PICTURES: International Workers’ Memorial Day commemoration puts spotlight on workplace health and safety 50 years after act introduced
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Wreaths were placed at the workers' memorial at Friars Shott in Huntly Street yesterday, in a gathering to mark International Workers' Memorial Day.
The commemoration, which carries the message of bringing people together to “remember the dead and fight for the living” was organised by Inverness and District Trades Union Council.
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This was reinforced by Trades Council treasurer Munro Ross, who gave a rousing reminder of the memorial’s message, etched on the memorial in both English and Gaelic.
Mr Ross then welcomed keynote speaker Ian Tasker of workplace health and safety charity Scottish Hazards.
Mr Tasker highlighted the importance of holding those responsible to account, where serious injury or death to workers has been the result of health and safety malpractice or poor management.
Mr Tasker said: “In 1974 in the UK, 651 workers were killed by work and 336,722 injured. In contrast, in 2023 the official figures show 26 died and 60,645 injured.
“However, this does not include a care worker stabbed to death, a bus driver who died due to another driver’s error, a security guard who suffered a fatal heart attack, or a teacher who committed suicide.
“Other work related include suicides and deaths, or injuries caused in road traffic accidents while working. This is clear evidence that the Health and Safety at Work Act has make workers safer but still needs stronger enforcement.
“Since 2010 the funding for the Health and Safety Executive has been cut by 45 per cent, the numbers of inspectors carrying out checks has been cut, with many experienced inspectors retiring and a lack of consultation on changes.
“Scotland alone loses £19.2 million annually due to workers being off due to industrial accidents. Health and safety at Work must not be seen as a burden for employers but a right for employees. The Act has stood the test of time but needs more Government backing.”
Conor Cheyne of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), who also addressed the commemoration, said: “We must not be in the position in 50 years’ time where we look back and recognise that we did not do enough today and the forthcoming years.“
Joining those laying wreaths at the ceremony were Cllr Bet McAllister and MSP Rhoda Grant.
Ms Grant encouraged all to continue the fight for improving health and safety and thanked the Trades Council for organizing the event.
