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. Workers’ Memorial Day commemorates those workers.
Worker’s Memorial Day is held on 28 April every year, all over the world workers and their representatives conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a whole host of other activities to mark the day. The day is also intended to serve as a rallying cry to “remember the dead, fight like hell for the living”.
Homeworkers are particularly vulnerable to health and safety risks. There are a number of reasons for this:
o employers rarely carry out checks on working spaces and equipment in the home
o homes are not built with work in mind so may lack necessary space, light, ventilation etc
o children or other family members are often present and so can increase the risk of accidents
o children and other family members can also be affected by the hazards, such as fumes from glues, dust, risk of fire etc
o homeworkers are often under pressure to work long irregular hours, sometimes through the night – this can cause stress, physical discomfort, and increasethe risk of tiredness-related accidents.
Events are happening all over the world to mark the day and fight for better protection for workers.