All around the globe events will be occurring to mark Workers Memorial Day to remember those who were killed at work.
“In the last year 55 working Kiwis went to work and never came home. Every single person who heads out the door to begin their working day should have full confidence that they’ll return home again at the end of their work day,” said CTU President Richard Wagstaff.
“Of particular concern are construction, manufacturing, and agriculture (farming). These industries are killing more Kiwis than any other. We challenge employers to do more to keep those they employ safe at work.”
“WorkSafe estimates that 800 – 1000 people each year die from “non-acute” work related illnesses more than double the number people killed on our roads. People are dying from exposures to harmful products and chemicals which cause cancers and other serious illnesses. Of particular note action is still very much needed on the issue of asbestos.”
“More than 3,000 people were seriously hurt at work in the last year. These are injuries which in many cases could have resulted in death. This number should be of real concern and a very clear indication that more, much more, needs to be done to make work safer,” Wagstaff said.
For more information about New Zealand statistics including break down by industry – https://worksafe.govt.nz/data-and-research/ws-data/fatalities/
International Information about Workers Memorial Day http://28april.org/
New Zealand Events to mark Workers Memorial Day:
Sunday 28 April
Timaru – 12 noon at corner of Port Loop Road and Marine Parade, opposite the port offices. Deputy Mayor to speak.
Dunedin -11.45am, Workers Memorial, Market Reserve, Dunedin. Clare Curran MC
Christchurch – at 12noon at Memorial Garden, Sydenham
Monday 29 April
Wellington Rail Yard – 12 noon – new memorial unveiling for Ambrose Manaia killed March 2000
Hutt Rail Shops – 12noon at memorial flagpole site
Palmerston North – 12.10pm – 12.50 Workers’ Memorial, Memorial Park, Fitzroy St
Napier – 12noon Port southern entrance by seafarers rest – service at memorial site
Waikato Rail – 12noon service at KiwiRail Te Rapa memorial site
Blackball May 4th at 3pm a short ceremony at the Museum as part of Mayday.