Workers’ Memorial Day (April 28th) is an international day of remembrance of workers killed in incidents at work, or by diseases caused by work. On this day there are numerous events held throughout the world to bring attention to workers’ rights.
ADAO will join in this global event. We are asking you to LIGHT A CANDLE on April 28th.
FACTS:
- Approximately 125 million workers worldwide are still regularly exposed to asbestos.
- The World Health Organization estimates that more than 107,000 workers die each year from asbestos caused diseases — mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
- More than 300 people die every day from preventable asbestos-caused diseases.
- Construction workers were found to be 11 times more likely to develop mesothelioma.
- Asbestos is classified by IARC as a lung and laryngeal carcinogen, and some evidence suggests it may increase risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and multiple myeloma.
- Hazardous substances kill 440,000 workers annually – asbestos claims more than 100,000 lives.
- In the United States, 35 million homes and businesses are insulated with Zonolite, which contains lethal asbestos-tainted vermiculite.
WORLDWIDE ACTIVITIES:
Hazards Magazine has compiled a list of countries participating in this global event . Here is a current list of countries with their activities:
Angola
Argentina
Australia
Bangladesh
Belgium
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Canada
Costa Rica
Democratic Republic of Congo
Denmark
Ecuador
Ethiopia
France
French Polynesia
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Kenya
Malaysia
Mali
Malta
Mauritania
Mongolia
Namibia
Nepal
Peru
Philippines
Portugal
Senegal
Spain
Switzerland
The Americas
Timor Leste
Uganda
United Kingdom
Uruguay
USA
Vietnam
LINKS:
- Hazards Magazine organized a great website for International Workers’ Memorial Day.
- American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) has a list of helpful resources for Workers’ Memorial Day.
- WorkSafeBC has produced an informative video about workers’ safety and the dangers of asbestos.
In unity,
Linda Reinstein