Today is Workers’ Memorial Day – an international day of remembrance for people who die as a result of their work.
As technology, safety equipment and knowledge continue to develop – it would be hoped that fatal accidents at work would become a thing of the past. Unfortunately deaths as a result of work continue to happen in the UK – each one being a tragedy for the family and loved ones of those who sadly die.
Figures from 2023/2024 show 138 workers were killed in the UK as a result of a workplace accident. Of those 51 died in construction and 23 in agriculture – the two most dangerous occupations.
Philip Edwards, a workplace accident specialist with Clarke Willmott said:-
“In representing the families of people who have died at work, whether through inquests or the claims process, it never ceases to amaze me that nearly all of the accidents that caused the death of their loved one could have been prevented. These are needless deaths which leave those left behind devastated. It is time for this to end, and I call on all employers to treat health and safety as their first priority”
Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don’t die of mystery ailments, or in tragic “accidents”. They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn’t that important a priority. International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) 28 April commemorates those workers.