Columbus, OH – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) recently held its Fallen Workers Memorial honoring those who’ve lost their lives on the job. The annual service sets aside a day to commemorate Ohioans who lost their lives on the job and express appreciation for their service and sacrifice. The names of 125 workers who died on the job in Ohio were read aloud during this year’s ceremony.
“We owe a debt of gratitude which can never be fully repaid to those dedicated laborers who have been killed as the result of a workplace injury,” said Governor John R. Kasich.
“Sadly, some of the millions of Ohioans who go to work each day don’t return home, and their families, friends and communities must cope with their tragic loss,” said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. “We honor the memory of Ohio’s fallen workers and gather each year to honor these men and women who were committed to their jobs, and lost their lives as a result of fulfilling that commitment.”
The ceremony was held in BWC’s William Green Building in downtown Columbus. Buehrer was joined by members of the BWC Board of Directors, including David Caldwell, Peggy Griffith and Chairman Nicholas Zuk, along with labor and business leaders.
Griffith recited the poem “Memorial for Workers” and the names of the fallen were read by Tina Kielmeyer, BWC’s Chief of Field Operations, and Shirley Hubbert, BWC Assembly President of the OSCEA. The ceremony concluded with the tolling of a bell in their memory.
During the ceremony, Buehrer read a resolution issued by Governor John Kasich recognizing the memorial and asking all Ohioans to join in paying tribute to those who lost their lives on the job.
Buehrer also reflected on BWC’s core mission of preventing accidents on the job, caring for injured workers and assisting the families of those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Each death is heartbreaking but offers an opportunity to reflect on the reasons workplace safety must be an absolute priority for all of us,” added Buehrer.
Source: Ohio BWC