The following has been supplied by the TUC:
Every year, two million men and women die
worldwide as a result of work-related injuries and diseases. Workers' Memorial
Day held annually on 28 April, is a day when all over the world workers and
their representatives conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a host of
other activities to remember this toll. The TUC
says in the UK
over 20,000 people die prematurely every year as a result of injuries or
accidents caused by their work. This year it has called on unions and safety
campaigners to make 28 April a day of action to defend health and safety from
attacks by the press, politicians and employers. The union body is concerned
that the UK's
workplace safety record could be about to get worse as a direct result of
government policies. Not only do funding cuts - both to the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE)
and to local authorities - mean there will be fewer official safety
inspections, the government has also said that workplaces like shops, offices,
schools, docks and farms no longer need to be routinely visited. TUC
adds that 'health and safety bashers' should be reminded what safety law is
really all about - not pointless regulation but necessary protection to stop
employers taking risks with workplace safety and which prevents people from
being killed, injured or made ill as a result of their work. TUC
general secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Sensible employers who are happy to
work closely with unions improving safety and occupational health at work don't
see safety regulation as an intrusive burden. But rogue employers, who are
happy to cut corners and take risks with their employees' safety, do. It's
these reckless employers that we need to target and the government's rhetoric
will only encourage yet more of them to think they can get away with unsafe
workplaces - without fear of ever getting a visit from the HSE or
their local council.' UK
events have been organised in over 50 towns and cities from Aberdeen to
Penzance.
