Today is Workers' Memorial Day. On April 28 each year, trade unionists commemorate people killed at work, and unite to demand an end to the callous disregard for life shown by many employers.



In 2003 there were 235 deaths and nearly 160,000 injuries from accidents in UK workplaces. Five workers and seven members of the public are killed every week in work-related incidents. Deaths from asbestos - nearly always following exposure at work - are likely to reach 150,000 over the next 30 years.



According to the International Labour Organisation, two million people are killed at work around the world every year. This is greater than the numbers killed in wars, by AIDS or by alcohol and drugs.



Perhaps even more shocking is that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that at least 70% of UK workplace deaths are preventable. In other words, employers frequently do not do enough to protect their staff, and allow them to get injured or killed.



The campaigning group No Sweat regularly uncovers shocking safety breaches and appalling working conditions in "sweatshops" both in Britain and abroad.



Although most work-related deaths are investigated and companies are sometimes prosecuted for health and safety offences, very few ever face manslaughter charges. Many families and friends of victims feel that "companies get away with murder".



We need a new Corporate Manslaughter law.



Of all the safety equipment you might carry at work, one of the most important is a trade union membership card. Where workers are unionised, we have to power to elect and support health and safety representatives, and to stand together to refuse to work in unsafe conditions.



Remember the dead: fight for the living. Unionise your workplace!