International Workers Memorial Day marked in Bolton

This year’s International Workers Memorial Day, held at Victoria Square, saw a particular emphasis on the challenges faced by firefighters.

Farnworth station health and safety representative Patrick Brennan was amongst a range of speakers who addressed the crowds.

He said: “Firefighters mortality rate is four times higher than the general public, deaths from heart attacks five times higher.

“Firefighters are developing cancer at higher rates and at younger ages.

“By serving longer in the fire service nowadays this increases the risk of developing cancers.”

Mr Brennan, who attends scenes and helps deal with emergencies on the front line on a regular basis, was joined by many of his colleagues from the fire service across Bolton.

Patrick Brennan of the Fire Brigades Union (Image: Newsquest)

International Workers Memorial Day is held across the world every year by the trade union movement and its supporters.

The event remembers those who have died or been injured or disabled at work and reminds campaigners to continue pursuing better conditions for the living and for future generations.

Firefighters paying their respects (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Brennan told the assembled crowds that firefighters were more likely to develop mental health issues such as depression, which they are twice as likely to suffer, and anxiety, which they are three times more likely to suffer.

In response his union was calling for annual health monitoring for all his colleagues.

He said that similar protections had already been developed in other countries including Canada and Australia and hopes to see the United Kingdom follow suite.

Cllr Nadeem Ayub, from Farnworth, was in attendence (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Brennan said: “Most importantly demand that legislation ensuring proper compensation and protection for effective firefighters is put in place immediately.”

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They have also called for decontamination policies to be brought in and for occupations of firefighters to be recorded on death certificates and other documentation.

Mr Brennan was amongst a range of speakers from different unions, including public sector union Unison and shopworkers union Usdaw while grassroots members and other political representatives were also in attendance.

One of the most important moments came with a solemn wreath laying ceremony, where the attendees lined up to pay tribute to workers lost in Bolton and all around the world, while a minute silence was held at the clock struck 11am at town hall.