Health, Safety and Environment

Workers' Memorial Day - 28 April 2008

This year's Workers' Memorial Day theme is "Good Occupational Health for All Workers".

The purpose behind Workers' Memorial Day has always been to "remember the dead: fight for the living" and unions are asked to focus on both areas, by considering memorials to all those killed through work but at the same time ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. That can best be done by building trade union organisation, and campaigning for stricter enforcement with higher penalties for breaches of health and safety laws.

The theme for 28 April 2008 was chosen after widespread consultation with the international labour movement.

Good Occupational Health for All Workers

Provision of public health care for occupational diseases and injuries

Efforts to highlight health system development and delivery for better prevention of disease or injury, or for better treatment and care of workers must be a priority.

The causes of occupational and environmental cancers

Occupational cancer is the most common work-related cause of death. The International Labour Organisation estimates there are over 600,000 deaths a year – one death every 52 seconds. At least one in every 10 cancers - probably many more - is the result of preventable, predictable workplace exposure.

The "Ban Asbestos Campaign"

Evidence of the dangers posed by asbestos is now considered irrefutable, and a substantial body of research findings and literature blames asbestos for the deaths of more than 100,000 people, as well as resulting costs to society.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a workplace issue because it impacts on the health, jobs and security of workers generally and most obviously on the occupational health of workers delivering health care and health related services.

Demand occupational safety and health standards and enforcement

Workers represent half the world’s population and are the major contributors to economic and social development. Their health is determined not only by workplace hazards but also by social and individual factors and access to health services.