Observing Worker’s Memorial Day

Labor unions observe Worker’s Memorial Day as a way to remember workers who have been injured or killed on the job.

This year, Kelsey Hagenson had an oak tree dedicated in his memory. Kelsey’s tree will join the row outside of Duluth’s Labor Temple. Each tree signifies a worker who died in a workplace fatality.

Last September, 18-year-old Kelsey was just two months into his new job when he was killed in a forklift accident on the Bong Bridge.

Kelsey’s mom, Amy Ogle, continues to grieve her son but finds comfort in the community’s support. “I’m very appreciative of everyone who has reached out to show their support. I did not know there was anything like this and it has been a great feeling all around,” Ogle said. She hopes her son’s death will set an example of how important it is to follow safety procedures. “

 Thanks to a continual focus on improving work place safety on the job fatalities have been decreasing in recent years.