27 Apr Workers’ Memorial Day 2026
Workers’ Memorial Day – 28 April 2026
The National Commemoration for Workers’ Memorial Day will take place on Tuesday, 28th April 2026 at 9:30 a.m. in the Garden of Remembrance, Dublin. The commemoration is supported by NISO, Health and Safety Authority, IBEC, ICTU and CIF.
Workers’ Memorial Day is a global day of remembrance and action to honour workers who have been killed, injured or made ill as a result of their work. It is a sobering reminder of the impact of unsafe work.
Across the ten-year period from 2016 to 2025, 456 people in Ireland died in work-related incidents. Many more suffered life changing injuries or occupational illness. In 2025 alone, 63 people died in workplace incidents, a 75% increase on the 36 people who lost their lives in 2024.
As part of Workers’ Memorial Day, NISO, Congress, the HSA, Ibec and the CIF are urging employers and organisations nationwide to:
- Always prioritise the safety and health of workers
- Engage openly with workers on health and safety risks in their workplace
- Actively support worker participation and consultation on safety matters
- Use available guidance and tools to strengthen safety and health management
There are a range of initiatives that your organisation could consider to mark the day including:
- In-house training session or a toolbox talk
- Guest speaker presentation to your staff
- Create awareness via social media presence activity using the hashtag #IWMD26
- Newsletter article or website content
Workers’ Memorial Day is not only a moment to remember those who have lost their lives because of work, but also a call to action for everyone with a role in creating safer workplaces. By taking time on April 28th to reflect, engage with workers and strengthen health and safety practices, employers and organisations can help ensure that every worker returns home safely every day.
Resources
The Health and Safety Authority has a wide range of guidance and supports available for both employers and employees. The free www.BeSMART.ie tool allows employers or the self-employed to carry out risk assessments and identify where the risks are to worker safety in their workplaces.
There are also free online training courses for workers across different sectors on the HSA dedicated online training platform www.HSALearning.ie.
Source: https://hsa.newsweaver.co.uk/newsletter/1q8x5o0t9fc3j86vicsv32?email=true