Tag Archives: australia

Australia: Workplace fatalities claim 32 lives nationwide this year

Workplace fatalities claim 32 lives nationwide this year

ACTU Media Release – April 28, 2025

Thirty-two Australian workers have tragically died so far this year while they were at work.

The figure is a grim reminder of the unacceptably high number of individuals who go off to work on an ordinary day and don’t make it back home again.

The number of workplace fatalities last year was 168, slightly lower than the five-year average of 191 workers who have been killed each year at work nationwide.

These workplace fatalities do not include the thousands of workers who die each year from deadly work-related diseases, like asbestosis, mesothelioma and silicosis caused by their use of asbestos and silica containing materials like the now banned engineered stone.

Australian Unions will highlight workplace fatalities at a special service in South Australia today marking International Workers’ Memorial Day, one of many such events occurring in each state and territory and around the world.

The memorial services will take place almost a year since the Albanese Government enacted legislation to bring in new nationally consistent industrial manslaughter laws that ensure employers are held accountable for the deaths of workers.

From July 1, 2024, those operating in the Commonwealth WHS jurisdiction found to have recklessly or negligently cause the death of a worker face potential criminal liability and up to 25 years’ imprisonment for individuals and $18 million for companies.

At today’s Adelaide memorial service, ACTU Assistant Secretary, Liam O’Brien and SA Unions’ Secretary, Dale Beasley will join families, workers and safety advocates to remember the South Australians killed at work in the past year.

Since the industrial manslaughter laws were introduced, there have been prosecutions initiated in nearly all states and across diverse industries including construction and manufacturing.

The Coalition voted against the industrial manslaughter laws twice, including most recently in Parliament in 2023, and has yet to release a workplace relations policy, or work health and safety policies in the current federal election campaign.

Quotes attributable to ACTU Assistant Secretary, Liam O’Brien:

“Today, Australian Unions remember those who were tragically killed at work and reflect on the importance of protecting the health and safety of all workers.

“Preventing workplace tragedies means defending the laws that provide justice for victims and their families and corporate accountability for employers who fail in their duty to workers.

“The families of those who lost loved ones at work were instrumental in securing the new industrial manslaughter laws.

“As we approach a year since the laws came into effect, working people deserve clarity on whether the Coalition would support stronger industrial manslaughter laws beyond the election.”

Quotes attributable to SA Unions Secretary, Dale Beasley:

“Coming home from work safely isn’t just a priority; it’s a right.

“South Australia now has a nation-leading workplace safety system, empowering workers and their unions to address workplace safety issues before the unthinkable happens.

“Secure jobs save lives. You’re not going to speak up about unsafe work if you’re scared of getting sacked. All the laws and regulations on the books mean nothing if you’re too vulnerable to use them.

“Even one worker’s death is a tragedy, this many worker deaths is a choice. There is so much more work to be done. No worker can afford to risk losing any of their workplace rights.”

https://www.actu.org.au/media-release/workplace-fatalities-claim-32-lives-nationwide-this-year/

Australia: Unions Tasmania to host International Workers’ Memorial Day service, opens completed Workers’ Commemorative Park

Media Release and alert: Unions Tasmania hosts International Workers’ Memorial Day service, opens completed Workers’ Commemorative Park

 Unions, workers, families, community members, and political leaders will gather early tomorrow morning to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day, a day of remembrance observed across the globe on the 28th of April each year.

Unions lead services, vigils, and other observances to remember those workers killed or injured because of their work, and to renew our commitment to fight for healthy and safe workplaces.

 Monday’s service will take place at the Workers’ Commemorative Park (often referred to as the Workers’ Memorial Park) in Launceston. This years’ service will be particularly meaningful with the park having recently undergone significant works to complete it to its original design. After many years of campaigning for government funding, Unions Tasmania was proud to finally secure funding from the Federal and State Governments to allow this development to occur.

“IWMD is deeply important to unions because it is a day that reflects the very heart of what we stand for: protecting workers so they can make it home safely. The day is a solemn reminder that for every safety campaign we run, there is a worker who did not make it home,” said Unions Tasmania Secretary, Jessica Munday.

“This year, we are pleased to be holding the service in the Workers Commemorative Park which sees most elements of the original design complete. Alongside Guy and Karen Hudson, who conceived of this park after their son Matthew’s tragic death at work, we have worked together to see this park made into an important space for reflection, remembrance, and as a powerful reminder to the broader community to put safety at work first.”

Tragically, over the last five years Australia has recorded on average 191 workers killed each year on the job.

When it comes to progress, Ms Munday said, “We have come a long way in improving safety on the job, including winning industrial manslaughter in Tasmania last year. But we’ve not come far enough. In Tasmania, serious workplace injuries are rising – especially from psychological injury and body strain. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, a community affected. Today is an important day to not just remember workers, but to act for safer workplaces.”

