Workers Memorial Day, also known as International Workers Memorial Day or International Commemoration Day (ICD) for Dead & Injured takes place annually around the world on April 28th.
It’s an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, injured, disabled or made unfit for work by their job.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), in workplaces around the world:
- Every year over 2 million women and men die as a result of work-related accidents and diseases.
- Workers suffer approximately 270 million occupational accidents each year, and suffer 160 million incidents of work-related illnesses.
- Hazardous substances in the workplace kill 440,000 workers annually.
- Asbestos claims 100,000 lives each year.
- One person dies every 15 seconds worldwide, that’s 6,000 every day.
- Work kills more people than wars.
- In 2009 180 people were killed and 27,000 suffered major injury in the UK.
- Around 8,000 people die in the UK each year from occupational cancers and lung diseases.
Workers Memorial Day was started by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in 1984 and the Canadian Labour Congress declared an annual day of remembrance in 1985 on April 28th.
This date was chosen as it is the anniversary of a comprehensive Workers Compensation Act, passed in Canada in 1914. In 1991 the Canadian Government recognised April 28th as an official Workers Mourning Day.
Since then official recognition has been given by many governments around the world, and Workers Memorial Day is held in countries such as: Argentina, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Luxembourg, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan and the U.S.
On the 28th January 2010 the United Kingdom also officially recognised Workers Memorial Day.
Trade Unions in countries such as Benin, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Malta, Nepal, New Zealand, Romania and Singapore are also pursuing governmental recognition.
Throughout the world on April 28th events are held, including:
Speeches, active campaigning, workplace awareness events, multi faith religious events, laying wreathes, planting trees, unveiling monuments, balloon releases, public awareness and the laying out of empty shoes to symbolise those who have died at work.
Prime Minister praises union safety representatives
In a message released to mark Workers Memorial Day the Prime Minister praised the role that trade unions and safety representatives play in promoting health and safety. Gordon Brown said 'the British trade union movement has led the way in protecting the lives of people at work through Health and Safety Representatives. Their dedication has protected countless workers and their families from the consequences of deaths and injuries at work and I pay tribute to their tireless efforts on behalf of us all.'
The message also reiterated that Workers' Memorial Day is an important day in the calendar each year. He stated 'It gives us a chance to commemorate those who have died as a result of their work and to think of the families and friends that have been left behind. We also think of those who have been seriously injured or made ill through work and reaffirm our commitment to supporting and protecting them.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, support Workers Memorial Day, and report ALL accidents and near misses. Ensure you don’t become just another statistic on Workers Memorial Day.
This year's Workers' Memorial Day Event will take place on:
Saturday 1st May 2010 in Preston centre.
If you would like to get involved please contact James Sorah on 01772 223112.
