DWP/021/10
The UK will officially recognise Workers Memorial Day to
commemorate thousands of people who have died, been seriously
injured or made ill through their work, Yvette Cooper announced today.
This follows the Government’s consultation in July to explore
options for official recognition of the day, which gained
widespread support.
This year, the UK will join the many other countries around the
world that officially recognise the Day on 28 April, the
International Day of Action for Safety and Health at Work. Formal
recognition will reinforce the significance of the Day and raise
awareness of the number of people who are killed, disabled,
injured or made unwell through their work.
Work and Pensions Secretary of State Yvette Cooper said:
“I am delighted to announce that the UK will officially recognise
Workers Memorial Day. This is a tribute to all those who have
campaigned long and hard, including bereaved families, trade
unions, campaign groups, and many other organisations and individuals.
“For the first time, the UK will join countries across the globe
in remembrance of all those killed at work and for the families
they have left behind, and the many more who have been harmed. It
is also a spur to greater efforts to improve health and safety for
today’s and tomorrow’s working population.”
While the UK has one of the best health and safety records in the
world, official figures show that 180 people were killed at work
last year and over 27,000 suffered major injury. Around 8,000 each
year die from occupational cancers and lung diseases.
There have been an increasing number of commemorative events in
the UK in recent years as Workers Memorial Day has become a focal
point for bereaved families, unions, campaign organisations and
local authorities among others. As more people have become
involved in these events, there has been growing support for
formal recognition of the Day.
Commemorations will continue to be led by individuals, employers,
trade unions and community organisations. In keeping with the
outcome of the consultation, the Government will encourage
commemorations to be held on the day itself throughout the UK. The
Government and Ministers will help support and promote these commemorations.
Notes to Editors
1. The Consultation is available on http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2009/
2. Workers Memorial Day originated in Canada in 1984. The day is
also recognised in other countries. It is now recognised as a
national day in 19 countries.
3. Since 1989 trade unions in the UK, USA Asia, Europe and Africa
have organised events on and around 28 April. This date was chosen
for International Workers Memorial Day as it is the anniversary of
the Occupational Health and Safety Act in the USA and also
commemorates the day that 28 people were killed in a construction
accident in Connecticut.
4. Workers Memorial Day has been informally recognised in the UK
since 1992.
5. In 2001 the International Labour Organisation 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.
Contacts:
Department Work and Pensions
Phone: 020 3267 5144
NDS.DWP@coi.gsi.gov.uk