Today marks this years Workers' Memorial Day. The purpose of the day is to "remember the dead: fight for the living" and is an opportunity to focus on all those killed through work but at the same time, ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated.
Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most die because their safety hasn't been considered an important priority.
For 2017, the theme of the day is "Good Health and Safety For All Workers Whoever They Are" and will focus on inequalities in occupational health and the role Trade Unions play in narrowing the inequalities gap. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has said it will focus on the hidden and new GIG economies - which are jobs characterised by the excessive use of short-term contracts, rather than permanent jobs - the risks faced by migrant workers and the issues of gender and class.
Workers' Memorial Day is held on 28 April every year, all over the world workers and their representatives conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a whole host of other activities to mark the day.
The YCW will be joining in the commemorations and fully support the need to promote safe and secure work places, as an inherent part of ensuring that the dignity of workers is respected.
Workers' Memorial Day is officially recognised by the UK Government.
