Tributes have been paid to workers who have lost their lives, or suffered injury or illness, due to work.
Affiliated members of Worcester Trades Union Council (WTUC) and supporters gathered at St Andrew’s Spire on Deansway in Worcester to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day, which takes place annually on April 28.
The event included a wreath-laying ceremony and saw banners and flags held aloft in solidarity.
The family of Martin Cottrell from Malvern, who died at work in 2025, joined the gathering.
Mr Cottrell, 65, was field staff for the Malvern Hills Trust and had worked there for 30 years.
He is understood to have been guiding the tractor that was towing a car off one of the hills when he was hit by the car.
He had been just one year away from retirement.
A wreath laid by the family of of Martin Cottrell from Malvern, who died at work in 2025 (Image: Worcester Trades Union Council (WTUC))
Herefordshire Council’s Environmental Health team investigated the incident in co-operation with West Mercia Police and other relevant agencies, in accordance with its duties under health and safety law.
A spokesperson for Worcester Trades Union Council (WTUC) said: “International Workers’ Memorial Day is an important event on the trade union calendar.
“Every year, on 28th April, we come together to remember those who went to work but did not make it home at the end of their shift.
“It is a moment to reflect on the hazards workers face daily and to renew our commitment to fighting for safer workplaces.”
This year’s commemoration placed particular emphasis on mental health and psychological risks in the workplace, the prevention of workplace violence, and the protection of trade union rights to safety and dignity.
WTUC also highlighted ongoing concerns about attitudes toward workplace protections.
It said it was “deeply regrettable that some employers and politicians continue to dismiss health and safety measures as unnecessary ‘red tape’.
“These protections were hard-won through the efforts of unionised workers and remain essential.”
