International Memorial Day Honours Our Lost Workers

The lives of 24 workers who tragically died in Victorian workplaces have been remembered in a moving tribute as part of International Workers Memorial Day.

Twenty-four pairs of shoes were laid out at the Victorian Trades Hall in Carlton to symbolise each workplace fatality that had occurred in the state since 28 April 2015.

Minister for Finance Robin Scott led the tribute alongside Victorian Trades Hall Council Secretary Luke Hilakari, as a gesture of condolence to families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.

WorkSafe statistics found the agriculture sector had the highest number of deaths over the past 12 months, with nine people losing their lives at work.

A third of the total number of workplace fatalities were workers aged 35 and under. Thirteen fatalities occurred in Melbourne while there were 11 in regional Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Robin Scott

“In the last year, 24 Victorian families have tragically lost a loved one in a workplace incident.”

“One death on a work site is one too many. Today’s Memorial Day serves as a reminder to every employer and employee across Victoria to make safety their number one priority.”

“My condolences go out to each and every family member, friend and colleague here today.”

 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins

“Across Victoria, in a moving tribute, boots have been laid out to symbolise each of the 25 Victorians killed at work over the past 12 months.”