Dead workers remembered

Friday 23 April 2004

OSH is marking Workers Memorial Day on 28 April with a ceremony to remember New Zealanders killed at work.

"This is a day to mourn New Zealanders who die from work-related injuries and diseases," says OSH General Manager Bob Hill.

"It's a time to extend our sympathy to those left behind - to families, loved ones and workmates.

"People write to me whose lives have been shattered by losing someone in a workplace death - a death that could have been prevented."

The coverage of a workplace fatality may be a brief headline: 'man killed in tractor accident,' or 'worker dies in fall,' says Bob Hill.

"But behind those headlines is a lot of heartache.

"People often see workplace health and safety as being a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy. But when someone is killed on the job, those are the last things you worry about."

Workers Memorial Day is a reminder to everyone in the workplace of the life and death importance of managing hazards at work.

"In the end, health and safety at work is about family and friends, not rules and red tape."

Event and photo opportunity

A joint commemoration with ACC and the Council of Trade Unions will take place at Wellington Railway Station at 8am on 28 April.

OSH General Manager Bob Hill and Garry Wilson, Chief Executive of ACC, will speak at the ceremony.

OSH is the government agency dedicated to promoting safe and healthy workplaces.