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Staff at UNISON Scotland gathered on Monday 29 April to mark International Workers\u2019 Memorial Day 2019.<\/p>\n
Each year on International Workers\u2019 Memorial Day (April 28) we remember the dead and fight for the living. This year\u2019s theme is \u2018dangerous substances \u2013 get them out of the workplace\u2019.<\/p>\n
Around the world one worker dies every 15 seconds. Up to 50,000 people die each year in the UK. Although few UNISON members die in workplace incidents many suffer injuries and work related ill health, from stress or back pain to RSI, bullying, harassment, and workplace violence. These affect them and their families.<\/p>\n
Health and safety in our workplaces protects those at work. It also protects those in the wider community. Whether it is a hospital, school or care home, our elderly and vulnerable relatives, our children and our communities are also protected by measures intended to\u00a0keep everyone safe from harm.<\/p>\n
UNISON knows that the key to providing a good and safe service is well-trained employees who have the time and protective\u00a0equipment to do their\u00a0job properly.<\/p>\n
Today we remember all those killed through work and at the same time continue to work to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated. We will do that by building trade union organisation, and campaigning for stricter enforcement with higher penalties for breaches of health and safety laws.\u00a0It is a day\u00a0to remember those who have died or been injured at work.<\/p>\n