Remembering those who went to work and never made it home
Balbardie Peace Park in Bathgate saw its first service for International Workers Memorial Day since 2019.
The remembrance service honours workers who died, were injured or were otherwise negatively impacted at work.
On April 28 people from across Scotland who had lost family in workplace accidents attended the service – with some coming from as far as England to pay their respects.
The service saw speakers like Provost Tom Kerr, ex-councillor Jim Swan, head of West Lothian Trade Union Council George Paul, and Denise Christie, an active member of the Fire Brigade Union.
Also speaking at the event was Magi Mackay from Mid Calder, who spoke about her brother, John Mackay from Broxburn, who died while working at only 49 years old in September of 2019.
She said: “It’s the first time I’ve been to the memorial service in Bathgate. It’s a good thing that we have it, a lot of people won’t know about workplace deaths until they’re involved.
“It’s great to raise awareness for this sort of thing and it’s something myself and Ann (John’s widow) will be attending every year from now on.”
John was due to move back to Broxburn with his wife a week before his death. He was one of 113 fatalities at work between 2019 and 2020.
Magi Mackay went on to say: “We’re still trying to get justice for John and the investigation is ongoing between the Cleveland police and the HSE [Health and Safety Executive].
“We still have no closure and no answers. It’s still an open wound and we won’t be able to move on until we know what happened.
“This is quite common for families of those who have died at work.
“It feels like no one will be held accountable, so it’s good to get to share John’s stories with families at the memorial service who are having to go through the same process.”
Reverend Chris Galbraith led the service in prayer for John Mackay and all the people that went to work one day and never came home.
A minute’s silence was held in their honour after the laying of floral tributes.
Piper Grant Walker ended the service with a lament, playing Flowers of the Forest.
In attendance at the event was Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop, who said: “This day is a chance to mark international solidarity in remembering the people we have lost but is also about the people who are still living.
“The 28th of April Memorial day allows us to remember these workers across the world and provides a chance for all of us to rededicate ourselves to fighting for the health and safety of the living.”