Every year
on the 28 April in 19 countries across the world, workers remember all those
who have died in an accident at work or from occupational illnesses and
diseases such as exposure to asbestos. Sadly, more people are killed at work each
year than die in wars. Many more suffer from work related disability or chronic
ill health.
The theme
for this year’s event following the many unnecessary deaths workers suffered
from Covid is making sure that health and safety at work is a "fundamental
employment right".
Greater
London UNISON Housing Associations, has held an annual memorial in Stratford, East
London for many years, organised by local members, other trade unions and some
employer safety officers.
The annual
memorial in Stratford takes place at Three Mills Green, E3 3DU behind the historic
buildings nearby and next to the River Lea. It is about 10 minutes’ walk from
Bromley-By-Bow underground station.
There is a
“clasping hands” statute at this site remembering the deaths of 4 workers who
were suffocated in an underground vent. 3 Of them had sacrificed their lives
while trying to rescue others by trying to pull them out of the vent but were overcome by fumes.
Local MP Lyn
Brown will be laying a wreath on behalf of UNISON at 11am on the day. All welcome. Please bring banners and assemble by 10.45.
If you work
outside London, check out this TUC website for an event near you
https://www.tuc.org.uk/iwmd-events
Not only is
this a day to remember the dead it is also a day to campaign and remind
everyone of the risks they face at work and what can be done to reduce them.
In previous
years in our branch line managers and UNISON members on 28 April were encouraged to go on
joint “walkabouts” around their offices looking for simple slip and trip
hazards while other workers had special “tool box” talks on relevant safety
issues. With many employees still working from home for at least part of the
week, 28 April could be the day to make sure you have an up-to-date home or
office desktop risk assessment and you have any aids that are needed.
No comments:
Post a Comment