IWMD: Reminding everyone why safety at work is so important

IWMD also highlights the need for improved health and safety in workplaces, something the PDA has been campaigning about with ongoing initiatives such as the Safer Pharmacies Charter and the Violence in Pharmacy campaign.

Every year on 28 April, all around the world trade unions unite to mark IWMD. The theme this year is ‘Health and Safety is a fundamental workers’ right‘. 

To mark IWMD this year, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has produced some new resources to help union reps remind everyone why safety at work is so important. Help publicise IWMD where you work by printing off these TUC resources and displaying them on a notice board, in the toilets, or wherever it will be seen. This campaign pack includes a selection of images to use on social media and posters for you to print at home or print professionally. Learn more

Here is a list of ways pharmacists can get involved in the campaign:

1. Become a PDA Health & Safety Rep – Every day, trade union health and safety reps in workplaces save lives and prevent illness and injury. Does your workplace have a PDA Health & Safety Rep? If not, contact the PDA about becoming one today. If it does, why not train up more reps? Contact colleagues that you know would make great health & safety reps and encourage them to take on the role.
2. Hold a one minute silence – Join unions across the country by taking part in a one minute silence at 12 noon on 28 April to remember all those who have died because of their work.
3. Order resources from Hazards – The Hazards Campaign has produced ribbons, stickers, face coverings and more to help promote the day, all can be ordered using this form.
4. Attend the TUC national event with special guest speakers Sharan Burrows, General Secretary of the ITUC, Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC and Louise Adamson, Families Against Corporate Killers, with more speakers TBC. Register for the online event here.
5. Spread the word – Use the hashtag #IWMD21 on social media to help spread the word about the day and why you’re getting involved.

For more information about International Workers’ Memorial Day and how you can get involved, visit: www.tuc.org.uk/wmd

On IWMD 2021, the PDA lay a wreath in memory of the many dedicated health professionals that have been lost.

Related link

• “Remember the Dead” and “Fight for the Living”

Article updated on 28 April 2021.