Memorial service details

When:                   8:00AM Monday 28 April 2025

Where:                 Workers’ Commemorative Park, Elizabeth Gardens Invermay (near UTAS Stadium)

Speakers:            Jessica Munday, Secretary, Unions Tasmania

                                Guy Hudson, Workers’ Commemorative Park founder

                                Senator Helen Polley

                                The Honourable Felix Ellis MP

Australia: Opening of new Workers’ Memorial Park, Launceston – Unions Tasmania

Unions Tasmania invites community members to attend this year’s International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) service in Launceston.
IWMD is observed annually on the 28th of April. It serves as a global day of remembrance and action for workers who have been killed or injured on the job, as well as an opportunity to renew our commitment to workplace health and safety.
May be an image of Stone Henge
This year is a particularly special IWMD as we will be unveiling the completion of the Workers’ Commemorative Park (also commonly referred to as the Workers’ Memorial Park) in Invermay
(outside UTAS Stadium).
The Park, which was first opened in 2011 but only partially complete, has been a long project of Unions Tasmania and Guy and Karen Hudson whose son Matthew was killed at work 20 years ago.
It has now been completed to its original design, made possible by Federal and State government funding and contributions from Unions Tasmania and affiliates.
It will live as a poignant reminder of the human impact of a death at work.
There will be a short service and provide a free BBQ breakfast. We encourage people to spend time wandering the park and contemplating its importance. We will also unveil details of how families who lost a loved one at work can have them recognised at the Park.
Please share this important event with your friends and family, and if you haven’t attended a service before, consider making this your first one.

Australia: Remembering the dead, and fighting like hell for the living – VTHC

The 28th of April marks International Workers’ Memorial Day.

It is an international day where unions, workers and their families and communities around the world join together to remember those who have been killed or injured at work, and to reflect on the importance of health and safety in the workplace.

Each year an international theme is chosen. This year, the theme is ‘Occupational health and safety: A fundamental right at work’ with an explicit focus on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation of occupational health and safety.

We will remember those who have died at work or from work-related causes with a moving ceremony in Argyle Square.

Please join us in remembering the dead, and fighting like hell for the living.

  • View the Victorian Trades Hall Council’s (VTHC) Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Unit’s OHS rep webpages

Australia: A 28 April message from ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien

This year’s International Workers’ Memorial Day recognises the devastating effect the climate crisis has on workers around the world. We reflect on those who lost their lives at work, and vow to fight for those living. A message from ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien.

Tasmania: Unions Tasmania to host International Workers’ Memorial Day service, calls on Premier to prioritise industrial manslaughter laws

Sunday 28 April 2024

Media Release and Alert: Unions Tasmania to host International Workers’ Memorial Day service, calls on Premier to prioritise industrial manslaughter laws

Unions Tasmania will host a second commemorative service for workers and community members in nipaluna/Hobart today as part of International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD). IWMD is marked globally by unions and workers each year to remember those who have been killed or seriously injured in their work, and to push for stronger safety laws to prevent future workplace deaths.

Following a moving service in Launceston this morning attended by families, community members, unionists, and politicians, Unions Tasmania will host a southern service along with unveiling a building banner calling on the Premier to introduce industrial manslaughter laws in Tasmania.

In the decade to 2022, Tasmania has seen 87 workplace related fatalities and around 7,500 workers compensation claims from injured workers each year. Clearly our safety laws are not adequately protecting workers from serious injury and death.

After years of advocacy by Unions Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government commenced a consultation process to consider the implementation of industrial manslaughter laws in Tasmania but is yet to make any commitment.

With parliament set to return in less than two weeks’ time, Unions Tasmania is calling on Premier Rockliff to make worker safety a priority and get these laws passed urgently.

“Unions Tasmania hosts these commemorative services on International Workers Memorial Day as an opportunity to mourn, reflect, share memories, and give dignity to those who have lost their lives because of their employment – and to renew our shared commitment as a community to workplace safety,” said Unions Tasmania Secretary, Jessica Munday.

“Over the recent election campaign, Unions Tasmania secured commitments from Labor, the Greens, and the independent members to introduce industrial manslaughter laws. With a majority of the House of Assembly now in support of these laws, it is time for the Rockliff Government to drop their opposition, stand up for workers, and make industrial manslaughter law in Tasmania.”

Event details

  • When: 12:00PM Monday 29 April 2024
  • Where:  Unions Tasmania, 212 Liverpool Street, Hobart
  • Speakers: Jessica Munday, Secretary, Unions Tasmania, Mark O’Donnell, Trustee and Union Delegate, United Firefighters Union Tasmania, Richard Humphrey, Dean of Hobart, St. David’s Cathedral

 

Ausralia: Showing up to work shouldn’t mean putting your life at risk

Work Health and Safety

Today, on International Workers’ Memorial Day, we honour the workers who have died at work, or because of their work, and recommit ourselves to making workplaces safe for all workers.

Every year, 200 workers are killed at work, with more than 5,000 dying from work related diseases. We must do better.

