Washington memorialized 73 workers who died from work related injuries or illnesses during Workers Memorial Day in Olympia.

The death toll includes seven victims who were injured or became ill in prior years and expired in 2009.  Still, that leaves 65 workers who were killed at work during the year.  Six of them were law enforcement officers,  four of whom were gunned down in Lakewood by a deranged man who was, himself shot and killed about a week later.  The deaths of seven workers from the Anacortes Tesoro refinery were not included, since that tragedy happened in 2010.

This project is only one of many conducted by the Department of Labor and Industries to try to reduce the numbers of fatalities and injuries on an annual basis. 

On November 4, 2008, The Department of Labor & Industries, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has adopted another crane safety rule that will be effective beginning January 1, 2010.  For detailed information, click on the link below.