National Workplace Day of Remembrance

Established in 2019, the UK National Workplace Day of Remembrance takes place on December 12th each year. It’s a time to remember everyone who lost their lives at work, whatever their job, whatever their level, whatever their industry.

What is National Workplace Day of Remembrance?

National Workplace Day of Remembrance, observed on the 12th of December. This day honours workers who have lost their lives or suffered serious injuries in the workplace. This day encourages organisations, colleagues, and families to pause, remember, and reflect on the importance of safety in the workplace. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need to prioritise safe working conditions, maintain protective measures, and support workers’ well-being.

By commemorating those affected, National Workplace Day of Remembrance aims to inspire companies to reinforce safety protocols, create safer environments, and honour the contributions of workers everywhere.

The History of National Workplace Day of Remembrance:

National Workplace Day of Remembrance was inspired by the Oak Colliery disaster of 1866, which claimed the lives of over 380 miners and rescuers in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

The Oaks Colliery disaster was the worst mining disaster in England. It occurred on the afternoon of 12^th December 1866, when a series of explosions caused by flammable gas, ripped through the underground workings at Oak Colliery at Hoyle Mill in Barnsley. The first explosion killed 334 of the 340 men and boys working underground. The second explosion, which happened the following day, killed 27 rescuers who had gone down to search for survivors. Consequently, many of the bodies of the victims were never recovered, and some were buried under the rubble of the collapsed shafts and tunnels.

The Oaks Colliery disaster exposed the poor health and safety conditions and practices which were common in the coal mining industry at the time. The colliery had not been inspected by government officials for years, and the ventilation system was inadequate to prevent the build-up of dangerous flammable gas. The miners used Geordie lamps which were prone to ignite the gas instead of safer Davey lamps. The colliery owners were accused of negligence and greed, however one was held accountable or prosecuted for the disaster.

The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of health and safety at work, and to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of workers in all sectors and industries.

HSE Statistics on Workplace Accidents in the UK:

Data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that 124 workers were killed in work related accidents in Great Britain in 2024/2025.

The most common causes of fatal injuries:

• falls from height
• struck by a moving object
• trapped by something collapsing / overturning.

The sectors with the highest numbers of fatalities were:

• construction,
• agriculture
• forestry
• fishing
• transport
• storage

In addition to the tragic loss of life, work-related accidents and illnesses also have a significant economic and social impact. The HSE estimates that the annual cost of work-related injury and ill health was £22.9 billion in 2023/24. The total number of working days lost due to work-related ill health and non-fatal injuries was 40.1 million in 2024/25.

The National Workplace Day of Remembrance is an opportunity to reflect on the human cost of work, and to recognise the efforts of those who work to prevent and reduce the risks of harm.

The day provides a reminder for us to constantly improve the health and safety culture and practices in our workplaces. Ensuring that every worker has the right to a safe and healthy work environment.

As the Covid-19 pandemic has shown, the health and safety of workers is not only a matter of individual well-being, but also of public health. By working together, we can make our workplaces safer and healthier for everyone.

Contact Spectra to discuss your businesses Health & Safety, HR and ISO needs.