Hartlepool service will remember workplace accident victims

Dozens of wreaths will be laid in memory of those who lost their lives as a result of doing their job on Workers’ Memorial Day.

Hartlepool Art Gallery will once again host a service on Friday, April 28, organised by Hartlepool Joint Trade Unions Committee with the backing of the council.

The themes of this year’s event is good health and safety for all workers whoever they are, and will focus on inequalities in occupational health and safety.

Edwin Jeffries, secretary of Hartlepool Joint Trade Unions Committee, said in a letter to the council: “The purpose of Workers Memorial Day is two-fold.

“First, we remember the dead, because those who have died, been injured, or made ill through their work; deserve not to be forgotten.

“Secondly, we fight by campaigning for the living, so that people can go to work and provide for themselves and their family, without risk to their health and safety.”

The council’s Finance and Policy Committee gave the council’s support to the day which will involve the lowering of flags, a minute’s silence, and promoting the event.

Guests speakers in the 12.30pm ceremony in the Christchurch will include Tosh McDonald, president of the train drivers and operators union ASLEF; Kathleen Walkershaw, of the GMB; Clare Williams, Unison regional secretary; and Michelle Muxworthy, vice president of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.

International Workers Memorial Day takes place around the world on April 28 each year.

Hartlepool has held a service and wreath laying ceremony since 1999.

The service is open to the public and particularly family, friends, and colleagues of those who have died, been injured, or made ill through work.

Hartlepool College of Further Education will also hold its own service for students at 11am.