Every year, on April 28th, we pause to honour the lives lost and the workers injured whilst at work. This occasion, known as International Workers’ Memorial Day, serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks faced by millions of workers worldwide in their daily labour.
Remember the dead, Fight for the living
Memorial Day for Workers is summarised by the strapline ‘Remember the dead, fight for the living’. It is a time to reflect and honour our global workforce in a modern world, where it has become easier to overlook the silent heroes who construct the very foundations of our society. The day is a journey of remembrance to highlight a pressing need for collective efforts to enhance workplace safety standards, and the imperative need for greater awareness and action to prevent future tragedies.
2024 Workers’ Memorial Day theme
The theme for 2024 is ‘The Climate Crisis and Workers Health’, highlighting how the escalating climate crisis poses significant challenges to workers’ health and safety across various industries. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, workers face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly in outdoor occupations like construction, agriculture, and emergency response.
Additionally, extreme weather events, including hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, not only disrupt work routines but also expose workers to hazardous conditions, from physical injuries to exposure to toxic substances. Furthermore, the climate crisis worsens existing occupational health hazards, such as air pollution and respiratory illnesses, as pollutants become more concentrated in warmer temperatures. Addressing the intersection of climate change and workers’ health requires comprehensive strategies that prioritise mitigation efforts, enhance workplace safety protocols, and promote resilience measures to protect workers from the escalating impacts of a changing climate.
Manal Azzi, OSH Team Lead at the ILO, has said “Occupational safety and health considerations must become part of our climate change responses – both policies and actions.. it is clear that climate change is already creating significant additional health hazards for workers.”
As thought leaders in our field, here at Oliver & Co, International Workers’ Memorial Day encompasses the very core of our work and the essence of our commitment towards the fight for justice surrounding asbestos-related diseases and accidents at work.
Asbestos Diseases
Once celebrated for its versatility and durability, asbestos has since become synonymous with disease, suffering and loss, with scientific links to severe and terminal respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Our clients are suffering with asbestos-related illnesses or have experienced the loss of a family member due to asbestos-related diseases, predominantly stemming from workplace exposure. These individuals were simply going about their daily work routines, unaware of the hazardous material they were being exposed to or inadvertently bringing home to loved ones. Consequently, their later years have been overshadowed by poor health, and tragically, in numerous cases, their lives have been prematurely cut short as a result.
The legacy of asbestos still serves as a stark warning against the prioritisation of short-term economic gains over long-term human well-being and environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, more than 2,000 people in the UK each year are diagnosed with the incurable cancer, mesothelioma. The sole identified cause of this cancer is asbestos exposure, emphasising the necessity of preventing such exposure to mitigate the risk.
By acknowledging and addressing the legacy of asbestos with annual memorial days, we honour the memory of those who have suffered, and the strive to create safer, healthier environments for current and future generations.
Accidents at work
Our Personal Injury department witnesses first-hand the devastating results of accidents sustainted in the workplace with figures from The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showing that 135 workers were killed in work-related accidents in 2022/23. These cases highlight the prevalent issue of workplace safety and the alarming frequency with which workers are being injured in a location where safety should be expected, not only as an ideal but as a fundamental right. From construction sites to office environments, our clients come from diverse industries and backgrounds, yet they share a common thread of having suffered harm due to negligence or hazardous conditions in their workplaces. Many of these accidents could have been prevented with proper safety measures and adherence to regulations.
Accidents at work can have devastating consequences, impacting not only the individuals involved but also their families and communities. From slips and falls to machinery malfunctions, workplace accidents come in various forms and can occur across all industries. They often result from a combination of factors, including human error, inadequate safety protocols, and equipment failures. These accidents can lead to injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe disabilities or even fatalities. In addition to the physical toll, workplace accidents can also cause emotional distress and financial burdens for those affected. Therefore, it’s crucial for employers to prioritise safety measures, provide comprehensive training, and regularly assess and improve working conditions to minimise the risk of accidents and ensure the well-being of their employees.
Action from Oliver & Co
As this year’s 28th April falls on a Sunday, Oliver & Co have designated Monday morning in our offices for a moment of reflection. We will observe a minute silence to honour and reflect on our past clients and others who fought a brave battle with asbestos-related diseases or lost their lives in a workplace accident.
This day serves as both a tribute and a catalyst for change in our approach towards safeguarding the well-being of the workforce worldwide.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition or suffered an accident at work, we can help. Contact us today on our freephone number 01244 312 306. Alternatively, head over to the ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.
