WIREDGOV

The Government today launched a consultation into officially recognising Workers Memorial Day to remember those who lose their lives at work.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Yvette Cooper confirmed the consultation would look at how the day could be officially recognised in the UK. The Government wants to give bereaved families, unions who represent workers, and the public, the opportunity to have their say about how they would like to mark the day and commemorate those who have died. She said:

"It is a tragedy that some people go out to work and then never return home to their families.  I want to look at what the UK can do to remember the thousands of workers who have lost their lives.

"I know there are many ideas for consideration, including a lasting memorial. Many countries already recognise Workers Memorial Day, to commemorate those who have been killed, seriously injured or made ill through work."

Despite the UK having one of the best health and safety records in the world, there were still 180 workplace fatalities in Britain in 2008/09. Many more die as a result of diseases incurred when they are working.  Every year, for example, there are around 4,000 cancer deaths due to past exposure to asbestos, and every working day, over 400 people are seriously injured at work.  Accidents and ill health are estimated to cost society £20bn a year.

Following its inception in Canada in 1984, Workers Memorial Day is already recognised as a national day in many countries around the world including Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Luxembourg, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan and the USA.

Since the early 1990s, the day has become the focal point for an increasing number of commemorative events involving the bereaved, trade unionists, the TUC, Government bodies and Local Authorities among others.

The consultation is published today and runs until 19 October 2009.  For further information please follow the link:  http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/

Notes to Editors

1. International Workers Memorial Day takes place annually around the world on April 28. It is a day of remembrance for workers killed, injured or made ill by their work. Its slogan is 'remember the dead: fight for the living'.
2. The Day was brought to the UK in 1992 by the Hazards Campaign, which has been campaigning for its recognition.
3. In 2001, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) recognised Workers Memorial Day and announced April 28 as an International Day of Action for Safety and Health at Work, which is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work around the globe.
4. Provisional data shows that in Britain 180 workers were killed between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2009 – a rate of 0.6 per 100,000 employees – down from 233 in 2007/08 and 17 per cent lower than the previous lowest total of 217, recorded in 2005/6.
5. The majority of fatalities occurred in historically the most dangerous industries in Britain:  26 fatal injuries to agricultural workers, 53 fatal injuries to construction workers, 63 fatal injuries to services workers and 32 fatal injuries to manufacturing workers.  There were also 6 fatal injuries to extractive and utility supply workers.
6. The full statistics on fatal injuries in the workplace 2008/09 can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatalinjuries.htm and a summary at www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm

Media Enquiries: 0203 267 5126
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk