].