Belgium, together with Italy and Hungary, has proposed the creation of a European Day in memory of the victims of workplace accidents at the Council of the European Union for Employment (EPSCO). It is proposed that this day be commemorated every year on 8 August, the anniversary of the Bois du Cazier disaster in Marcinelle.
Almost 70 years ago, on 8 August 1956, this tragedy claimed the lives of 262 miners of 12 nationalities, leaving a lasting mark on the social and industrial history of our country and of Europe.
At the end of May, the European Parliament adopted a resolution in favour of establishing this day of commemoration, set for 8 August. The initiative aims to continue raising awareness of prevention and safety at work across all sectors. It also calls for concrete initiatives to be encouraged in schools, businesses and public institutions.
In a context where the European Union recorded 3,298 fatal accidents and nearly 2.8 million non-fatal accidents in 2023, this initiative highlights the urgent need to continue efforts in prevention, monitoring and worker protection.
David Clarinval, Minister of Economy: “Almost 70 years ago, on 8 August 1956, the disaster at the Bois du Cazier in Marcinelle claimed the lives of 262 miners of 12 nationalities, forever marking our history. Today we must do everything possible to ensure such a tragedy never happens again. It is in this spirit that Belgium, together with Italy and Hungary, has proposed at European level the creation of a Day in memory of the victims of workplace accidents. This day will remind us that safety and dignity at work require constant efforts in prevention, monitoring and respect for the rights of every worker.”
This initiative fits fully within the European “Vision Zero” objective, which aims for zero deaths at work, transforming the memory of victims into a concrete commitment to better prevention.
The proposal could now be taken up by the European Commission, paving the way for official recognition of 8 August as European Day for the Victims of Workplace Accidents.