Wednesday, 27 April 2005 Parramatta workers pause to remember those killed at work With the sounding of crane horns at 9:30am tomorrow, hundreds of building workers from 11 major building sites across Parramatta will pause for a minute’s silence to mourn the hundreds of Australian workers killed each year. The minute’s silence is part of the International Day of Morning, with five million workers in more than 100 countries taking part to remember the two million deaths, and 160 million injuries that affect workers globally each year. Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union organiser Greg Cummings said Parramatta workers are joining thousands of others nation-wide from hundreds of building sites, to remember those who died at work and to remind the public of the tragedy of workplace deaths and injuries. “Already six building workers have died in NSW this year,” said Mr Cummings. “Every week another person in this industry is killed, with almost all of these deaths being preventable, and the safety shortcuts or rushed deadlines often the culprit. “There are 440 workers killed every year, which means 440 families left shattered. There are another 2,500 people who die from cancer, asbestos diseases or other illnesses they contracted at work. “Workers, the community and politicians need to take safety more seriously, and work together to make sure everyone who goes to work in the morning comes home in one piece at night.” Hundred of workers, union representatives, politicians and family member of those killed at work will also gather for a remembrance service at 12pm at the Workers Memorial in Darling Harbour. Photo Opportunity – 80 workers holding a minute’s silence Thursday 28 APRIL - 9:30am Westfield site, Cnr. Church & Fitzwilliam Streets, PARRAMATTA Media contact: Tim Vollmer (CFMEU Media Officer) 0404 273 313 Greg Cummings (CFMEU Delegate) 0408 883 047 Andrew Ferguson (CFMEU NSW Secretary) 0412 511 994   [ more news ]