The government is considering officially recognising Workers Memorial Day in order to commemorate the thousands of people who have been killed, seriously injured or made ill through work.
The Department of Work and Pensions mafe the announcement today, also hoping that the day would provide a key focus for health and safety issues in the work place.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell has confirmed that a consultation will look at how the Day could be officially recognised in the UK. He said:
“I would like to send my support to all those people around the world commemorating Workers Memorial Day. I want to look at how the UK could join the many other countries that officially recognise the day.
“The fact that some people go out to work and never return home to their families is a human tragedy. Workers Memorial Day is a mark of respect to those killed and injured at work and to the bereaved.”
Workers Memorial Day originated in Canada, and since its inception in 1984 countries such as Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Luxembourg, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan and the USA have also joined.
