WorkCover NSW has urged the state’s employers and their staff to remember those who have died in the workplace on 28 April, the International Day of Mourning.

WorkCover’s Chief, Julie Newman, said that the day paid tribute to those workers who had lost their lives as a result of workplace incidents or illness.

“The International Day of Mourning is a time to pause, reflect and remember the individuals who have been killed at work or have died because of an occupational-related disease,” Ms Newman said. 

“Workplace injuries carry significant social and financial costs - they have a broader impact on loved ones and family members.

“There were 117 work-related fatalities in New South Wales in 2010-11, a reduction of 44 per cent since the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme commenced in 1987.

“Every fatality is one too many and it is important to remember that robust work health and safety measures can save lives.”

To mark the occasion, a ceremeony was held on Sunday at 12pm at Reflection Park in Darling Harbour.

While the event is a time to pause and remember, it is also a time to reflect on safety as it applies to individual workplaces and to think about measures to reduce hazards and risks,” Ms Newman said.

“We need to make it a number one priority to ensure family members make it home safely at the end the working day and the importance of workplace safety should never be underestimated.”