AN OUTDOOR service to mark International Workers' Memorial Day in Halesowen attracted over 70 people.

The GMB trade union organised the event in the grounds of St John the Baptist Church with Halesowen and Rowley Regis Labour Party.

This year the theme for workers Memorial Day was "removing exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace."

Hazardous substances are found in many workplaces in the UK and a significant number of workers have no protection against the possible effects, despite the fact that tens of thousands of workers have their health destroyed by asthma, dermatitis, lung disorders and cancers because of exposures.

Stephanie Peacock, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Halesowen and Rowley Regis, said: "International Workers’ Memorial Day is an important day of commemoration. Across Sandwell and Dudley around 200 major workplace injuries took place in a year.

“It is important we have enforced legislation to reduce the number of workplace accidents, injuries and deaths so many of which are avoidable. It is crucial for employers to work together with the trades unions to improve health and safety."

She added: "I am concerned about the government’s persistent ideological attacks on key health and safety legislation. In recent years the government has drastically cut the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Funding has been cut by 40 per cent with inspections having dropped by up to 90 per cent.

Joe Morgan, regional secretary of the GMB trade union, said: “Over 20,000 people die every year either from workplace injury or disease.

"We mark International Workers Memorial Day with the local community to commemorate and raise awareness. Remember the dead and fight for the living.”