Ensuring safe and healthy workplaces has always been one of the fundamental roles of unions, and union members play a fundamental role in making our workplaces safer.

The high price of fashion

Workplace health and safety is a global issue, and will always be union business.

Earlier this week we commemorated the 11th anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, where 1,134 textile workers lost their lives in 2013.

The tragedy shone a global spotlight on the importance of workplace health and safety.

In the aftermath, the hard work and bravery of local and global trade unionists lead to the establishment of the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, which promotes safe workplaces through independent safety inspections, training programs and a complaints mechanism to safeguard workers against occupational health and safety risks.

With over 200 global brands and retailers sourcing from Bangladesh and/or Pakistan having signed the agreement to date, the initiative is continually growing, with hopes it will soon spread to other countries; improving the safety of millions more workers’ lives.

Climate crisis a present danger to workers

This year, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is demanding urgent action to tackle ‘Climate Risks for Workers’ – the escalating dangers posed by the climate crisis to workers globally.

 The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; it’s a present danger to workers around the globe.It’s imperative that we demand robust policies and practices to protect our working people from the hazardous impacts of climate change.

Our call to action is clear: we must integrate climate risk assessments and emergency preparedness into our occupational safety and health standards.

Luc Triangle, ITUC General Secretary

In Australia, thanks to union members, we’re one step closer to achieving secure jobs for a safe climate with the Albanese Government introducing the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 into Parliament earlier this month.

The new Authority will drive public and private sector investment and the creation of good jobs in new, clean industries, all while supporting workers to transition to secure jobs.

This Bill stems from more than a decade of tireless campaigning by unions, with members working in coal-fired power plants leading the charge and building support across government, community, business, investors, and climate organisations.

 

New worker protections against silica will save lives

Last month, Australia moved closer towards a full ban on engineered stone, with the Government’s decision to implement new regulations to protect all workers from exposure to silica dust.

As many as 1 in 4 stonemasons are being diagnosed with silicosis following inhalation of crystalline silica dust while cutting, grinding, or drilling engineered stone, and estimates suggest that without further protections, as many as 103,000 Australian workers will develop silicosis at work.

The war on silicosis is not over, but none of the progress we have won so far would been possible without hard fought-for campaigning by unions, like the CFMEU, and the decision by unions to stop working with engineered stone from mid-2024.

Forging a future where all workers return home safely

Every worker has the right to a safe workplace. When you go to work each day, you should expect to return home uninjured and in the same state of health as when you left.

Joining your union is the best thing you can do to make your workplace safer and create a world where no workers lose their lives on the job.

Showing up to work shouldn’t mean putting your life at risk

Australia: 70 per cent of global workforce exposed to health risks from climate change – ACTU

Every year on April 28, the trade union movement unites around the world to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day. We mourn those who have died at work or because of their work, and we fight like hell for the living.

This year’s global theme is the impact that climate change has on workers’ health. An ILO (International Labour organisation) report published this week has highlighted climate change is impacting 70% of the global workforce.

The report notes that numerous workers’ health conditions have been linked to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, kidney dysfunction and mental health conditions.

We also take this time to acknowledge those that have lost their lives in the course of their work. Every year 200 workers are killed at work with more than 5,000 dying from work related diseases. In July this year Australia will be the first place in the world to ban deadly engineered stone and implement some of the toughest workplace silica rules. These changes will save thousands of lives and is a credit to the union members that fought for these world leading changes.

Quotes attributable to ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien:

“Workers are on the frontline of the climate crisis, be it working outdoors in extreme heat, or those battling floods and extreme weather conditions, the climate crisis is having a detrimental effect on workers’ health.

“Unions will continue to fight for better and safer protections for workers. This International Workers’ Memorial Day we also mourn those who have lost their lives at work or due to work related diseases.

“This year our movement acknowledges the efforts of unions to win world leading protections for workers against deadly silica dust including the banning of engineered stone which has been responsible for as many as 1 in 4 stonemasons being diagnosed with this incurable disease.”

“The fight for safety at work must continue until all workers are safe.”

Notes to editors: ILO report can be found here: OSH and climate change. Climate change creates a ‘cocktail’ of serious health hazards for 70 per cent of the world’s workers | International Labour Organization (ilo.org)

70% of global workforce exposed to health risks from climate change

Australia: VTHC – International Workers’ Memorial Day 2024

Every year, Victorian Trades Hall Council hosts a memorial service to remember those Victorians who lost their lives at work.

The service will be held on Monday 29 April for International Workers Memorial Day 2024 to commemorate the workers who have been lost in the past year.

The ceremony will include a minute’s silence at 11am and an opportunity to lay wreaths.

The event will be live-streamed through the Victorian Trades Hall Council Facebook page, but all are encouraged to attend the ceremony at Argyle square in Carlton.

More details

Australia: VTHC – A history of 28 April

Workers Memorial day 28th April. History of the day here