On 28 April each year – International Workers’ Memorial Day – we remember the dead and fight for the living. This year’s theme is ‘dangerous substances – get them out of the workplace’. See below for the list of events around Scotland (some on 27 April) or the map on the Scottish Hazards website – along with posters for each event.
We all know someone whose life has been lost or touched by work related ill-health, incidents and accidents.
Around the world one worker dies every 15 seconds. Up to 50,000 people die each year in the UK.
Although few UNISON members die in workplace incidents many suffer injuries and work related ill health, from stress or back pain to RSI, bullying, harassment, and workplace violence. These affect them and their families.
Health and safety in our workplaces protects those at work. It also protects those in the wider community. Whether it is a hospital, school or care home our elderly and vulnerable relatives, our children and our communities are also protected by measures intended to keep everyone safe from harm.
UNISON knows that the key to providing a good and safe service is well-trained employees who have the time and protective equipment to do their job properly.
We remember all those killed through work and at the same time ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. We will do that by building trade union organisation, and campaigning for stricter enforcement with higher penalties for breaches of health and safety laws.
Remember the dead and fight for the living.
Events in Scotland on 28 April (from TUC website)
Aberdeen – Meet at the Persley Walled Garden, Bridge of Don. 12:30 for 13:00.
Alloa – To be held at the Workers Memorial adjacent to Clackmannanshire Council Headquarters on Friday 26th April at 10.30.
Bathgate – Workers Memorial, Bathgate Sports Centre, Torpichen Road at 12:30.
Bonnyrigg – Meet at 12:30 at the Michael McGahey memorial in George V Park, Bonnyrigg
Clydebank – An event will be held at Truth and Justice Square (formerly Solidarity Square), Dumbarton Road (corner of Alexandria St) on Saturday 27 April at 11.00.
Coatbridge – There will be an event at the Summerlee Industrial Museum on Heritage Way at 12 noon.
Dundee – Meet at the Memorial Tree, adjacent to Discovery Point, Riverside Drive, Dundee at 12 noon.
Edinburgh – There will be an event at the memorial and tree in West Princes Street Gardens at 13:00.
Falkirk – To be held at the workers memorial, Callendar Riggs, Falkirk at 11:00.
Greenock – Grand Hall, Inverclyde Council HQ at 11:45 on Friday 27th April followed by a procession to Clyde Square for a wreath laying ceremony at 12 noon.
Glasgow – The annual event will be held at the Workers Memorial at the People’s Palace/ Winter Gardens on Glasgow Green at 12 noon.
Hamilton – Meet at the Townhouse, Beckford Street, Hamilton at 11.45.
Inverness – An event will take place at the Workers memorial on Friars Shott/Huntly Street. Meet at 12:45 for a 13:00 start.
Irvine – There will be an event on Thursday 25th April at 18.30 in the Memorial Garden, Kilwinning Road, Irvine.
Kilmarnock – Memorial Tree, Dean Country Park, Kilmarnock, Saturday April 27th, 10.45 for 11.00
Kirkaldy – Meet at the memorial tree in Beveridge Park at 11:00 on Saturday 27th April.
Paisley – Starts at 13:00 at the Workers Memorial , Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley.
Renfrew – Meet at the Workers Memorial Cairn, Robertson Park, Paisley Road Renfrew at 11:00.
Stirling – The event will be held on the 35th April at 13:00 at the Workers Memorial Tree in Viewforth Pitt Terrace.
West Dunbartonshire – The annual event will be held at the Memorial Tree, Christie Park, Alexandria on Saturday 27th April, 13:00.