WORKERS and families across the Hunter took time on Thursday to pay tribute to those who "have gone to work and haven't come".
At a memorial event in Foreshore Park, organised by Hunter Workers, union representatives spoke about the significance of International Workers Memorial Day.
"We are here to recognise and remember those that have been killed on the job, killed at work and killed by their work," Hunter Workers secretary Leigh Shears said.
"But also to look at what we need to do going forward in order to make our workplaces safer. Ensuring that workers have a greater voice on the job in the decision making around safety."
Mr Shears said as well as "heavy industry" in the Hunter, the issue of workplace safety is significant to our region because of employment diversity. He said unions are pushing for policy which puts the onus of safety back on the employer.
"It's currently a hostile system that is focused on putting the burden of injury on workers and their families," he said.
"There is currently a private members bill for the introduction of industrial manslaughter which will go a long way to be a tough cop on the beat for bosses that are seeking to cut corners."
Beyond the major issue of preventing workplace related deaths, Mr Shears said the aim is "a system that is worker-centric and focused on the health outcomes of the worker and their families".
Railway worker Alice, who was at the memorial with her 2-year-old son, said workplace safety and support is important to her family's future.
"We go to work to provide for our families and if you don't have people providing then what do you do," Alice said.
"This is our first child and it is very important for me to ensure that my future and his are both looked after."
The memorial was attended by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon and NSW Shadow Minister Work Health and Safety and Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis.
"Today is an opportunity to share, reflect and commemorate those people that have gone to work and haven't come home," Ms Cotsis said.
"We now know that unsafe workplaces are no longer being inspected as they once were.
"Calls from workplaces for face-to-face inspections are going unheeded. There needs to be a review of SafeWork NSW."
State organiser for the CFMEU, Mark Cross, spoke at event on behalf of construction workers. He told the Newcastle Herald issues like fatigue and silicosis need to have a closer policy focus.
"All too often we see fatalities across the construction industry and today is a chance to come togehter and commemorate," Mr Cross said.
"It's also a chance to let the families of people who have lost loved ones know that those workers have not been forgotten."
