Caltrans Workers' Memorial and Worker Safety
Since 1921, 193 Caltrans employees have been killed on the job. One of the biggest hazards faced by highway workers are inattentive and distracted motorists.
Each year, Caltrans honors its fallen employees at the statewide Workers' Memorial on the west steps of the State Capitol. Family members, co-workers, friends, and the general public are invited to attend the memorial, which took place this year on April 25, 2024. Watch the recorded webcast.
The Fallen Workers' Memorial is a time to remember those who lost their lives building, maintaining, and operating California’s world-class transportation system.
This observance also highlights safety awareness for employees in work zones, as well as the motoring public.
2024 Caltrans Statewide and District Workers' Memorial Ceremonies
We hope that you take the time to attend one of the memorials being held throughout the state, either virtually or in person, as we honor those who lost their lives on the job. Find your District on this map.
2024 Caltrans Fallen Workers' Memorial Scholarship
The Caltrans Fallen Workers' Memorial Scholarships are awarded to children of Fallen Caltrans Workers – as well as to those of Fallen Workers in California’s transportation industry, including contractors – to help selected students meet their post-high school educational goals.
The scholarship award must be used to attend a post-secondary school or institution. This may include any: public or private four-year accredited college or university; two-year accredited college; vocational-technical college or a training institution.
The 2024 application period is closed. The 2025 applications will open after January 2025.
For more information, visit the California Transportation Foundation.
2024 Caltrans Safety Poster Contest
Family members of Caltrans employees’ children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews 17 years of age and under can now submit highway safety art for the 2024 poster contest. This is an opportunity for the children in your family to share their thoughts and creative ideas about the importance of driving safely in or near a work zone and to be part of the educational outreach for this very important life-saving message.
The 2024 application period is closed. The 2025 applications will open after January 2025.
Past Memorials
- 2023 Workers' Memorial Video
- 2022 Workers' Memorial Video
- 2021 Workers' Memorial Video
- 2020 Workers' Memorial Video
- 2019 Workers' Memorial Video
- 2018 Workers' Memorial Video
Worker Safety
Caltrans is committed to providing safe and efficient work zones, both for the traveling public and employees working on the state highway system. The Mission, Vision, and Goals, for the Department place safety highest among its commitments.
"Every day, thousands of highway workers put their lives in danger just by going to work and serving the public... Californians can help keep our highways safe by slowing down in the ‘work zone’ and complying with the Move Over law."
The Department's safety goal is to achieve the best safety record in the nation. Help us accomplish this goal by learning more about Worker and Work Zone safety below.
California's Move Over Law: “Slow or Move Over for Workers, It’s the Law.” When you see amber flashing lights, move over to protect highway workers.
Be Work Zone Alert: The children of Caltrans highway workers remind drivers to "stay alert, our parents are at work" and keep our workers safe.
Slow for the Cone Zone: Tips to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.