Story Highlight
– Wreath-laying service held in Wellpark, led by Reverend Burt.
– Ceremony moved due to Hector McNeil House demolition.
– Rev Burt condemned workplace abuse and stressed safety.
– High work-related illness and accident statistics cited.
– Trade unions promote safety rights and collective action.
Full Story
A solemn wreath-laying ceremony took place yesterday at Wellpark, stepping away from its traditional venue of Clyde Square due to the ongoing demolition of Hector McNeil House. The service, which aims to remember those who have lost their lives while at work, was presided over by Reverend David Burt, who delivered a poignant sermon reflecting on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in their workplaces.
In his address to the gathering, Rev Burt expressed his deep sorrow about the persistent issue of both physical and verbal abuse encountered by workers across various sectors. He highlighted the plight of emergency responders and healthcare workers, stating, “Think of the firefighters out on Guy Fawkes Night. Those in the NHS who face the abuse of so many people. It’s got to stop.”
The Reverend underscored the importance of fostering a civil society where individuals are appreciated for their contributions and respected for their inherent dignity. “This is a core part of our process of trying to reclaim a civil society where people are valued for who they are and what they are and that the value of work is recognised for the value of what it gives to people in their lives,” he remarked.
Rev Burt shared a personal story from his past, recounting an incident involving his father, who worked as a foreman dyer. In a distressing event during the late 1970s, a boiler explosion resulted in severe injuries for his father, who sustained 75 per cent burns and spent several months in hospital without receiving any compensation. “These are the sort of incidents that we try to learn from; why don’t we think about stopping them in the first place?” he questioned.
As part of the ceremony, the Reverend encouraged the attendees to remember and honour those who have passed while calling for improvements in workplace safety. “In this year of 2026, we’re asked especially to remember the dead and fight for the living. While we are here to lay our wreaths, it is in an act of remembrance, of thanksgiving to those who have lost their lives, but also to try and make life better for those coming through, that their lives don’t have to be lost,” he said.
The Health and Safety Executive has reported alarming statistics concerning work-related health issues, revealing that between 2024 and 2025, approximately 1.9 million individuals in Britain suffered from work-related illnesses. Additionally, 680,000 employees incurred injuries at work, and tragically, 124 lost their lives due to work-related accidents.
Drew McKenzie, Provost of Inverclyde, addressed the historical significance of the event, reflecting on Greenock’s heavy industrial past, which has witnessed many workplace fatalities. “Greenock, of course, has a history of heavy industry, and of course many people lost their lives within the shipyards,” he noted. He echoed the sentiments of Reverend Burt, stating that the lessons of history must be remembered to enhance the importance of health and safety across all industries.
During the ceremony, a wreath was presented by Eddie MacDonald, representing the Greenock Trades Council. MacDonald emphasised the significance of remembering all workers, particularly those who have sacrificed their lives on the job, insisting that society often overlooks their contributions. He stated, “They’re not recognised by society in general, but at least we remember them here.”
Additionally, MacDonald praised the role of trade unions in the establishment of safety regulations, noting that employers must be held accountable for the health and safety of their workforce.
Paula McEwan, representing the educational unions in Inverclyde, also laid a wreath, underlining that the day serves as a vital reminder that “work shouldn’t hurt.” McEwan asserted that all workers have the right to a safe working environment. “Although we spend today remembering those who have gone to work and haven’t come home, it’s a reminder to fight for the living and to make sure that they’re kept safe at work too.”
In an interview, McEwan encouraged all workers to join a union, advocating that collective efforts significantly contribute to improving workplace safety. “If an entire workplace says their work isn’t safe, employers have to do something about it. There’s a confidence in collective action that doesn’t always come if you’re trying to do things individually,” she explained.
Stuart McMillan, a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Greenock and Inverclyde, also participated in the ceremony by laying a wreath. He expressed the importance of worker protection and the necessity of honouring those who have suffered due to unsafe working conditions. George Steele represented Unison, while Stuart Greene laid a wreath on behalf of Unite, demonstrating the solid support from various unions in memory of the deceased workers.
A representative for Martin McCluskey, the area’s MP, was in attendance as well, ensuring that the message of solidarity and remembrance was united across local political lines. The collective remembrance at Wellpark provided a moving tribute to the sacrifices made by workers in the past and reinforced the ongoing campaign for improved safety standards and protections for the living.
Our Thoughts
The article highlights ongoing issues of workplace safety and abuse, reiterating the importance of learning from past incidents. Key lessons from Reverend Burt’s father’s experience and historical workplace risks stress the necessity for robust safety protocols.
Relevant safety regulations, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, require employers to ensure the safety and welfare of their employees. Compliance with these regulations could have prevented incidents like the boiler explosion mentioned by Reverend Burt.
Employers must conduct thorough risk assessments, ensure proper safety training, and implement regular equipment maintenance checks to mitigate risks. Additionally, the involvement of trade unions, as emphasized, is crucial for advocating workers’ rights and ensuring that safety concerns are addressed collectively.
Better enforcement of existing health and safety legislation, coupled with a cultural shift toward valuing worker safety, could significantly reduce workplace incidents. Promoting a safe working environment is essential not only to honor those who have suffered but to protect current and future employees.
