International Workers' Memorial Day

International Workers' Memorial Day (IWMD) is an opportunity for the trade union movement to highlight the continued neglect of health and safety for workers and to campaign for better protections in the workplace. It is unacceptable that anyone should not come home from work because of shoddy health and safety practices, where employers care more about profit and efficiencies than workers’ welfare.

The importance of health and safety reps in the workplace cannot be overstated. They represent members individually and collectively to ensure that employers stick to their legal obligations. H&S reps are legally empowered to investigate accidents and near misses, investigate complaints by members and make representations to the employer on members’ behalf.

Take part in IWMD

Your local trades council may be holding an event to mark the day, also. You can check the events page on the PCS website or the TUC for events in England and Wales. A list of events in Scotland is available from the Scottish TUC website and in Northern Ireland, the Irish Congress will participate in a wreath laying ceremony in Stormont estate to remember all those who have lost their lives at or because of work.

Nationwide, a minute's silence will be held at noon and the TUC is inviting workers to share their tributes to past colleagues who have lost their lives at work.

PCS Digital has a large volume of articles and advice on health and safety issues. If you’re concerned about health and safety in your workplace you can also find your PCS health and safety rep through PCS Digital.