On International Workers’ Memorial Day, the STUC and Scottish Hazards will remind Governments, health and safety enforcement bodies and employers that health and safety is a fundamental right that every worker should be able to enjoy and expect. The two organisations have also written to Scotland’s local authorities and other public bodies to ask that public building and landmarks be lit purple on the 28th April to commemorate all those who have lost their lives as a result of work and remind us of the importance of healthier, safer and fairer work for all.
A minutes silence will be held at 11am to remember those who have lost their lives at work through COVID infection and other workplace accidents and disease.
Roz Foyer, STUC General Secretary said:
“In the depths of current crisis, we must pay tribute to all the workers who have lost their lives through COVID infection but also to remember that workplace death, injury and disease is a day and daily occurrence. We must use the period ahead to make workplaces safer, to strengthen workers voice and collective power and to bring employer and government to account.”
Scott Donohoe, Chair of Scottish Hazards said
“COVID-19 is not only a considerable health and safety risk it has exposed an occupational health and safety crisis that cannot, and should not, be allowed to be forgotten as restriction are eased and workplaces begin to reopen. This is not a return to normality it is a return to workplaces that have to be COVID secure and where the fundamental right for workers to be kept safe at work is respected.
“Since 2010 sustained ideological attacks on our health and safety regulations and our enforcement bodies have left them ill equipped to proactively enforce our fundamental rights and that is why Scottish Hazards is using Workers’ Memorial Day to call for health and safety and laws and enforcement to be devolved to Scotland and plans put in place to create a Scottish Occupational Health and Safety Agency”.
STUC/Scottish Hazards event 10.45am – 11.45am
Details of the buildings to be lit purple to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day on Wednesday
Aberdeen Council HQ, Marischal College, Aberdeen City Council
St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, Scottish Government
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, Scottish Government
Perth Bridge, Perth and Kinross Council
Edinburgh Castle, Historic Environment Scotland
Bascule Bridge, Renfrewshire Council
Renfrew Town Hall, Renfrewshire Council
Johnstone Band Stand, Renfrewshire Council
Lerwick Town Hall, Shetland Isalnds Council
SSE Hydro, SEC Glasgow, Glasgow City Council