28 April 2023 10:50am
On 28 April each year, International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) is a time to remember those who have died either because of a workplace accident, ill health or diseases as a result of work.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) annual statistics show on average that 135 workers are killed in work related accidents each year. They also estimate that there are around 13,000 deaths each year from occupational lung disease and cancer caused by past exposure at work to chemicals and dust (such as asbestos or silica).
However, safety campaigners estimate that the true figure for all work-related deaths is closer to 50,000 each year.
Workplaces across the country, including UNISON centre and regions will be marking the day with events, or a minute’s silence.
If you cannot attend an event locally you are welcome to join the UNISON national minute silence online. The event will be led by a member of UNISON’s leadership team. The virtual event starts at 10.50 am. This is the link
Microsoft Teams meeting Click here to join the meeting / Meeting ID: 378 682 829 846 / Passcode: Q7jvXk Video Conference ID: 122 572 000
Contact your branch, or region to find out what is planned near you, or visit the TUC’s page to find out the history of the day and ideas how you can get involved.