Workers’ Memorial Day is observed every year on April 28 to remember and honor workers around the world who lost their lives, were injured or became ill on the job.

At Newport News Shipbuilding, it is an opportunity for all employees to reflect and recommit to making good, safe decisions; looking out for others; and speaking up when they see something unsafe. Wreaths have been placed at major entry points at NNS to commemorate Workers’ Memorial Day.

Lucas Hicks, vice president of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) Aircraft Carrier Programs, said it’s important to understand the hazards shipbuilders face on the job and to follow the rules in place to keep employees safe.

“Our ultimate goal – our absolute top priority – is to keep each and every shipbuilder safe so they can go home at the end of shift in the same manner they arrived,” he said.

Watch a video on MyNNS to hear Hicks share more thoughts about safety and why it should always be at the forefront at NNS.