Gateshead International Workers Memorial Day
Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don't die of mystery ailments, or in tragic "accidents". They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn't that important a priority. International Workers Memorial Day, on 28 April, commemorates those workers.
In Britain, the most common cause of work-related fatalty is asbestos exposure. And you are more likely to be diagnosed with asbestos cancer in Britain than in anywhere else in the world. For 2025, the TUC is focusing on the need to prevent future death caused by asbestos — we want a national risk register, so we know where asbestos is, and we want a government plan for removing the carcinogen from every public building. Asbestos: it's time to get rid of it!
Stand with us this year to remember the early victims of unsafe work, and commit to fight for a world that's more, not less, safe to live and work in.
Here's the details of our event:
Facebook event page here:
In Britain, the most common cause of work-related fatalty is asbestos exposure. And you are more likely to be diagnosed with asbestos cancer in Britain than in anywhere else in the world. For 2025, the TUC is focusing on the need to prevent future death caused by asbestos — we want a national risk register, so we know where asbestos is, and we want a government plan for removing the carcinogen from every public building. Asbestos: it's time to get rid of it!
Stand with us this year to remember the early victims of unsafe work, and commit to fight for a world that's more, not less, safe to live and work in.
Here's the details of our event:
Facebook event page here:
Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don't die of mystery ailments, or in tragic "accidents". They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn't that important a priority. International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) 28 April commemorates those workers.
We remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and diseases. And we renew our efforts to organise collectively to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) annual statistics show on average that 135 workers are killed in work related accidents each year. They also estimate that there are around 13,000 deaths each year from occupational lung disease and cancer caused by past exposure at work to chemicals and dust (such as asbestos or silica).
However, safety campaigners estimate that the true figure for all work-related deaths is closer to 50,000 each year.
International Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.
The theme for IWMD2025 is ‘Occupational health and safety: A fundamental right at work’
Join us as we remember those we have lost and commit to organise in their memory.
We will assemble at 11:45am to start at 12 noon with a one minute silence to remember all those who have died because of their work.
In attendance:
Leader of Gateshead Council, Martin Gannon
Deputy Mayor of Gateshead, Cllr Freda Geddes
Deputy Mayor’s Consort, Cllr Alex Geddes
Gateshead Central & Whickham MP, Mark Ferguson
Sarah Kilpatrick, National President NEU
Ciaran Pinkney, North East Area Organiser Usdaw
Tom Albrighton, GMB
Katy Cardownie, Gateshead Unison
There will be music from piper Joe Crane and NASUWT brass band
Starts on
Monday, 28 April 2025 at 11:45 AM BST
