Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has remembered the 27 people who died due to work-related injuries and disease last year.
In a statement, the Agency said International Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April was also an appropriate time to highlight the fact that most workplace incidents were preventable.
It noted the theme for the day was Remember the Dead – Fight for the Living.
“The people who have died were parents, children, colleagues and friends who gave much to their industries and the lives of their loved ones,” the Agency said
“So we are united through grief to celebrate the lives of these loved ones, and remind everyone of their right to go to work safely, and go home safely.”
Safety Advocate and Chair of the Affected Persons Committee, Dan Kennedy said it was now 10 years since his son, Dale did not return home from work.
“He was only 20 years old, with a young child,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Dale was electrocuted while working in a ceiling space as a fourth-year apprentice,” he said.
“The pain doesn’t stop. Losing someone you love takes a lot out of you.”
However, he said speaking with workers in Queensland gave him a sense of purpose, as so many workplace incidents could be avoided.
“We need to normalise speaking up when something doesn’t seem right and listen when someone in a workplace expresses concern,” Mr Kennedy said.
