Blacktown drivers place workers’ memorial

What if you went to work one day and never came home? Sadly, that is the reality for more than 45 Australians who have been killed in workplace accidents this year alone.

Blacktown drivers have honoured those who have lost their lives by placing their own memorial as part of International Workers Memorial day, held annually on April 28.

The plaque is designed as a permanent memorial to men and women killed as a result of work-related accidents and disease.

Every year on International Workers Memorial Day special memorial services are held to honour those who have lost their lives due to workplace illness or injury.

Did you know that International Labour Organisation (ILO) world-wide statistics show:

• Each year, more than two million men and women die as a result of work-related accidents and disease.
• Workers suffer approximately 270 million accidents each year, and fall victim to some 160 million incidents of related illnesses.
• Hazardous substances kill 440,000 workers annually and asbestos claims 100,000 lives.
• One worker dies every 15 seconds worldwide. 6,000 workers die every day. More people die while at work than those fighting wars.

International Workers Memorial Day is an opportunity to mourn the dead while fighting for the living.