The service was led by the Vicar of St Helens Parish Church Reverend R Shuttleworth
Commemorating and celebrating the lives of those who have lost their lives through accident or illness caused by their jobs
Attended by the Mayor of St Helens Cllr Seve Gomez Aspron, both of the towns MPs, the leader of the council and many other dignataries
Haydock Band provided the music and a lone piper played while the wreaths were layed
The Northwest Miners Heritage Association displayed their banners
The speakers were
Marie Rimmer CBE MP
David Baines MP
Anthony Burns. Leader St Helens Council
Councillor Richard McCauley. Trustee The Workers Memorial Foundation
Cathy Winstanley. LCG Occupational Health Solutions
Zoe Harris St Helens RLFC
STATISTICS
The latest and most up-to-date figures state 124 workers were killed in work related accidents in the period 2024-2025 (RIDDOR)
One hundred and twenty four Hard hats representing One hundred and twenty four deaths at work
This years display of hard hats, each one symbolising a worker killed at work, totals 124*, which is 14 fewer than last years 138*, but still too many. *Source HSE.
The rows of helmets stand as a sombre and poignant tribute acknowledging the devastating impact on families and communities.
They serve as a reminder of the need for workplace safety. Although the reduction is a positive sign, the number is remains alarmingly high.
However this is just the tip of the iceberg. Deaths from industrial illnesses reach into the thousands with millions more still suffering.
The display of hard hats highlights workplace accidents, the Workers Memorial stands as a solemn tribute, a cenotaph, to all workers who have died because of their jobs and a call to action for safer working environments.
It also highlights the urgent need for continued efforts to improve workplace safety.own from last years figures of 138, the most dangerous sector by far was construction. Although 124 is an improvement on last years figures it’s still 124 too many.
Bear in mind this is accidents it doesn’t include deaths through industrial diseases/illness which number in the thousands annually and those suffering is in the millions
The key themes and focus for 2026
- Mental Health and Psychosocial Risks: The 2026 campaign highlights the impact of work pressure, new technologies, surveillance, algorithms, and insecure work on worker mental health.
- Preventing Workplace Violence: The TUC is placing a special focus on the need for greater legal protection against physical and verbal abuse in the workplace.
Our thanks go to
The Rev R Shuttleworth
Haydock Band led by their musical director Mark Quinn
Bagpipes Andrew Atkins
NW Miners Heritage Association for bringing their banners
This years sponsors
Omer Kutlouglu and Circularity Direct who kindly loaned us the hard hats
Unite the Union St Helens Branch
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