THE FOLLOWING IS AN EAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL RELEASE
Workers Memorial Day ceremonies to be held in Danville, Champaign
In December 2023, Joshua Bland was repairing a commercial roof in Danville, when he fell 33 feet to his death – an accident that led federal investigators to issue a heavy fine against his local employer, with demands that they improve work conditions for others.
The Danville resident, known to friends and family as “Critter,” will be recognized in a ceremony honoring dozens of area residents who have lost their lives while working.
Workers Memorial Day ceremonies will take place at 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 at 432 N. Hazel St. in Danville, while the Champaign ceremony happens at 5 p.m. on the same day, at Dodds Park, 1501 N. Mattis Ave. Both will include presentations from local labor leaders and elected officials. They are among several memorial services happening that day around the country and the public is welcome to attend.
Bland, 25, was a 2016 graduate of Danville High School who loved music and making people laugh. His family will attend the Danville ceremony, as his name is added to the memorial there. An investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found his employer did not enforce fall protection equipment for employees and that they had been previously cited for similar violations.
“What happened to Josh is beyond unacceptable,” said Luther Baker, President of the East Central Illinois AFL-CIO. “The most basic safety standards were not followed and it led to this tragedy, which was completely preventable.”
Workers Memorial Day began in 1970, with a goal of raising awareness of the need for better workplace safety for everyone. This year, Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen and Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams issued proclamations recognizing the day.
Fatal work injuries were down 4% across the country from 2023-2024, but actually increased 7.6% in Illinois, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Records show Bland was one of 33 Illinois residents who died while on the job in 2023, with falls being the top cause in the construction industry.
“Every person whose name is on these memorials deserved the right to go home thatday,” said Kevin Sage, President of the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council. “We have to do all that we can to ensure all workers are safe.”
Families are welcome to contact organizers if they would like a loved one’s name added to the memorials. Contact Luther Baker at praecellemus@gmail.com or Kevin Sage at ksage@ualocal149.com.
