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 2021, the theme of the day is "Health and Safety is a fundamental workers’ right"
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed an occupational health crisis in workplaces worldwide. Workers are routinely denied even basic health and safety protections, including consultation with safety reps and safety committees on ‘Covid-safe’ policies and practices, free access to personal protective equipment and protection from victimisation for raising health and safety concerns. These same problems existed before the pandemic and resulted in millions of deaths each year from work-related injuries and diseases.
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.
