A tree will be planted in Norwich’s Waterloo Park on International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) this Friday, 28 April, at 11am, in memory of employees who have lost their lives in the course of their work.

IWMD is held on 28 April every year across the world to bring together workers and their representatives to remember those who have been killed at work, have been injured in the workplace or are suffering from occupational diseases.

This year Norwich City Services Ltd (NCSL), which works in partnership with Norwich City Council along with UNITE and UNISON trade unions, is highlighting that promoting a strong focus on safety in the workplace and a positive Health and Safety Culture is vital in helping to protect workers from industrial illness and injury at work.

Attending the tree planting ceremony in Waterloo Park will be Hannah Leys, managing director for NCSL, and Nigel Newman on behalf of the Unite Union. The magnolia ‘Heaven Scent’ tree is to be planted near to the main car park.

Hannah Leys said: “I would like to thank Norwich City Council and the Waterloo Park Friends Group for their assistance in enabling us to plant this tree which will be a living memorial to those who have lost their lives through work-related accidents or illnesses and a place where those who have lost loved ones can pay their respects. Anyone who would like to attend the tree planting ceremony will be most welcome.”

Nigel Newman said: “Management and trade unions continue to work beside each other for the common goal of a safer working environment for all. Workers Memorial Day was officially recognised in the UK in 2010 and we are pleased to work beside NCSL and Norwich City Council to help promote this day and remember those who lost their lives at work, while recommitting ourselves to fighting to keep workers safe.”