THE Wee County marked International Workers' Memorial Day last week.

Friday, April 28 brought the opportunity to remember those who have been killed, injured or made unwell by work.

Dozens of people turned out to the memorial stone at Kilncraigs for a number of speeches and a minute's silence.

This is the eleventh year Clackmannanshire's trade unions have organised a service in order to mark the day.

Andrew Kane, chair of the Joint Trade Union Committee at the council, opened the event, delivered a few words and invited the laying of wreaths.

Afterwards, he said: "Workers' Memorial Day is all about remembering the people who have fallen either ill, or [who have become] a casualty to the later extent of death or [have been] killed, during their course and their duties of their working lives."

He outlined that people from different backgrounds, whether it is local government or the private sector, were coming together across the world.

He added: "We are here to make sure that everybody that comes out the doors in the morning returns home in the evening and that we have all got safe working practices to adhere to – that way we can minimise any incidents or accidents from the workplace."

Workers' Memorial Day is held on the same date every year and is marked with a whole host of activities across the world.

It aims to raise awareness of the importance of health and safety in the workplace and is a moment to 'remember the dead, but fight for the living'.

Locally, workers, councillors, Provost Tina Murphy, MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, MSP Keith Brown, Clackmannanshire Council chief executive, Elaine McPherson, and more were amongst those who demonstrated support.

Mr Brown said: "We need to remember that all work carries risk, and around the world, one worker dies every 15 seconds.

"These numbers are unfortunately comparable to those relating to diabetes, Alzheimer’s and lung and throat cancers.

"And yet, workplace deaths and injuries are more preventable than any of these conditions.

"Between 1974 and 2007, the number of fatal injuries to employees in the UK fell by 73 per cent, and the number of non-fatal injuries fell by 70 per cent and it is only right to acknowledge that those rights were hard fought for and hard won by our trade unions.

"The 21st century will offer new challenges for safety and well-being, and with strong cooperation between government, industry and the unions, we will remember the dead, and continue to fight for the living."