Department for Work and Pensions
Printable version E-mail this to a friend

WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY CONSULTATION LAUNCHED

WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY CONSULTATION LAUNCHED

DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS News Release (HSE-121) issued by COI News Distribution Service on 28 April 2009

The Government announced today that they are looking at officially recognising Workers Memorial Day, to commemorate the thousands of people who have been killed, seriously injured or made ill through work. It would also provide an annual focal point for the importance of healthy and safe workplaces.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell has confirmed that a consultation will look at how the Day could be officially recognised in the UK. He said:

"I would like to send my support to all those people around the world commemorating Workers Memorial Day. I want to look at how the UK could join the many other countries that officially recognise the day.

"The fact that some people go out to work and never return home to their families is a human tragedy. Workers Memorial Day is a mark of respect to those killed and injured at work and to the bereaved."

The Secretary of State is now launching a formal consultation which will run until the autumn. He said: "We will seek the views of trade unions and other interested parties. I know there is a huge amount of support for the Day and there are many ideas for consideration, including a lasting memorial to all those killed and harmed by work activity."

Following its inception in Canada in 1984, Workers Memorial Day is already recognised as a national day in many countries around the world including Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Luxembourg, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan and the USA.

Since the early 1990s The Day has become the focal point for an increasing number of commemorative events involving the bereaved, trade unionists, the TUC, Government bodies and Local Authorities among others.

Notes to editors

1. International Workers Memorial Day takes place annually around the world on April 28. It is a day of remembrance for workers killed, injured or made ill by their work. Its slogan is 'remember the dead: fight for the living'.

2. The Day was brought to the UK in 1992 by the Hazards Campaign, which has been campaigning for its recognition.

3. In 2001, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) recognised Workers Memorial Day and announced April 28 as an International Day of Action for Safety and Health at Work, which is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work around the globe.

4. This year Lord McKenzie will be marking Workers Memorial Day with members of Prospect at their safety representatives' conference.

Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story