Workers’ Memorial Day is April 28 |Vellner Law, PC

How this global movement strives for safer workplaces

Held every April 28, Workers’ Memorial Day honors people who died or suffered serious harm while simply doing their jobs. It marks the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act and reminds us that workplace safety isn’t just about policies; it’s about protecting people.

Across Pennsylvania and the United States, memorial services, rallies, and calls for reform draw attention to the lives lost and the changes still needed. Because even with decades of progress, far too many workers continue to face unacceptable risks.

Why does Workers’ Memorial Day matter?

Pennsylvania is home to some of the most physically demanding and dangerous industries in the United States. At Vellner Law, PC, we see worker injuries and fatalities in logistics, warehousing, construction, healthcare, and many other industries across the state.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry reports thousands of workplace injuries every year. While some recover, others live with long-term pain or disability. Some never make it home. Workers’ Memorial Day reminds us that every statistic represents a real person. It calls on employers, lawmakers, and communities to do better. It also brings together families, unions, lawyers, and workers to demand improvements such as:

Better training and PPE
Regular safety inspections
Tougher penalties for negligent employers
More support for injured workers and whistleblowers

What are the most common dangers workers face?

The types of workplace hazards can vary widely depending on the job, but some industries see more serious injuries than others. In Pennsylvania, several sectors stand out when it comes to the risk of work injuries and fatalities. These include:

Warehouse and factory settings: Workers often deal with repetitive motions that lead to long-term strain and chronic pain, especially in the hands, shoulders, and lower back. Forklift accidents are another major concern, and they're often caused by rushed deadlines, poor visibility, or lack of proper training.
Construction sites: Construction workers face some of the most dangerous conditions on the job. Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops remain a leading cause of fatal injuries. Electrocution from exposed wiring or power lines and struck-by incidents involving falling tools or heavy machinery are also common.
Healthcare environments: Nurses and aides often suffer lifting injuries from helping patients in and out of beds or wheelchairs. Needlestick accidents can expose workers to infectious diseases, while physical violence from agitated patients or visitors has become a growing safety issue in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Delivery and transportation: Delivery and transportation workers spend long hours on the road, which increases the risk of serious motor vehicle accidents. Fatigue, rushed delivery schedules, and bad weather conditions can all contribute to crashes. These workers also face repetitive strain from loading and unloading cargo throughout the day.

What should I do if I'm hurt at work in PA?

Start by reporting the injury to your employer immediately. Make sure you provide a written incident report and keep a copy for your records. Pennsylvania law gives you 120 days to notify your employer, but reporting it right away protects your claim.

You’ll also need to see a doctor approved by your employer’s insurance network for the first 90 days of treatment. Be sure to attend all appointments and document everything, including your symptoms, medical advice, and any time missed from work.

Workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania can provide coverage for:

Current and future medical expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement.
Wage-loss benefits if you’re unable to work temporarily or permanently.
Specific loss benefits for permanent loss of function, such as losing a finger, limb, vision, or hearing.

Unfortunately, not every claim goes smoothly. Employers and insurance companies may challenge the severity of your injury or delay payments. If your claim is denied, underpaid, or caught up in red tape, an experienced Pennsylvania workers' compensation lawyer can help sort it out for you.

What if a loved one died while on the job?

Losing a loved one to a workplace tragedy is heartbreaking. Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system offers death benefits to eligible dependents. These are typically spouses, minor children, or others who rely on the worker for financial support. Workers' compensation death benefits usually cover:

Funeral and burial costs
Weekly income payments
Support for dependent children or family members

If a third party contributed to the death (e.g., a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer), you may also have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit for additional compensation.

Get a trusted attorney who stands up for injured workers

Getting hurt at work or losing a loved one to a workplace injury or illness can be devastating. Unfortunately, pursuing workers' compensation benefits in Pennsylvania isn't always an easy process. There's a lot of paperwork, and even the smallest error can result in your benefits getting delayed or denied. To build a strong claim, you need to ensure that your application is error-free and you have the evidence to tie your injury to your job. The dedicated legal team at Vellner Law, PC is here to make sure that happens.

With offices in Allentown and Bethlehem, we’ve spent decades helping injured workers throughout the Lehigh Valley get the benefits they’re entitled to. We understand how tough it is to deal with insurance companies, medical paperwork, and return-to-work pressure while you’re trying to heal. That’s why we take the time to understand your needs and fight aggressively for your rights every step of the way.

If you’ve been injured on the job or if your workers’ comp claim has been denied, don’t try to handle it alone. Let us put our experience to work for you with no upfront or hidden costs for our services. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you take back control.

"Tony Vellner and his staff were with me throughout my case, and I never felt left in the dark about the case. I have and do recommend Tony to anyone who needs a workers' comp lawyer." - Susan, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