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People around the world took part in a minute's silence earlier today to remember those who have lost their lives as a result of work.
The theme of this year's International Workers' Memorial Day is coronavirus, which has killed thousands of workers globally since the pandemic began.
Usually public events are held around the world to mark the occasion, however due to the Covid-19 crisis many commemorated the fallen on social media.
Remember the dead and fight for the living. #NeverForgotten https://t.co/qwxYt2oluZ
— Frances O'Grady (@FrancesOGrady) April 28, 2020
The latest figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) state that the outbreak has already claimed more than 190,000 lives and there are over 2.8 million confirmed cases worldwide.
More than 100 NHS staff and other healthcare workers have now died with coronavirus in the UK.
Yesterday (27 April), the UK government announced that families of frontline NHS and social care staff who died with the virus in England would receive a £60,000 compensation payment.
The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Sarah Albon marked her first time commemorating the day as chief executive by reflecting on and remembering those who’ve died at or because of work. stating that it's a 'clear reminder' of why the Health and Safety Executive exists.
'As well as all those affected by the coronavirus outbreak, I also want to think about everyone else we’ve lost,' she said.
In 2019, 147 people died while at work in Great Britain.
'That number is still far too high' said Sarah. 'But our work is about more than numbers. Work-related deaths fracture families, they shatter communities, and so many of them can be avoided. In my short time as the HSE’s CEO, I’ve seen first-hand the continuing work by dutyholders to assess and appropriately manage risk to their employees, to seek out guidance and to uphold the law so that no-one dies as a result of work in Great Britain.'
Occupational safety and health professionals have vitally important roles during the coronavirus pandemic
IOSH is supporting International Workers’ Memorial Day and World Day for Safety and Health at Work through a range of activities, from remembering the dedicated workers who have tragically lost their lives during the pandemic to participating in global webinars to share its Covid-19 resources, which provide important information on managing workplace safety and health.
'Occupational safety and health professionals have vitally important roles during the coronavirus pandemic,' said IOSH president Andrew Sharman.
'We help organisations and governments to protect lives and manage health, safety and wellbeing risks, as well as enabling business continuity.
'I encourage everyone to get involved to help mark these two important initiatives,' he added.
Earlier this month, the HSE set out guidance on when to report an incident of coronavirus in the workplace.
