Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don’t die of mystery ailments, or in tragic “accidents”. They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn’t that important a priority. Workers’ Memorial Day, held on 28 April every year, commemorates those workers.

All over the world workers and their representatives conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a whole host of other activities to mark the day.

In the UK Workers’ Memorial Day is now officially recognised by the government. So your local council and public bodies may well wish to fly official flags at half-mast, local religious centres are including commemoration in their worship, and purple “forget-me-not” ribbons are being distributed up and down the country.

Wreath-laying events have been taking place all day across the country – from Edinburgh and Clydebank in Scotland, to Jersey and Guersney. A commemoration in Wolverhampton was held at 12.30pm at the Cenotaph in front of the Civic Centre and St Peters’ church, along with a balloon release. Chelmsford is hosting a rally Central Park, along with a Health & Safety Exhibition in Chelmsford Library’s Public Square. These are just some of a huge range of events being held across the UK. For more details of events near you visit the TUC listings here.

Up and down the country workplaces are holding a one minute’s silence. If nothing has been organised at your workplace this year – then maybe have your own brief moment of thought instead. And maybe spend a few minutes thinking about health & safety in your workplace. What works? What doesn’t? And how can changes be made?

For today, as the cry goes, we: “remember the dead, but fight like hell for the living”.