Health and safety zone
Last Updated: 27 April 2007
Union activists marked the campaign launch with a
minute's silence for all those killed at work
(27/04/07) Today saw the official launch of UNISON's new campaign for 28 April each year to be formally recognised as a national day of remembrance for those killed or injured at work.
The union says more people are killed at work each year than by wars. It hopes the campaign will ensure that their memory will lead to better health and safety, fewer deaths, less injury, and lower rates of work-related ill health.
UNISON staff and activists across the UK marked the campaign launch with speeches and a minute's silence.
Official figures for Britain released by the Health and Safety Executive show that between 220 and 250 workers are killed at work in this country every year.
"But this is not the complete picture," said UNISON assistant general secretary Bob Abberley, speaking at the London launch.
"Around another 1,000 or so deaths occur while driving at work. It is also estimated that between 20,000 and 50,000 deaths each year are caused by work-related illnesses such as respiratory and heart disease and various cancers.
"And many, many more workers are made ill or left in pain by their work."
UNISON continues to demand new laws and better enforcement strategies that treat deaths caused by employer recklessness or negligence far more seriously than at present.
You can support the campaign by signing two e-petitions on the 10 Downing St website - one calls for formal recognition of Workers Memorial Day as a national day of remembrance
remember
and the other for work-related road traffic incidents to be reportable just like other deaths and injuries at work report
Workers Memorial Day 2007
Union activists marked the campaign launch with a
minute's silence for all those killed at work
(27/04/07) Today saw the official launch of UNISON's new campaign for 28 April each year to be formally recognised as a national day of remembrance for those killed or injured at work.
The union says more people are killed at work each year than by wars. It hopes the campaign will ensure that their memory will lead to better health and safety, fewer deaths, less injury, and lower rates of work-related ill health.
UNISON staff and activists across the UK marked the campaign launch with speeches and a minute's silence.
Official figures for Britain released by the Health and Safety Executive show that between 220 and 250 workers are killed at work in this country every year.
"But this is not the complete picture," said UNISON assistant general secretary Bob Abberley, speaking at the London launch.
"Around another 1,000 or so deaths occur while driving at work. It is also estimated that between 20,000 and 50,000 deaths each year are caused by work-related illnesses such as respiratory and heart disease and various cancers.
"And many, many more workers are made ill or left in pain by their work."
UNISON continues to demand new laws and better enforcement strategies that treat deaths caused by employer recklessness or negligence far more seriously than at present.
You can support the campaign by signing two e-petitions on the 10 Downing St website - one calls for formal recognition of Workers Memorial Day as a national day of remembrance
remember
and the other for work-related road traffic incidents to be reportable just like other deaths and injuries at work report 
CONTACT DETAILS
• For urgent help and advice at work to go Help at Work.
• UNISON's Health and Safety Unit researches policies and issues briefings on hazards, standards and good practice.
UNISON Health and Safety Unit
1 Mabledon Place
London WC1H 9AJ
Email us
• For urgent help and advice at work to go Help at Work.
• UNISON's Health and Safety Unit researches policies and issues briefings on hazards, standards and good practice.
UNISON Health and Safety Unit
1 Mabledon Place
London WC1H 9AJ
Email us
Advice for health workers
UNISON, 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ. Telephone: 0845 355 0845.
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