Monday, March 09, 2009

Workers’ Memorial Day – Tuesday 28 April 2009

This morning I received copies of the UNISON 2009 Poster for Workers’ Memorial Day (see picture). This year I am trying to organise events to mark the occasion at work and within the Labour Party.

I read today in the TUC risks e-newsletter that 1 in every 10 carpenters who were born in the 1940’s will die prematurely of asbestos related diseases. 1 in every 10? I have worked as a housing officer with chippies throughout my career. A few born during this period will still be working but I wonder now about the health of all those I have lost touch with and those who have retired?

Below is from the UNISON website here

What is Workers Memorial Day?

Each year on 28 April, IWMD is marked around the world to Remember the dead, Fight for the living. We remember those killed, made ill, or injured by their own or someone else’s work. Their pain and suffering and that of their families deserves not to be forgotten. We also renew our commitment to, and demand once more, safe and healthy work for all.

Far too many workers and their families suffer each and every year. The figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and which make the headlines, never tell the full story.

So what is the full story? It is estimated that work incidents cause up to 1,600 deaths each year; including deaths to members of the public, work-related suicide, and road traffic accidents whilst driving for work.

On top of this, it is estimated that there are up to 50,000 deaths from work-related illnesses; including cancers, respiratory illnesses, and heart disease. For more detail, see The Whole Story, in the Safety and Health Practitioner

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