Annual Memorial Service Honors Ohio’s Fallen Workers

BWC’s 12th annual Fallen Workers Memorial held Thursday

COLUMBUS – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) today to honor 126 Ohioans who died as a result of a workplace illness or accident.

BWC Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud led her agency’s 12th annual Fallen Workers Memorial from BWC headquarters in downtown Columbus.

“Today is a chance to mourn, and honor, those who lost their lives while on the job. Losing a loved one is never easy, especially those that are gone too soon,” said Administrator McCloud. “The Fallen Workers Memorial is a chance to honor and remember the lives of those who simply went to work to support themselves and their loved ones and never made it home.”

Administrator McCloud opened the program with a video message from Governor DeWine, who said, “we continue our strong commitment to workplace safety. Now, let’s take a moment, a moment to honor and remember those who gave their lives while on the job.”

Also participating in the ceremony were BWC Board of Directors Chairman Chan Cochran, board members Michael P. Taylor and Peggy Griffith, Ohio Industrial Commission (IC) Chairman Jim Hughes, and Mike Coughlin, Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio Association for Justice.

“We must never forget to remember the lives of the men and women who tragically passed away from their employment,” said IC Chairman Hughes. “It is important that we honor these individuals and the sacrifices they and their families have made, along with the contributions to our society. May all of the fallen workers rest in peace.”

Coughlin, of the Ohio Association for Justice, also offered his condolences: “The Ohio Association for Justice and our eleven hundred members around the state grieve for fallen workers and share the sadness of the families, employers, and co-workers who lost loved ones. To honor their lives, we should not just stand here with regret, we must work to improve safety, security, and supports for workers.”

The names of the fallen were read by Freddie Johnson, BWC’s chief of medical services, and BWC employees Kelly Hopkins and Felicia Richardson. BWC Board Director Taylor ended the ceremony with three tolls of BWC’s Memorial Bell.