Every year, more people are killed at work than in wars. Most aren’t due to unknown illnesses or unfortunate incidents, but rather stem from employers deeming safety as a secondary concern.
International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) 28 April honours those workers.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) annual statistics show on average that 135 workers are killed in work related accidents each year in the UK. They also estimate there are around 13,000 deaths each year from occupational lung disease and cancer caused by past exposure at work to chemicals and dust (such as asbestos and silica). However, safety campaigners estimate that the true figure is closer to 50,000 each year.
Workplaces across the country will be marking this day with events, or a minute’s silence.
Health & safety should be the first priority for employers, and UNISON health & safety reps play a key role in achieving this. The more health & safety reps there are in workplaces, the safer they are likely to be.
Find out more about becoming a health & safety rep
Find out more about what UNISON’s doing to improve health & safety in workplaces
Take a look at what some of Greater London’s branches have done to mark the event.
Havering LG Branch
The branch marked this event by gathering to reflect on the importance of IWMD, emphasising the importance of UNISON’s ongoing commitment and campaign efforts for safer working conditions for all.
In Havering, April and October are Health & Safety Inspection Months, and the Branch are promoting and completing health & safety workplace inspections across the local authority.
Housing Associations Branch
The branch gathered at the ‘Clasping Hands’ statue, in Three Mills Park in Stratford, East London. The statue marks four workers who were tragically killed on site in a notorious health and safety incident.
There was a variety of speeches and wreathes laid by UNISON reps, Clarion Housing Group and L&Q Group. They also heard speeches from Labour councillors James Beckles and Anntoinette Bramble, who are both UNISON members.
Has your branch marked IWMD? Let us know; r.sammut@unison.co.uk