International
Workers' Memorial Day (IWMD) takes place around the world on 28 April each
year, with many wearing the purple forget-me-knot ribbon.
The day and the ribbon are about remembering those who have died,
been injured or made ill by their work, and about renewing our demand for safe
and healthy work to protect those who are still working.
In the UK, work 'accidents' cause up to 1,600 deaths a year.
These include work-related suicide, road accidents while driving for work, and
members of the public killed by someone else’s work. There are up to a further
50,000 deaths from work-related illnesses, including cancers, respiratory
illnesses and heart disease. Figures for non-fatal injuries and ill-health
caused by work are far greater. The numbers behind
Worker’s Memorial Day.
This year, IWMD falls on a Saturday, so UNISON is supporting the TUC call for a
Day of Action on
Health and Safety. If not at work on Saturday 28 April, many UNISON
members will also want to organise something at work to mark IWMD just before.
You could consider organising something at work for the
Friday or Thursday. UNISON's national health and safety committee will be
holding a minute's silence at 12 noon when it meets on Thursday 26 April.
UNISON
staff across the UK will also be taking part in this minute’s silence. Why not
join us?
In
May London Councils are discussing principles and priorities for 2012/15 with a
view to commissioning in summer 2012. The centre provides health
and safety advice and training, the branch is affiliated. Stewards may
wish to write to their local authority urging the London Councils to continue
commissioning the health and safety advice work from London Hazards. (Hat tip UNISON Housing Association Branch).
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