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.