Workers' Memorial Day 2021

East Ayrshire Council marked International Workers’ Memorial Day this year with wreaths being laid at the memorial garden in Dean Castle Country Park.

Provost Jim Todd, other elected members and Arthur West, Secretary of Kilmarnock and Loudoun Trades Union Council joined together to remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury or disease.

David Doran, the Council’s Health and Safety Manager said: “According to statistics, 111 workers were killed at work in the UK last year, while on average 137 workers die each year in workplace incidents. Countless others either die or suffer the life changing consequences of being exposed to chemicals, dusts, asbestos and work-related disease.

“The global pandemic has had a major impact on workplaces, particularly in the health and care sector, and COVID-19 is the theme for this year’s International Workers’ Memorial Day. The memorial day provided a time for us all to reflect on those who have tragically lost their lives at work and to redouble our efforts to ensure that adequate protections are in place so that everyone who comes into work goes home safely to their families at the end of the working day.”

Arthur West added: “Workers’ Memorial Day is a very important day in the calendar. One of the main messages of the day is that good standards of Health and Safety in the workplace are of paramount importance to prevent workers being killed or injured at their work.

“We also remember those workers who have lost their lives due to COVID-19 and express our support to workers and communities as they continue to respond to the pandemic.”

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