Media release: Workers' Memorial Day – Monday 28 April 2025

Workers' Memorial Day – Monday 28 April 2025

International Workers' Memorial Day is held on the 28 April each year to commemorate and honour those who have lost their lives to work-related injury or disease.

Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in Australia, with over 4,000 Australians dying each year from asbestos-related diseases. Globally, more than 200,000 deaths are estimated to be caused by occupational exposure to asbestos.

In recent years, there has also been a major re-emergence of silicosis in Australia, which is one of the oldest known occupational diseases caused by the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica.

Jodie Deakes, CEO of the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) said: ‘Workers' Memorial Day reminds us of the terrible impact of asbestos and silica related diseases, which have claimed so many lives in Australia and around the world’.

‘Although many of the cases of asbestos-related disease we see currently are from exposures in past decades, diseases from exposure to silica dust tend to occur much sooner, meaning exposed workers are getting sick faster, and younger’.  

Ms Deakes highlighted that these diseases are preventable: ‘We can prevent more deaths by avoiding exposure to these substances – it’s that simple. ASSEA is dedicated to working together with all governments and non-government organisations to implement the actions in our Asbestos and Silica National Strategic Plans.’

This year, the International Trade Union Confederation's theme for Workers’ Memorial Day focusses on the impacts of digitalisation and automation in the workplace. Ms Deakes noted that while the many benefits of these capabilities are welcome, care and consideration is required to ensure that workers are not exposed to new or additional risks that are created with changes to how work is done. 

‘All workers have a fundamental right to a healthy and safe working environment. Workers Memorial Day provides an opportunity to recommit to sustained and coordinated efforts to prevent work-related injuries and disease.’ 

Media contact: Julia Collins, 0429 622 232