Workers Memorial Day

Workers Memorial Day History

Workers' Memorial Day is held to memorialize workers who have been injured, fallen ill or lost their lives due to work-related hazards and incidents. The central theme for the day is "Remember the dead, fight for the living." The day serves as a somber reminder of the importance of occupational safety and health standards, and it also promotes the importance of collective action from businesses, governments, and labor unions to improve working conditions worldwide.

In the United Kingdom, Workers' Memorial Day is particularly significant, given that the country has a long history of labor movements striving for workers' rights and improved working conditions. Efforts to protect workers can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution when workplace hazards were particularly extreme. Today, the observance shines a light on occupational health and safety in the UK, raising awareness of the need for ongoing investment in workplace safety measures, as well as honoring those who have been affected by work-related accidents and illnesses.

Workers' Memorial Day is observed in the United Kingdom through various events and activities led by trade unions, labor organizations, and safety campaigners, such as minute’s silence, memorial services, educational events, and awareness campaigns. These events serve to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered injuries and illnesses at work and to reinforce the importance of workplace safety. Workers' Memorial Day takes place annually on the 28th of April.

Workers Memorial Day Facts

• The theme for Workers Memorial Day in 2024 was Climate risks for workers. In 2022 the theme was Make occupational health and safety a fundamental right at work.
• According to hazardscampaign.org, work kills about 2.8 million people around the world every year.
• According to hazardscampaign.org, about 6 million people around the world are made ill from unsafe working conditions every year.
• Some illnesses and diseases are occupation-specific and can be caused by exposure to harmful substances, such as asbestosis (linked to asbestos exposure) or mesothelioma (a rare form of lung cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibers).
• The construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation industries are considered to have a higher risk of work-related injuries compared to other sectors because of the nature of work, hazardous environments, and heavy equipment involved.
• The most common types of workplace injuries are related to overexertion, trips and falls, and harmful contact with objects or equipment.

In the News and Trending for Workers Memorial Day

Workers Memorial Day Top Things to Do

• Start or join a campaign to improve the world of work.
• Learn more about the role of a health and safety representative.
• Learn more about how unions support workers.
• Trade unions often organize events or gatherings on Workers Memorial Day to raise awareness about workplace safety issues. These events may involve marches, demonstrations, or educational sessions highlighting worker rights and advocating for safer work environments.
• Non-profit organizations or worker support groups may arrange workshops aiming to educate workers about their rights, promote healthy and safe work environments, and offer support to those affected by workplace accidents.