Workers Memorial Day 09

April 29, 2009 in Campaigns, Rants & Raves
Tags: Australia, federal government, government, human rights, occupational health & safety, OHS, politics, work related deaths, Workers Memorial Day, workers rights, workplaces

Today (28/04) marks the International Workers’ Memorial Day.  It’s an important day.  But I wonder how many people have heard of International Workers’ Memorial Day (I can safely assure people that it’s a ‘recognized’ day on the international calendar).

The Day is to mark all of the workers that have been killed while at work. In Australia, there is a staggering 7,000 work-related deaths each year, which the Australian Safety & Compensation Commission described as a conservative estimate. When you think about it is nearly 4 times the annual road toll, which is given a lot more attention each year. And more importantly has seen the introduction of important manufacturing and safety requirements for vehicles and road rules.

This year’s International Workers’ Memorial Day events will highlight the poor level of health and safety and discrimination faced by construction workers as a result of the Howard Government-created Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC). Over the past year in Queensland alone, 20 construction workers have lost their lives. In 2004-5, prior to the introduction of the ABCC and special laws which discriminate against building workers, 19 workers died on construction sites nationally, but in 2005-6, the figure jumped to 29 and rose again in 2007 to 33 deaths.

When lives are at stake, we need to be improving health and safety standards, not cutting corners or victimising workers who speak out about health and safety or letting businesses get away with risking the lives of their workers.

I was fortunate to be able to attend today’s rally and march in Melbourne. While I was milling around speaking with others I took a few pictures (about 30) and share these with you.

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