The purpose behind Workers' Memorial Day has always been to "remember the dead: fight for the living" and unions are asked to focus on both areas, by considering events or memorials to remember all those killed through work but at the same time ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. That can best be achieved by building trade union organisation, and campaigning for stricter enforcement with higher penalties for breaches of health & safety laws.
Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.
Theme for 2019 is: “dangerous substances – get them out of the workplace”. The focus will mainly be on carcinogens but you can adapt the theme to whatever is most relevant in your workplace or area, as many substances can also cause illnesses such as asthma or dermatitis.
Two important issues are of course asbestos and diesel exhaust, and the TUC has useful guides on both of them, but other ideas may be cleaning fluids or dust in general - Asbestos - time to get rid of it (pdf), Diesel exhaust in the workplace (pdf), Occupational cancer (pdf)
The TUC has a guide on workplace cancers. Hat tip TUC
Assemble no later than 11.45am at the “Clasping Hands” statue, 3 Mills Green E3 3DU, on the site where 3 workers sacrificed their lives in 1901 while trying to save their work colleague. A minute’s silence and wreath laying at 12 noon. Finish by 12.15am.
Nearest tube Bromley by Bow and parking Tesco’s
Organised by UNISON Housing Associations Branch. Please contact J.Gray2@unison.co.uk
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